Check out:

http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/poptop

> 1 - How much of an investment will it be beyond the $300 to get it
> installed correctly and soundly.

If you need a new canvas, get the 3-window kind from the Bus Depot: $269 I
think.  Replace the poptop and luggage rack seal; about $75 for both.   If you
do it my shade-tree way, you'll also want 2 more luggage rack seal sets.  I
used that to finish the hole I cut in the roof.

> 2 - Assuming the pop-top's are somewhat year specific ( I do not know if
> they are) which ones will wiork with my '82 (in case he sells his before I
> make a decision).

Any Vanagon poptop will work ('80 or newer), but there are color coding issues.
 Most were white, but the later ones were gelcoated and color-coded.  I got
mine from an '86, so it was essentially the same as my '87.

E-mail me off-list if you want more details.  Also, search the archives for the
"poptop project."  Since I posted it all before.

-Karl

Karl and Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'87 Westfalia Weekender  "Beverley" - 189K miles
VW Mechanic list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops
PA/NJ Vanagon owner's mailing list: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/pavanagon