Scott et al,

I would guess that this is the kit that Joy has installed:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=578890

Many van owners have installed them, including myself.

The pivot point attaches the stock pivot point with a supplied bolt-on bracket, and then the other end is a couple feet forward, as you can see in the pictures.

I don't have anything on my roof, so I'm using the regular-duty strength shocks, but I'd guess that with a kayak up top that Joy is using the heavy-duty strength shocks that Mark offers.  I've had mine installed through a few rain storms, and so far have experienced zero leaking, and the top appears no different as far as being pushed upward.

They are a simple, fantastic upgrade...although water coming in is a big problem.
Best of luck figuring out what's going on there...wish I could help.

/james
'86 westy wolfy

--------------
>Date:    Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:17:00 -0800
>From:    Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
>Subject: Re: leaking in the rain
>
>Depending on where the pivot points for the assist struts are located,
>determines whether they supply 'up pressure' when the top is down.
>If the pivot points are located cleverly........
>there can be almost zero up pressure with the top down......
>I don't think there is room, geometrically,  speaking to do this........I
>think one pivot would need to be below the level of the top......but it
>could even be made to go over center so it's pulling the top down when the
>top is down, yet still supply plenty of up force when the top is up.
>Scott

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