Getting a Devon pop top roof off

Post by **buskitten** » 03 Feb 2006, 14:26

Hi

I have found a full-length pop-top at our local breakers - the stripy one, bolted on to one side of the van and 'catches' securing it down on the other side......

The guys won't get it off for me, as they can't seem to be bothered, but said I can get it off myself. Well I am just a chick, but my pal has said he will help.

How do we go about it?

Could we do it?

What tools will we need - I have screw drivers etc, but no angle-grindery things or drills. Well, I have an electric drill, but it's in a yard.

I would really appreciate any help or advice, as I've been trying to do this for nearly a year and it just ain't happening.

Many Thanks,

Liz

Post by **buskitten** » 03 Feb 2006, 14:58

Hhhhhmmmmmmmm, I've just been looking at Misses Jens pics, it looks too hard for me, even with a helper

Maybe I would be best to get a Timber Tech high top, as they know what they're doing........

Whatdya think?

Post by **Louey** » 03 Feb 2006, 15:09

Put a shout out for help - how much do they want for the whole van? That way you might be able to fund the project by selling doors or seats etc.

Don't say its impossible just yet Liz

Leon x

Post by **buskitten** » 03 Feb 2006, 17:05

Hi Louey,

Anoying, unhelpful gits won't sell me the whole van - this has been going on for ages now

They say they're not allowed to.....I have to go there, get it off myself, take it away and even then I need to find someone to help me get the autohomes kamper one off and this one on.

i'm all the way up here in Dumfries, so not many helpers live here

I've asked a few - I would pay! But everyone's too busy and says it's an awful job.......

Oh goodness, being a girl really sucks when you're into old buses (well, at times it does!)

Post by **Louey** » 03 Feb 2006, 17:11

have a word with McGill on here, he is based a bit further north than you (between glasgow & edinburgh) He might have a few ideas or helpful advice.

I think this is Ian's number - 01501 829400.

Post by **buskitten** » 03 Feb 2006, 18:47

Thanks very much for that Louey - I'll get in touch

Post by **DiscoDave** » 03 Feb 2006, 21:04

it really isn't difficult!!!!

don't give up!!it took me around 2 hours to unattach the devon roof from the donor van! and i would have no problem (if i lived closer) with coming to help it's not at all hard!!

you will need, a drill, a 6mm drill bit, a small and a large philips screwdriver and a couple of flat head screwdrivers! socket set!

first remove all the bits of trim from inside keep these! however tatty they are easily recovered! usuall screwed and or rivited on!

the bed base part is rivited on around the inside and around the outside! drill all the rivets starting inside and then out! you will have to un-attach the piece of canvas that runs allong the hinged side of the roof to get at the outside rivets on the hinged edge.

this will leave the whole lot held on by the hinges!

next take off the struts that hold the roof up! you will need any available part of wood or something to prop the roof up while you do this!

fold the roof down and drill the rivets the attach the hinges to the roof, lift off roof, remove hinges from van, get anything else you want from van while they aren't looking!!

job done!!

fitting is similar but will take longer! i have the dimentions for holes and the patented deavon roof tool!!! ifyou need any more help drop me a line!!

Post by **buskitten** » 03 Feb 2006, 21:37

Wow! What a great amount of info Disco, thankyou!
Well I have my friend to help, and he's quite strong! I'll print this out and take it with me

Thanks again!

Liz

Post by **missusjen** » 03 Feb 2006, 23:26

Like Dave says - don't give up! Being a girl isn't the issue - if you were a bloke you wouldn't be able to remove and install it on your own. Tell a few mates you'll have a van party or something, promise them some free booze - if there are 5 or 6 of you then the job will be considerably easier as the hardest bit is lifting the replacement roof without cracking the plastic - but you'd still be more than capable with 2 or 3 of you. And if you need any advice - Disco Dave's your man! Best of luck........

Post by **DiscoDave** » 04 Feb 2006, 07:45

Disco Dave's your man

cheers jen!!

Post by **mrsscoobydrew** » 04 Feb 2006, 10:02

Me and Drew took a devon roof off at mercdoctors its quite easy just take your time so you don't break anything and take every bit of trim with you like dave says it can be recovered.

shame your so far away its great fun.

Post by **buskitten** » 04 Feb 2006, 10:13

Thanks everyone

You've all been really helpful and kind.

I have been in touch with Dave (yes, he is the man - a lkind and generous person

)

Need to agree a price on the roof with unhelpful guys now.......

Keep you posted!

Liz

Post by **Louey** » 04 Feb 2006, 10:15

since you are having to remove it yourself - offer them £80 and no more. Tell them that a mechanic charges £25 hour and it might take you 2 hours to take the thing off and get it home so that is £50 of your own time already !!!

Post by **buskitten** » 04 Feb 2006, 11:29

Yep, will do Louey - that sounds about right!
Cheers!

Parts ain't open again until Monday, so will let ya know.