Hi all My bus has the earlier style front hinged pop-top roof. I'm soon going to tackle the canvas replacement as my existing one is tatty and a bit torn. I have a replacement canvas already. I'm planning on replacing all the seals including the one under the aluminium strip on the roof. Whilst it's off, I might as well give the roof a paint and refurb the hinges and supporting struts. I had a look but couldn't locate a how-to on this forum, perhaps I just missed it. If there is one, would someone mind directing me to it? Also, any advice or hints on the above would be appreciated. Cheers, Tony.
That's not a standard seal i.e. there was no seal under the ali strip originally. Maybe you're looking at the plastic edging on the canvas and mistaking it for a separate part?
Yes, my error, at a glance that looked like a seal but I think it’s just a plastic strip along the edge of the canvas.
I replaced the canvas on my rear hinge Westy and its not a job I would relish doing again. I did actually end up doing it twice as the first canvas from VW Heritage was faulty (too short by 6 inches so pop top wouldn't fully raise). I then got a canvas from Proud to Pop which was far better quality. On my rear hinge roof it was a four person lift to get the roof off and back on so I had to call in some favours to do it. I used the GoWesty YouTube "how to" as a guide. Here it is
It's also entirely possible to do this without removing the roof, I've done 3, like that - 2 front hinge and 1 rear.. It's a bit more faff, but so is taking the roof off.
Did mine without taking the roof off as well. Agreed its a faff especially the front by the hinges. I didn't have a seal under the alloy strip either. Make sure you keep all the little screws as they are not easy to find being countersunk and slightly domed.
There was one done at Techenders last year. Was it yours Andrew @F_Pantos . That's a front hinge Westy isn't it...
Yes, t'was me. All done in a day thanks to the TLB roof off massive and the Wolfsburg West canvas fitting nicely Well, the worst of it was done on the Saturday, I fitted the tie down straps and some of the trim the next day.
Looks great. Video was helpful also. Are there any major differences in the approach for a front hinged compared to a rear hinged roof? Thanks for all the comments so far.
Found the article PM me your email address and will send it over. The bus in the article is one with the earlier front hinge roof.
Roof is off, not too difficult, worst part was the aluminum track where a number of the screw heads had been destroyed when installed. Condition of the roof is good, I’ve just washed it and wet sanded it ready for primer. Thanks for the useful information so far..