If the top is off, there will likely be less swearing.     ;)

Pop top raised, from exterior, look up to point where canvas stops. If
you see a ~ 1" x 1" strip of wood, you have a "staple" type canvas.
You can't easily see the staples, as the canvas folds over them.

This image may not help but it shows the strip of wood on my '81 top.
Ignore the arrow. It points to a damaged area I repaired:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h-B-fnvfjEg/UUfYA3KDR1I/AAAAAAAAHPQ/EITrsPbrYRk/s640/pop%2520top%2520RR%2520corner%2520wood%2520frame.jpg

FWIW, I was surprised at how strong the old tent still was. With it on
the living room floor, I could tug on it and it didn't tear. Even with
multiple patches over areas that had failed due to poor storage. YMMV.

https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/poptopcanvasrepair
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dVN4b1gNxI4/UxDRdLIusfI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/wnEeV0fmevE/s600/Gross%2520Tent.jpg

On 2/28/14, Dean S <predsmaniac@gmail.com> wrote:

> Could you please identify by year  what an earlier version is. Gowesty is
> stating they are coming up with a new and imporved tent in the coming
> months...I have an 85 with original tent which is in ok condition just
> looks old,no tears but a few pin holes.   This will be one of those mods we
> will do by ourselves...I figure to swear allot....thanks  DS
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 12:47 PM, Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I did my staple type tent with top
>> still on. Awkward job to say the least but is doable for a "one man"
>> operation.
--
Neil n

Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca

'88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG *Gas* inline-VR Engine Swap Group:

http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej