I'd have to agree, seems like a lot . Even if I had the free time I'd
rather work overtime save my money and get the westy. That said I own
an adventurewagen so what do I know of these crazy pop tops.

JFF

>In a message dated 12/10/2003 3:31:49 PM Pacific Standard Time,
>drillock@EARTHLINK.NET writes:
>Not that big of a deal really but you
>then need to remove a major body structure (steel arch support) and
>fabricate a replacement of the right shape (steel flat support) and
>mount it at the right height so the bed will close and the top will
>lower and latch without hitting the bed first.
>Mark,
>
>I think this is where further discussion should be directed. It would seem to
>me that fabricating a steel support is not an easy task for most people.
>Let's face it, it takes skill and experience to alter the unibody of
>a Vanagon to
>the point where structural integrity is not compromised. Then there's the
>question on aesthetics. The other disclaimer you should put on here
>is your level
>of experience. For example, not many of can claim that a 2wd to Syncro
>conversion is trivial. You've done that.
>
>You have to ask yourself what you are hoping to accomplish. You are marrying
>a project of this scope. Resale value will be affected. In this very List
>alone, there has been countless discussions about "Westies" which
>were not real
>Westies but conversions from a bus. The discussions was far from
>positive IIRC.
>
>You should also take into consideration what your time is worth. For some
>folks who are retired and have the special skills to do this type of project,
>hooray. You've got it altogether. Let's also not forget the understanding
>significant other. You've got all of the above as I recall.
>
>At the end of the day, you have ask yourself if it was worth it. IMHO it is
>NOT for most people. There are simply too many less expensive
>options with less
>compromises. Your money is better spent elsewhere.
>
>BenT
>Vanagon Cafe