Can I try an convince you to take the root off to do this job? It really is not hard to do ( but does need two people) and if you mark the hinge position you won't have any alignment problems when you re install. 

I've done 6 canvas replacements now, the last one about a month ago. This particular one was a Just Kampers three window. Even with the roof upside down on a table is was a bit of a chore getting the canvas tight in the corners. I would be in tears if I had to do that on the van. 

All the new canvases I have installed have been tight. I haven't installed a sunbrella canvas so I can't comment on that fitment. Even the good used canvases I have installed have been a little bit of a struggle in the upper corners.

If you take my advice and remove the top, use heavy cable ties to keep the lifting arms closed and attached to the van. Just use a knife to cut the old canvas. A section of PVC drain pipe laid across the van does help you roll the top back to the waiting helper behind the van.

Good luck with the install, whichever way you decide to do it.

Alistair

> On May 2, 2014, at 7:54 AM, Richard Golen <rgolen@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I've been thinking about how to replace my poptop canvas without having to actually remove the roof. Here's how I see it being done:
> 
> 1. Raise the top. Unscrew the bottom edges of the canvas from the body.
> 2. Unbolt the rear hinges from the top.
> 3. Here's what I see as a departure from totally removing the top. Lift up the rear of the top 2 feet or so, so that the top actually pivots on the bars that hold up the front of the top. Place some sort of support under the rear of the top to hold it in place.
> 4. Unscrew canvas from the top. 
> 5. But new canvas in place, screw it down.
> 6. Drop rear of top back down on its hinges, and bolt hinges to top.
> 7. Screw down the new canvas and it's brackets.
> 
> Will this work?
> 
> Ric
> 87 Westy
> 
> Sent from my iPad