Ken,

Does the Sunbrella also insulate a bit better, being a thicker product?
What about rain resistance?  Breathability?

Not challenging you; just curious.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 4:24 AM
Subject: Re: New owners requesting advise on replacing canvas poptop

> I would second Ron's opinion about the Sunbrella canvas.  This is what we
> installed and it was an extra pain to put up because it was much thicker
and
> stiffer than the original canvas.  Also it makes more of a pain when you
are
> trying to close the top as it is thicker and you need to be really careful
> that every little bit is folded up exactly or the top will not lock.  And
the
> logic behind using it is faulty.  I mean do you really need resistance to
sun
> on something that sees the light of day about once or twice a year for a
few
> hours only.  When I camped, we put the canvas up at night when we stopped,
> and then closed it on the morning so we could continue on our trip.
>
>   Most of the time these canvases are destroyed by mold, not sun.  People
who
> did
> > not replace their pop top seals or glued it back on with glue (you know
who
> > you are!!!).  What you don't understand that this pop top seal need to
be
> > right or water will get in and rot your canvas top.  I believe people
> > hesitated on replacing this when the dealer was the only source and the
pop
> > top seal cost over $200.  But now everybody carries it for around $79.95
> > (that is what I have it for) and sticking the old one back on with glue
> > doesn't work, and just makes more of a mess to clean up when you go to
do
> > it right later.  Also, I would recommend changing the luggage rack seal
at
> > the same time as these accumulate leaves, wasps nests, etc., and can
lead
> > to rust on your roof, if they are not periodically cleaned out.
>
> So people, change your pop top seals, and you shouldn't need a new canvas.
> My rant is over now.
>
>
>
>
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> Van-Again
> John 3:16
> http://www.vanagain.com
> Office: (856)-765-1583
> Fax: (856)-327-2242
>