Maybe it is more simple and unpleasant than this. Mine pop-top mecanism
(on a 85) broke in 98. I found that open-close the top cut the
cross-pipe (it is the hinge of the mecanism). I had to remove it, found
somebody to rebuild the pipe with parts.

I think, that this year I will put some grease in that hinge ;-)
>>I suspect that the cable-assist mechanism in one or both of the
>> lifting legs has failed.   _David
>
>>There's a cable assist mechanism?  Mine needs brute force to lift it.  How
>do I
>>fix it?  _Jeanne
>
>Me too.  The pop top on my 1984 is a very heavy lift, pretty much a fight
>all the way.  I have only had my Vanagon 9 months and it has been a hard
>lift from the get- go.  Maybe it isn't 'sposed to be that way.  I know my
>1971 Willfailya's pop top is much easier to put up.  I hope David can shed
>some light on this.  He is usually "right on" with information about other
>items concerning our Vanagons.
>
>_Ron Bloomquist
>

Normand Gagnon & Sylvie Brunet
NormandSylvie@attglobal.net