Yes, DM FS are correct. The brackets do come with backing plates; the
outer plate resembles a section of heavy duty [car] rail and fastens to the pop
top via 2 bolts/nuts to flat plate mounted on the inside of the pop
top. This greatly reduces the stress on the fiberglass top. Should hold up well,
until the rack gets hung up on something of course! While I've had no problems
with this setup, I also have a 'badge' which I place on the dash of both
vehicles when I have the bikes on top which reads: "CAUTION- BIKES ON ROOF!"
because I'm paranoid about driving into my garage, a tree, a carport
or whatever- Yikes!

Regards, Mike

87 Westy

----- Original Message -----

From: Max Wellhouse

To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

Sent: 5/2/01 2:25:24 AM

Subject: Re: Thule or Yakima rack part no's
- Westy

I think the brackets Michael is refering to are
called side loaders and top loaders.  Would think you'd want backup plates
to spread the stress on the glass top, lbut someone elsoe on the list could be
of more help that actually owns a westy.  The top and side loaders run
about $30/pr and canoe shops typically sell them too.  These brackets aloow
you to use the cheaper, but just as sturday QuickN Easy roof brackets($45/set)
and bolt either round bars to them or a cheap pair of 2x4's if cost is a
determining factor.  Good luck

Dimwitted moose and Flying Squirrel

----- Original Message -----

From: Michael Ramer

To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 11:57 AM

Subject: Re: Thule or Yakima rack part no's
- Westy

Mick,

    Thule   Yakima both make rack tower mounts that
will fit to rain gutters and are tall enough to fit over the pop top.
Unfortunately, this prevents the pop top from being raised due to the load bars
over the top. The alternative is to mount the steel 'artificial rain gutters' to
the pop top to mount standard height rack towers as the PO did to my
Westy. I did the same to my truck's fiberglass camper shell too. Strong
enough for bikes, kayaks or a small roof rack. Don't know the part #'s but any
good bike shop should have some.

Aloha

----- Original Message -----

From: Mick Kalber

To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

Sent: 4/30/01 3:41:12 PM

Subject: Re: Thule or Yakima rack part no's
- Westy

  Does anyone have part numbers or kit suggestions for a

  Yak or Thule pop-top rack?

I'm looking for a rack for my westy too... but I need to put a couple
kayaks

on it.  Suggestions and used racks for sale would be much
appreciated.

Would rather not bolt thru the pop-top however.

TIA

Mick Kalber

89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"

Tropical Visions Video, Inc.

62 Halaulani Place

Hilo, Hawaii 96720

808-935-5557

808-935-0066 (fax)

hotlava@interpac.net

www.volcanoscapes.com

----- Original Message -----

From: Mark Mages  wasserbox@yahoo.com

To:  vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 7:38 AM

Subject: Thule or Yakima rack part no's - Westy

  Does anyone have part numbers or kit suggestions for a

  Yak or Thule pop-top rack?

  I have decided that this is the best way for me to go

  - I would like space up top for 3-4 bikes in the

  summer, and possibly a canoe (not all at once).  I

  will be looking for the ones that bolt into the

  pop-top.

  Any suggestions?  Which risers, bars, etc.

  Thanks

  =====

  Mark

  Music is the soundtrack to the Low Budget B-movie that is my
life.

  87 Westfalia Gl

  84 Scirocco 8v

  http://student.fortlewis.edu/~mwmages/

  __________________________________________________

  Do You Yahoo!?

  Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices

  http://auctions.yahoo.com/

--- Michael Ramer

--- ramerm@earthlink.net

--- EarthLink: It's your Internet.

--- Michael Ramer

--- ramerm@earthlink.net

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