Speaking of different tops for conversion, here is the best idea I've
seen to date. The link is dead but there was a website for a guy in
Germany who used the high top on his van as a boat:

http://home.t-online.de/home/claus_wiedmaier/varius.htm

I always thought that it would be the ultimate to get a sunroof
vanagon and do the same thing, that way the van would be waterproof
when you pulled the top off for your outing.

Chris
86 Syncro GL AdventureWesty

On 3/29/06, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:
> Mark,
>
> I have wondered why, if the curved roof of the Vanagon is problematic,
> when it comes to makeing a bed in the conversion, it would nt be a good
> idea perhaps to use that other type of pop-top (I don't know the name)
> where the whole thing simply lifts straight up, instead of tilt up.
> Seems to me to make a lot more sense. And even if a bed weren't put
> there, it gives lots more storage during those times when parked and the
> lower part of the van is needed for sleeping and etc.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver x2
>
> mark drillock wrote:
>
> > Julianna, I have also done it with the full upper bed.  I consider the
> > welding in of a Westy roof skin as just a huge waste of time and effort
> > and did not do so. Looking at Stuarts weld-in method you can see just
> > how little donor roof metal was actually used for all that trouble, and
> > he states that he should have used even less. You just don't need the
> > Westy roof skin bed rail at all and using it requires way too much
> > needless cutting,welding, and paint work. There is a much simpler way to
> > have the full upper bed. You can even leave an existing rear A/C unit
> > undisturbed and functional, though the center duct obviously can't stay.
> > Making a stretch is a ton of work to finish off cleanly without adding
> > so much more to the project, like an extra 25 feet of welded seam in the
> > roof. You may have noticed that Stuart's web pages DON'T show the donor
> > skin after it was welded back in, or the finish work trimming out the
> > interior ceiling areas. I wonder why? Keep the project within reach of
> > actual completion. I can p-mail more details if desired.
> >
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > Julianna Thoennes wrote:
> >
> >> Here is a link showing  the easy way to do it. 2 guys over 3 days or so,
> >> including a new canvas.
> >>
> >>>
> >>> http://homepage.mac.com/mwsnow/PhotoAlbum5.html
> >>>
> >>>
> >> Thank you Mark!!!!!  I was hoping there was a site out there doing just
> >> the pop top!  Now, do you know if they built a platform over the rounded
> >> roof???  I imagine there is barely enough clearance to put the pop top
> >> down.  I think I will definately do the front pop top this way.  I am
> >> building a stretch.  I think Otmar may have told you.  Anyway, I really
> >> want the flip down bed for the back pop top though.  My brother Steve
> >> thinks we can just make a modified bed rail from box steel welded to the
> >> frame around the outside of the roof.  Is this a pipe dream???  I think
> >> it may be possible, but I have never had the roof off of one of these
> >> before, and am feeling a tad uncomfy over not knowing if it will work,
> >> or can be made to work.....
> >>
> >> --
> >> Julianna
> >> www.jonnybottoms.com
> >> Silver 1990 VW Vanagon Westfalia with Tiico Conversion (The Rastafalia)
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>