You've been great about responding Kim --- can I now beg for pics :-)

Thanks,
Doug

On 2/7/07, Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
>
> Okay, I just measured the "extra" gas springs I had. they are 30" (I
> could swore they were longer, but hey, facts, is facts.) So that
> means I probably got the 29.33" ones.
>
>
> On Feb 7, 2007, at 11:15 AM, Doug Alcock wrote:
>
> > Hi Kim,
> > Please send pics if you have any --- and details on the shocks
> > themselves
> > (how long for example). A couple of other questions ---- How much
> > weight are
> > you putting on the Westy top? Is it on a roof rack?
> > The luggage rack plate you describe sounds very similar to the
> > "artificial
> > rain gutters" that I attach my roof rack to. I carry a canoe
> > regularly, with
> > paddles and gear in it it's probably 80-90 pounds and I sympathise
> > completely when you say that putting the top down is the problem
> > --- I've
> > learned to do a sort of controlled crash :-) to lower the top when
> > the canoe
> > is on top. Raising the top is easy -- I jump up on the luggage rack
> > in front
> > and use the tied on canoe as a handy lever.
> > This sounds like the Westy mod I've been waiting for --- please
> > share your
> > pics and wisdom.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Doug
> >
> > On 2/3/07, Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> # 1) Westfalia's already have springs to help lift the top. They are
> >> back there in the hinge.
> >>
> >> #2) I did add gas springs to help lift the top...but only because I
> >> have got a humongous extra luggage carrier on top (110 pound luggage
> >> carrier, NOT including what is in it.)
> >>
> >> You could do something similar to what I did, and use weaker gas
> >> springs.
> >>
> >> My gas springs are attached at one end to the pivot bracket, and at
> >> the other end to a luggage rack plate that a previous owner had added
> >> to the poptop.
> >>
> >> Note. You do NOT want to just bolt the gas springs to the poptop. You
> >> need to spread the load out. Fiberglass can crumble under load.
> >>
> >> Again, in my case the luggage rack plate is attached with 2 bolts and
> >> has an inner plate. I replaced one of the original bolts with the
> >> bolt for the gas spring. This allows for the whole carrier rack plate
> >> to support the additional lifting force applied.
> >>
> >> I used 250 pound rated gas springs (one on each side). A different
> >> arrangement might be more efficient, but mine has the advantage of
> >> being just about invisible.
> >>
> >>
> >> On Feb 2, 2007, at 11:37 PM, BA wrote:
> >>
> >> >   (Unless we learn
> >> > something more about it  ... doesn't someone on this list have a
> >> > hydraulic-assist-lift poptop???)
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > http://www.dougalcock.com
>
>

--
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