We're still using our original since new in 1990. Three things I attribute to it's longevity:We let it dry thoroughly before we store it between camping trips.We always make sure we don't pinch it when we close the top.We inspect the canvass regularly and make little repairs before they become big repairs.
Mike Magnani1990 Camper 

    On Wednesday, February 14, 2018 2:30 PM, The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM> wrote:
 

 > I was wondering how many of us still have our original canvas.  I’m still using
> mine and it seems fine.
> 
> I do look forward someday to the three window version but I’ll keep using my
> original as long as I can.
>
> I’m amazed it is still so good after three decades of use.
> Anyone else using the original?

I am still using the original on my '87 and the only flaw is a minor rip in the mosquito screen. I'll admit I'm jealous of my friends with their 3-window canvases when we go camping in August and a cross-breeze would be nice, but not jealous enough to replace it just for that. :-) 

This is why I'm a fan of cotton canvas rather than synthetics.  It costs less, breathes better, is easier to install, and given its proven longevity I don't see much reason to bother with anything else.  If I get another 30 years on the next one when the time comes, it will probably outlast the van and might even outlast me!

Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot, Inc.
www.busdepot.com