Devon pop top advice

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Steven Paul, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. What height is yours from the ground plz


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  2. Gingerbus

    Gingerbus Supporter

    Asides letting the tyres down to get it inside, which is a pain and might take some practice to get right, or fitting smaller tyres, which won’t help the gearing or speedo accuracy, looks like you’ll have to consider lowering the bus somewhat.

    I don’t think you’ll be far off and I’m not sure you’ll really know for certain without measuring the actual height of the bus accurately to the highest point.

    My Westy is 1.97m (dropped about 75cm to get it comfortably under 2m for garaging and car parks).
    The pop top isn’t as high as that though.
     
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  3. How did you drop yours


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  4. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    If the drop required is not too great, adjusters on the beam will be the answer.
    You'll be able to lower just enough to get it under the lintel....top tip..get the wife to stay in the bus as you reverse it in, that will lower it a bit.
    Not being nasty to better half, but overall hight with driver and passenger is quite a bit less than when empty.
     
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  5. Gingerbus

    Gingerbus Supporter

    Adjustable beam on front, one spline on back.
    It’s a compromise though and there are other ways.
    As mentioned it’s a bit of a minefield, the lower you go the more the compromise!
    I’d find out how much you really need to drop first, if it’s just an inch or two consider all the options!
     
  6. Brilliant lol lol
    Good idea


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  7. Gingerbus

    Gingerbus Supporter

    Below shows the difference in height by changing from standard 185/80 tyres to 195/60s.
    Not saying it’s the way to go but you can see the height drop is 30mm.
    Of course 60s are unlikely to come in commercial/van rated tyres, but it shows another approach to the problem that might come in useful.
    I run 185/75s as it suits my set-up.
    [​IMG]
    Just saying you can pinch an inch here and there if that’s all you need.
    Other sizes are available!

    https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.p...2=60&wheel_size=14&wheel_width=9-5&offset2=20
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2021
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  8. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    They are the height they are, because they were made for driving over lumpy fields to sit somewhere snd eat your sandwiches.
     
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  9. Norris

    Norris Supporter

    Not the easiest thing to measure, but I reckon you'd probably want to allow at least 2150mm - my best guess with a tape measure against the back of the van, including about 1" clearance. It's parked on a slight slope so not easy to tell

    Edit: but as Soggz says, they are as tall as they are tall. Ours has the original Devon interior plus a fairly weighty awning in it, so your van may sit a little higher. Maybe get the roof done, then see how tall it comes out and plan from there?

    Edit 2: but it also has no engine at present either! :D
     
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  10. Thanks for that


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  11. [​IMG]
    That’s my bus November
    It’s nearly ready for body repair
    Kitchen & pop top ordered
    Hope to have the body & paint done start of March
    And finished for the summer


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  12. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    So you will need to think about getting front suspension beam height adjusters fitted and winding it down a little, and going down a bit at the rear by rotating the torsion bars. Nothing too drastic . ..

    On this route goes the idea of then finding you need to cut off the front bump stops, lower it too far - say 3 inches on the height adjusters, then stiffen up with the coilovers for an inch or so of lift.
     
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  13. Norris

    Norris Supporter

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  14. If you can't dig channels in for the wheels, could you remove a few corses of bricks from the top?

    Your existing garage door may no longer fit, bit you may even be able to make that work with some extra wood, upvc or by sticking some rubber underneath.

    May be easier/cheaper/betyer than lowering the bus
     
  15. Can’t remove bricks there a head in there holding garage up lol
    I think when camper is ready when the new kitchen in it will not be far away bout 1 inch
    And let some Tyres down


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