Bad idea.  The top will shoot right off the back of the van if you remove
the rear hinges with the top raised. You're half way to removing it doing
this anyway.

Remove it (recommended, especially if you have an early stapled canvas), or
do it this way if you are agile: http://vimeo.com/12165017

I also found this small screwdriver very useful:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-TEK4-4-Volt-Screwdriver-HP53LK/202351930

The acrylic tops are tight in the bottom corners too, but hang more loosely
than the cotton OEM canvas since they are a much heavier material.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Golen
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2014 7:54 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: An idea for Replacing Pop Top Canvas

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

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