Roof swap bit of a strange question

[Oldiebut goodie]

The point that seems to have been missed is that the amby roof most probably has strengthening to compensate for the lack of transverse structure, I would ensure that at least two transverse steel beams are inserted to retain the rigidity/strength.

[billy739]

hi , i may be interested in the ambi roof!

[armyphil]

Yes I was going to re use the beams Just to add rigidity but now it seems I may have to use the front roof section. Hope I can get away without doing that.

I think I can do it in a weekend?? Hopefully before camperjam

[DavidPallister]

Phil

Are the existing strengthening cross braces bolted into place or welded?

If they are bolted, you should just be able to swap over the westy cross braces along with the roof.

I've got a factory VW highroof on mine, and the van structure is the same as the westy, just with different shaped cross braces bolted into place to suit the shape of the roof.

Assuming yours was designed by VW to have this roof from the outset, there is a chance that the structure is the same as well, so a westy roof swap may be quite straight forward.

As for the bunk, i think the westys just had a fibreglass panel fitted across the open gap above the rear seat with a fold down flap and slide out panel to make the bed, and a wooden/fibreglass shelf bolted to 5 brackets above the cab with a facia and door facing backwards and the headlining to cover up from underneath.

Dave

[armyphil]

thanks for the indepth reply the van was originally a pop top but the previous owner must have decided it wasn't for him!!!!

It all could have been so easy if someone hadn't cut an internal gutter that the bed boards sit on, now if I'm going to do it I have got to use a whole roof section an have a real good look over it because at the moment it seems like a right pain!!!

[Dubstar]

Hi mate, from memory seeing yours and a hitop, the piece of yours missing from the front is just where the front cupboard goes, not the bed. The rear piece of bed is fixed and the extending bit slides out on runners in the roof, but I can't remember if it then sits in the steel roof chanels or not.

[armyphil]

Yes mate that's right but there is a shallow channel the bed pulls out from and sits on when it's fully pulled out I am missing?

You back over there now??

[Dubstar]

I am indeed mate - 18 hours!! Next time I'm flying, it's the future!!