Was looking for some advise on fitting the new roof canvas and came across this, looks to be a good (helpful) guide............. http://www.vwtrendsweb.com/tech/0404vwt_westfalia_canvas_camper_replacement/photo_01.html
So, made a start on mine until rain stopped play............got both rear hinges off (one needs repair) unless someone has 1 or 2 for sale..........anyhoo, got them both off and propped the roof open with some wood and a mop handle with a V groove cut in to support against the roof hole.........then took off the toggles that strap the roof down into position................then, laying on the roof bed, I unscrewed all the screws (obviously) that hold the aluminium "U" section channel around the base of the fabric (note, corners can be a pain, and probably even more so when putting it back on............enter trusty Bosch electric screwdriver with right angle and off ctr attachments.........what a god send..........with all this off, I took the stapled channel off around the top...........some perishaed, some ok, but might need to replace so if anyone knows where to get some 20mm x 2mm pvc strip, please shout up.................then it just started raining so I came in to type what I have done so far. Judging by the weight of the roof which I supported on my own just, I envisage taking it off to ideally be a 4 man job so it is fully supported with less risk of a drop / crack which would be very costly. Will update when I get more done.
I have just called a company that can supply the plastic strip but they sell in minimum orders of £75 and that would give me enough to do about 5 buses lol........he is sending me samples today so I can assess if it's the right stuff, then he did say they supply other companies that I might be able to buy from in smaller quantities...I will update you all..............good idea though BR, I will swing by a UPVC company that supplied the windows on my building project and ask them what they have, might even try and blag use of a local upholstery companies industrial stapler.
Anyone think ABS might be suitable ? its certainly flexible enough and is a doddle to cut and form around corners, I imagine it'll staple easily too, but is it rigid enough ?????
2mm White ABS in an 8' x 4' sheets coming in at £31.15 per sheet + VAT, thats probably enough to do 16+ buses lol......... I am popping in tomorrow to take my sample and compare to what they have, hopefully it's the right stuff and then if anyone needs any I will have plenty left over
Update, found an engineering company in Lye that will repair my opening roof stays, (I have asked them about making a few as 1 off's and they said they will look into it Malc) they can use mine to copy from I guess.............. ABS seems a good material to use to staple through around the roof, went to Wednesbury and had a look but they only had black in stock so going back Friday to collect my sheet of 2mm 8'x4' in White. If anyone else if taking this on, I should have plenty of 20mm wide (or what ever width you want) when I get it cut up, will just split cost of material and postage. ABS is also less likely to crack over time too according to the materials analyst I spoke with.
Although the roof feels heavy i did mine ( front hinge ) and took the roof off completly, two people was ok, and it made it a lot easier to fix it to the top first! simo
i ll have some of the sheet off you plz darren for when i work up to doing mine let me know what i owe you
This is one of my next jobs as my old canvas looks as if it's been eaten by something! I have same question in respect of where to buy the new canvas as the company I was buying from have still not received their delivery & not expecting them for at least another month! They did say they have made templates and are sourcing having them made in this country but I don't fancy being a guinea pig... I've not checked yet but may need some of that strip too if that's ok Darren? Keep us updated on your progress and tips on what to expect and what tools like the right angled bit for the electric screwdriver etc. I have one of those somewhere but never found a requirement for it until now! Cheers, Robo...
It seems there is someone selling the correct edging on ebay I have asked them for confirmation that this is flexible / soft enough to staple through without the need for industrial strength equipment........... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160762339709?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_831wt_1163 The company that they mention in their ad also sells the canvas (reported to be German Quality) I will know soon enough lol as I got mine from them. http://www.cool-out.com/category.php?id=12 I got the replacement fringe from here http://www.westfaliasparesuk.com/wsshop/ New toggles to lock down the hood from JK (£35 delivered vs £39 off ebay which was the next cheapest place I found) http://www.justkampers.com/shop/t2-bay-window/original-parts/elevating-roof-parts
