HI Bob,
I solved that problem with a short (about 12") piece of PVC pipe, with appropriate
notches in the ends, to fit between the latch and the tongue. I almost always have to
take the stove igniter thingy to the rear outside and tuck the canvas in. Then finish
rolling the front and sides and drop the top & latch it. The PVC resides right nearby
in the tray thingy.
Sorry about all of the technical terms.
Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Stevens" <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 7:20 PM
Subject: Re: Miracle

> "I wonder if that's not the problem of some people on the list who
> want gas-assisted
> openers."
>
> Not moi. Just old shoulders. I always crack the slider just a smidge
> to eliminate that vacuum thingy, since I have a center console I have
> to come through it (slider) anyway. That vacuum-effect must add 25-30
> lbs. to the weight of an already heavy top. Done there, been that. I
> like the struts almost more for how it holds the top up just above
> closed when putting it down. I had to make an adjustment when tucking
> the canvas in since I no longer had to rest the top on the side of my
> bent-over-head. ;-)
>
> bob