Hole in roof how big can i go?

Post by **CycloneMike** » 04 Oct 2007, 07:01

Now then,
I've got a high top camper, its in for welding and paint right now, before I fettle the inside.
Does anybody know if I can enlarge the cut out in the roof?
At the mo it's between the two ribs either side of the silding door. I wondered if I could enlarge the hole backwards to give more head room above my rear seat, as I don't want a top bunk. I only want to go as far back as the roof locker, but will this take too much strength out of the van? I can't find any pics where this has been done, so perhaps I have answered my own question.
Thanks, Mike.

Post by **jamesc76** » 04 Oct 2007, 07:21

there was talk of a pic that was seen on ebay ages ago where the centre bar had been removed, and there was concern over safety in case of roll over and body twist on fast bends etc , but there are vans out there converted like that and iirc they have a hefty frame welded into the roof to spread the load through the other 4 corners! Plus i have seen some vans where the cut out the other side of the bar and just clad the bar in carpet but i recon that looks a bit daft!

james

Post by **CycloneMike** » 04 Oct 2007, 07:43

I've found that post now thanks, must have missed it as the word death hadn't been part of my search criteria.

The ebay pics are out of time but I get the message.
My van doen't have the VW factory top like a Holdsworth, so i'll leave the ribs in place and keep banging my head or buy a bump hat!! Safest option perhaps.
Mike.

Post by **lloyd** » 07 Oct 2007, 08:13

Dehler removes the top as well as Syncro ambulances... don't know what others but think some Westys might too. Not sure exactly how much reinforcement is added though. Ours is removed with 82" long 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/8" rails installed.

The structure of panels (triangulation) on bottom and sides along with driving compartment is alot of triangulated strength to stop flex. I would think a double sliding door van would have more flex. Only areas that don't have triangulation are rear hatch, sliding door and front doors. Removing top from behind driving compartment on back does weaken top rails so could be a problem of collapsing in a roll-over.

Where's that thread James? Very interested in finding out more about this.

Lloyd

Post by **High Peaker** » 07 Oct 2007, 10:06

Why do you need headroom above the seat?
Surely the "normal" single rail removal perfectly mirrors the floor area.

Post by **CycloneMike** » 07 Oct 2007, 16:11

High Peaker wrote:Why do you need headroom above the seat?
Surely the "normal" single rail removal perfectly mirrors the floor area.

A friend has a T4 high top camper that doesn't have a roof bed. I liked the open space it had. Beacuse of the bigger roof hole, it felt much bigger than it was. I have a blank canvas at the moment and just wondered if I could do the same. It'd be boring if we were all "normal"

Mike.

Post by **lloyd** » 07 Oct 2007, 17:39

High Peaker wrote:Why do you need headroom above the seat?
Surely the "normal" single rail removal perfectly mirrors the floor area.

"floor area" is below middle section (roof 4' x 4' approx.)""normal" single rail removal" is not normal way it's done. There are cross rails at front and rear of the opening... a cross rail from post between front door and sliding door to post behind other front door and window and a cross rail above post at back of sliding door to post between back windows. By removing rear section (4' x 4' approx) and rail you can lower the upper bed for more headroom while still being able to setup in lower bed. In Dehlers the high-top is quite low and lowering the bed gives 6" approx. more headroom... in ours too. In ambulance it gives more room to work on patient. If using a high-top for a work van it gives more access to available area because there is no tin roof or cross rail. Westy's have flat roof instead of curved roof for better use of space.

Post by **ermie571** » 08 Oct 2007, 10:33

IF you still need info...I have the afore mentioned total roof removal from cab to locker with the steel strengthening frame. Can do pictures if required? The extra head room above the seats is great, and I can still have a full length bed as it comes in two parts and folds over on itself for daytime use!

Emma