I’ve been working on a friends prototype bay during lockdown, and had an albeit ambitious idea to sorting the shrunken/leaking and poor fitting webasto full length sunroof fitted by a previous owner - a low profile big opening sunroof, as owner of the van didnt want the look of a poptop, it’s a photo from 3 years ago - but it’s what I started with. Someone else I know had cut a roof recently to fit a poptop to a T2, and after a quick check realised the discarded roof skin could be used to create a new roof, - first thought about rear hinging, like a westy, but then decided to go for side mounting it like the converted bar vans I’ve seen. Made a metal roller bender a while back for this project, to make the support hoops/frame and roof frame sections as these were never reinstated when it was first converted to fit a Dormobil roof I think, and I wanted to put some strength back into it. Had to cut down/reconfigure the 3 bow roof rack as it partially covered the opening, and worked out how to hinge the roof using cheap upvc window egress hinges, added plenty of guesswork, some welding/bending, on and offing several times and it started to come together. Also fitted a 100w solar setup, MPPT controller, and interior unit with fridge, diesel heater, and full leisure electrics. Hopefully the pictures do the talking! Frame going together Hinges set After some prepping, fitting, and plenty of fettling... Trimming required to get a CR50 fridge to fit these units with flush mounted frame. Heater mounted underneath on a frame, and blows air to under the bed and can also go out to an awning. I’m happy with it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Seen that done on the bar/foodie wagons and presumed it was too much effort for someone to have a crack doing it for themselves Nice one
A fair amount of work as all bespoke, and making it up as I went along! The next one would be easier and a lot quicker!
No Subaru swap here, it’s Golf GTi 16v powered though, so no slouch! My bus.... hoping it’ll be done by next year..again!
That’s interesting as I’m just toying with the idea of doing the same thing with our factory sliding roof. I’d definitely want canvas on it too but side hinge looks good
Yep, but it’s all enclosed in front of the handbrake, and connects to the upper vent/airbox to let air flow in/out, it barely heats the cab but has got a sliding vent if some warmed air is needed, maybe before winter, I want to add a duct and fan onto it to to give a working demister.
Uses UPVC window hinges, used egress type as they have a better opening angle and don’t have opening restrictors, and were a bargain for under a £10 for the pair!
Solenoid and remote opening? If those gas struts lift it as soon as the locking catches are released, that would be quite easy, no?
