new roof options

[samk]

Hi all,

yes, a post about the dreaded Kamper roof again! it's currently on life support and i've been pumping away at it's chest on regular occasions, it's alive but only just so it's time to start looking at a replacement more seriously.

I've looked at the Autovan fiberglass kamper roof on their website but at over £1000 it's pretty pricey, plus, I've never been 100% happy with the way these roofs look when they are down.

I'm thinking that i'd prefer a simpler, neater roof that will sit lower when down. I was originally looking for a westy roof but then peet suggested a reimo pop top as they are easier to fit and provide more space for those of us without the special flattened westy roof sections. Any one on here with reimo pop tops who can tell me what they're like?

In an ideal world i'd like to keep my existing bed board and mattress because they are in good condition, well made and are comfortable. would this be possible?

Finally, am i devaluing my Kamper if i put a different type of roof on?

Thanks,

Sam

[jason k]

i had exactly the same model with exactly the same prob i had a hi top fitted which allowed me to retain all the upper bed and interior.

try timber technicians

they are good lads.

as for value, it will be worth more than a van with a fooked roof

[samk]

thanks Jason but personally I'm just not sure about high tops at the moment, plus I woud'nt be able to park outside my flat according to strict london parking restrictions!

[samk]

anyone else able to recommend their replacement pop top? particularly interested to hear from reimo roof owners

[kevtherev]

Autosleeper pop tops are the hard sided type
but they do sit very low and look very neat

[samk]

thanks for the reply Kev. I have though about those roofs before. thought they might be a little claustrophobic though because the appear to be much lower than the autohomes roofs. Also, i fear they look a little too 'modern' for my retro tastes!

[weerickyni]

i want one of them! they look cool! were can i get one??

[bleachie]

I,too, would love to find out where to get one of those pop tops for the T25 and also whether there is anyone local to Coventry who would be able to give a price for fitting it.

[kevtherev]

they come up in dedicated scrapyards from time to time

Try billy739 he breaks campers, you could put an order in

[bleachie]

thanks for that I'll see if I can track you down at the VanFest to get a contact number for him. I think we'll be lookin at next year for that lttle project now anyway!

[bideford]

I would go with the Autovan option. Shame about the external latches, but you get a roof that will remain watertight for the lifetime of the van. Unless you find a composite manufacture willing to rebuild your roof to a similar original specification (and pay the price) it will retain its Kamper look and certainly will not devalue the van. Anyone familiar with these threads will recognise the more expensive Autovan option is often compared to the cheaper Timbertech high top option (along with the high top versus pop top preferences of posters) and would probably be willing pay the market price for a watertight Kamper pop top. Luckily ours is still ok but Autovan would be the choice for us.

It won't rot after 20 years either......

James

[lance]

yoiu could put a westy poptop on

[samk]

Hi Lance,

I was told by a few people that the Westy roofs are a little tight for space du to being designed for the special westy flatter van roof. Is this not the case?

Thanks,

Sam

[lance]

honestly yes but your talking about 2inch curved bed unit ,the westy roofs were designed for kids but two adults can fit

[bideford]

We are looking to go via the Autovan route in October (even though the existing roof is still in pretty good shape) because we are looking to keep the camper for the long term and who knows how long Autovan are going to continue to offer the glass fibre roof!

Anyone out there willing to make a fair offer for the existing roof when it comes off? I presume that it will need to be collected from Autovan (who knows, they might fit it for a reasonable price) - I'm going to speak to them tomorrow to see what they say.

It's water tight and would tidy up easily before refitting.

Any interest and I'll post some pics.

James