Westy Tent Replacement...Easy?

[DallasHead]

Has anyone out there installed a new tent on a Pop Top before? I see kits for sale that look easy as pie; just want to hear if any of you have ran into unforeseen pitfalls doing a project like this. Looks to be screws and staples for the most part. FYI, mine is a 72.

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"Goin' Where the Wind Don't Blow so Strange"

[Joser]

I've never done it, but I've heard it's just time consuming and not too difficult.

Try this website, it describes how to take the canvas off and put it back on.
http://www.poptops.com/

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Joser
1972 Super Beetle
1972 Super Beetle (Parts)
1969 Westfalia

[germansupplyscott]

it is NOT easy.

it IS time consuming. it took me about 8 hours with a helper. here are are some tips:

1/ take one screw out from the aluminum bands that hold it onto the roof and match it up, and get a whole set of new screws. this will help immensely.

2/ plan on removing the top bed. with the bed in place the rear aluminum bands are very difficult to install, possible, but you feel like you are skinning a cat in a dark closet...

3/ remove the whole top from the van to do the upper part (staples to the pop-top) doing it in place is nearly impossible.

4/ get an air stapler for the stapling and be ready with some replacement strips for the upper attachments.the strips will be old and brittle and can shatter when you staple them on. i am considering replacing the plastic strip battens with aluminum strips and screws, the staples are hard to make hold.

5/ don't be scared by my post. i just don't want you to think it is easy. ymmv, but i did lots of work on my van recently, at this was by far the most difficult part.

scott lyons

[dstar5000]

DON"T use an air compressor!!

You'll knock all the *good stuff* out of that 30 yr old DOOB!!



BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

It's a PITA to do. YOU HAVE to have a helper and beware the springs, they are under pressure...ask me how I know....



Don




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78 Westy 2.0l
71 Bradley GT 1641cc

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do".
Walter Bagehot

[JT]

8 hours x 3. I did it with the top and bed in place. Taking the bed out sounds like a good idea. I had good luck with a manual stapler. The electric I had bought for the job didn't drive the staples in all the way. Once the top is secure you need to check the fit. I had to undo alot of work to make adjustments; hence the 3 days. Also no helper. Good Luck! J.T.

[DallasHead]

Thanks Scott...your knowledge of busdom is always a big help! I planned on removing the shell regardless because I want to clean everything up there. In the wedge of the 45 degree angle, it is loaded with leaves, dead bugs, who knows what?? Once I decide to do the interior carpet and upholstery, that is when I plan on doing the tent. I figure she will be garaged for a good amount of time during these projects. I am curious to see what is under the bench and carpet. I expect to find a 30 year old doob...or at least half of one! It is quite grubby in the hard to reach areas. I plan on buying an air compressor to help with the cleaning of those dark recesses.

[LeeE]

I don't need the canvas or the zip screens, but I do need ventilation, so I've thought about replacing the whole thing with screen or shade cloth. Would it be possible to fasten the screen tightly over the canvas from the outside, and then cut the canvas away from the inside? Or should I just remove and replace?

[bubbgs1]

I done mine in place with a helper in about 4 hours.I bought my new one from bus depot for a little over $200.00 with tax and shipping and had it in 5 days and it was a good quality top.The hardest thing I found with it was making sure to get it lined up properly so it is even all around, but wasn't that difficult really.