Decided to cut my tintop to fit an early Danbury poptop How's is the metal angle frame usually secured around the edge? I am just doing a smaller opening so won't be cutting through the roof cross members.
I have carried out this task 41 years ago on my bus, I hope the following gives you a few pointers. Measure the proposed hole to be cut at least six times, then get some of your mates to check out your calculations. Only then take the angle grinder to the roof. You will have to cut and remove the centre roof support, please note that its a good idea to weld the ends of the remaining roof support to the roof skin. Finally, warn your mates that you have inside the bus supporting the roof being cut out, that it is HEAVY.....this precludes having shouts and groans as they are surprised and flattened onto the floor. Tony
I dont know how feasible it is to fit a danbury without cutting the roof strengthener between the c posts. Ive got a viking on mine but didnt cut anything extra out. Mine has the westy hole for a front hinge that retains all the roof other than a "sun roof" cut out between the front and middle stregtheners butits easy with a viking as all the roof action happens above the roof itself and its side hinged, canvas sitting bove the roof level. Im sure its doable with a bit of thought but possibly side hinging might be easier to achieve indeed curtingvthe middle strut would be easier still as its all like for like as per the original danbury!
Not sure if the thread has died or not but I think Zeds did this to kenregencys bus ? Perhaps this thread is no longer available , @Dubs might know ?
@Dicky. Yes I am planning to cut between the front and middle, retaining the overall strength. Fit a fixed a wooden platform for the 2 foot of the roof from the middle going backwards. Will be tight, but reckon it'll fit. Air bed mattress, Gas struts at the sides. The side hinge would give a bit more, will have think. Will make the platform and place the roof on first.
Sorry, I have never fitted a Danbury poptop to a tin top. I think Zed done Ken's bus after I had left.
http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/oh-well-we-all-started-somewhere.19810/ Quick look though. He went for the full opening. I might have to do the same, but trying a small hole first. Will post up if successful, otherwise I'll say nowt!
its interesting how people use their vans differently on different occasions and also when and where they camp. My original brief was to provide accommodation for two adults and two growing kids. As we camped a lot in the lakes and at weekends throughout the year we would arrive late on a Friday in all sorts of weather and could pop the roof, eat sleep and be up and ready for the day without actually leaving the van. You'd struggle to do that in a tin top. On longer breaks we'd use an awning so we could actually go out in the bus and not have to pack everything away before driving off. Nowadays the van is used infrequently and if its just me and the Mrs we don't really need to put the roof up at all to be honest although its nice to be able to stand up in the bus when its inclement outside if its chilly with the roof down and the propex on its toasty in seconds. I think if id have had to cope with a tin top with the kids and having to put an awning up everywhere we went id have given up pretty quick. I pretty much don't use mine now and sold my Khyam sleeper some time ago but I do still have one. good for festivals or when your not going to be moving the bus at any point. Tin tops look great but I love the option of popping the roof. That said mines a bit extreme, being a Viking and I did think about swapping it for a smaller poptop. I think im over that now!
have you looked at one of those tents that fits on a roof rack? I know you don't gain the head room and you need to go outside (in the rain potentially) to go to bed, but on the plus side you only need to take it with you when you need it, no angle grinders required to fit AND if you change your mind you can sell it?
I've slowly processed with fitting the early Danbury poptop, only had it a year. I have cut a 1 meter square'ish hole didnt go full length but did take 3 goes at cutting it, so spot on position wise. Fitted steel frame and 2meter hardwood rails running either side of the hole to secure the rear platform boarding to. I made up a set of frames which should work but they leave very little space when folded flat. The small locking plate at the midpoint is the issue. Design change I tried using 2 long gas struts either side to start with, but could get them to colapse down as it wasnt a fixed triangle. Anyone know what the gas struts spec is? I what to lift the roof fairly high. There was a van at techendes, on the right by the hedge, 4 vans down, that had a similar roof. Never ask then as it was *******y wet on the Friday.
