Marty, Good for you.  I think you've found a better way by far to do it.
----  How have you managed to keep such an open mind?

Marty said:

> With all this in mind, I'm thinking about coming up with an entirely
> different tent fastening setup.  Specifically, I'm thinking of removing
> the entire thing and installing some heavy-duty (marine?) velcro.  I'd
> use the existing screws and holes, but add some grommet/washer things,
> and attach the hook side of the velcro to the pop top and the roof of the
> van.  Then I'll take the tent to a local canvas shop to have them sew on
> the loop side to both the top and bottom of the tent (hell, I've probably
> got to remove the top to fix that tear anyway).  This should make
> installation relatively easy, and it will provide a way to easily remove
> the top if I ever want to wash it somehow.
>
> Has anyone ever tried this?
> Am I crazy (please strike that)...
> What are your opinions, ideas, input, etc...?
>

Chuck Hill