James its a pretty off the wall job for a shop but you might find someone
who does it. I'm sure some of the BC listees can help you out here. For the
record, it can be done. Here is a link to show you the process:
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/poptop/. The pop top was redesigned in 1974
to accomidate a full second bed, pre '74 campers had a hammock. There is a
peice that folds forward to extend the bed a bit, you kind of have to see it
it is hard to explain, but two adults will be fine up there.

Is the conversion worth doing? Depends on costs, etc. but I'll tell you this
from personal experience... I have yet to spend a night sleeping up there.
It is easier to move around on the bottom bunk, it is somewhat warmer, etc.
BUT... I would do the conversion for the gain in headroom alone. You'll
wonder how you ever got by without it if you use the van for camping at all.

Thanks,
Chris Gronski
Toronto, Ontario,
'80 Westy "Pokey"
'87 Chevrolet Sprint (Ice Racer)
'91 Pontiac Firefly Convertible
www.vanagon.org & www.gronski.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "james pound" <jamespound@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 5:42 PM
Subject: converting roof of 85 Vanagon GL to Westfalia Pop Top

> This is my first VW Van and My firs trequest to the listserve, so please
> bear with me if I am asking basic or stupid questions, I have much to
learn.
>
> I have recently purchased an 85 Vanagon GL and am in the process of making
> some modifications.  One of which is turning the roof into one of the
camper
> tops that I believe comes with a hammock (am I wrong here?).
>
> I anyone has any info on
>
> 1. How much this should cost
> 2. Where a good place is to go in the Vancouver, BC area to have this kind
> of conversion done
> 3. If such a conversion is a good/bad idea
>
> I would appreciate it.
>
> Sincerely,
> James Pound
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