rotten roof! what to do?

[ambivert]

the pop top itself is OK, but the metal of the van, which the hinges of the pop top are riveted onto, has almost totally rusted away. Looks like in the past someone tried to fix it by welding a plate across on the inside on one hinge, but now its all coming away... Have resorted to gaffer tape, but I don't think its gonna last very long... and looks really nasty... So I think I'm now looking at:

- Remove the pop top
- Weld new metal plates across all 3 hinge sites, or possibly a single piece along the entire length of the roof
- Refit the pop top

or:

- Remove the pop top
- Fill & paint over the hinge sites
- Fit a high top

Can anyone recommend either of these as being easier / quicker / cheaper to do? Anything to beware of? What's the minimum this is going to cost if I have to get someone to do it for me?

[1664]

- Remove the pop top
- Fill & paint over the hinge sites
- Fit a high top

That one. No idea of cost though

If you do decide to keep the pop top, moving the hinges along to a new location might be a plan??

[AngeloEvs]

Could you remove the top and get someone esle to do the welding and refit it when repairs are done? Other than that its ring around and get quotes from those who are prepared to do the whole lot for you and compare them to the cost of a fitted Hightop from one of the specialists.