I just received my Thule starter set for out '87 GL and wanted to let
non-poptop owners know what to get.

Basically, I wanted to carry my parents' canoe and possibly set
myself up for rooftop bike racks and the like.  I already have a
Thule set for my Eagle Talon with ski attachments, so I was familiar
with Thule quality and now I can take the Vanagon skiing ('course,
the Talon AWD will still get around in the snow better than our 2WD
GL, but anyway...).

Anyway, I got the #387 "high foot" clamps and the lb65 (65") load
bars.  Very simple assembly and it goes right into the raingutter.  I
did not get any kind of special canoe carrier assembly since I just
use rope to keep the canoe up there.  Total cost including shipping
was $156.70.

Thanks to listee Jim Catterson for hooking me up with Rich at Sundown
Ski and Sports.  I'm not sure from which store they were shipped
since 3 are listed on the invoice.  Maybe Jim can chime in here.

Greenvale, NY : 516-621-6668
Levittown, NY : 516-796-1565
Lake Grove, NY: 516-737-8600

One concern I would have with a rooftop bike rack is the clearance.
I don't want to be flying down the road and smack my bikes into an
overpass and peel back the roof like a sardine can.  Anyone have
experience with this w.r.t. height and typical clearances?

-Karl

Karl and Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'87 GL Weekender  "Beverley"
VW shop list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops