RE: Assistance on raising the pop top
Reading through the various messages on this topic and similar
comments in previous threads something just dawned on me.  The stock
Westy pop top has a mechanical assist for lifting it built in, springs
and cables in side the tubes of the lift/support framework.  Given the
trouble some people have I wonder if some DPO or mechanic messed with
this system or there is some other problem with the springs on some of
the Westfalias out there.
If you are finding the top way to heavy, take a close look around the
hinge area of the supports.  You should see a cable system running
over the back side of the hinge and that should be attached to the
spring inside the tubing.
BTW if there is a problem I don't have the foggiest notion of how to fix it.