what's the best pop-top?

[5rise]

Hi, thinking about fitting an elevating roof to my tin top. Main reason is for head space when parked up with kids for picnics etc but they would also like to sleep "upstairs" when we go camping.

I've had a look at the different types - Westy, Devon, Viking etc. but what are the pros and cons and which would be the easiest to fit DIY?
Does each need a different size hole cutting in roof and is it the case that you can't fit a Westy type to a van without some sort of conversion?

Thanks in advance

[jamesc76]

I know this isnt what you asked but I have had 2 pop tops and now I have a high top, which is sooooo much better for warmth, room and storage! They dont cost that much either!

[silverbullet]

Superviking. It's the daddy. I dismantled one last year and sold it to Jiffies - ask him about the horrors of fitting it to an ex-Autohomes
About 100000 pop rivets but it's the only one that will sleep 3x6 footers...

[kevtherev]

I've had a look at the different types - Westy, Devon, Viking etc. but what are the pros and cons and which would be the easiest to fit DIY?

devon

Does each need a different size hole cutting in roof
Thanks in advance

yes and in a different place too

is it the case that you can't fit a Westy type to a van

to a panel van yes

[5rise]

Thanks for the replies and the info. I take your point about the high top, but because it will be such an infrequent camper I think the advantages will be out weighed as a daily driver. With regard to the Westy question, my van is a twin-slider - would a westy pop-up fit that?

[lloydy]

I think the van needs to be a carravelle/kombi. i.e left the factory with windows, as these have a slightly different roof

[lloyd]

westy vans have different metalwork in the top... it's flat, not curved. No easy way to put a factory westy top on a non-westy van. Can put a westy Joker Mosaic poptop on as it was designed for the normal van's curved roof.

[5rise]

Mine is actually badged as a "Bus" and has fittings in the floor for a 2nd row of seats and windows all round, but it has a curved roof so I suppose the Westy is out then. However, did come across this:

http://vwelevation.com/2009/09/vw-pop-tops/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lloyd]

Lance is a member here. It's a good poptop conversion.

[BigTam]

How about this Westy,

[silverbullet]

With regard to the Westy question, my van is a twin-slider - would a westy pop-up fit that?

Pop-topping a twin-slider is probably a really bad idea. There will be very little keeping the two halves together and T3's are twisty enough as they are, without a great big hole in the roof too...I don't think the factory ever did twin-sliders with sunroofs for that reason.
If you do go for it, expect to get lots of cracking at the corner of the front doors, above the fuel filler...and peculiar handling on twisty lanes

[Ariadne]

Get the best of both worlds! On my Carthago I am lucky enough to have a semi-high top which pops up further for sleeping. Means you can keep the top down for cooking and still get enough height not to bash your head, but you can elevate it at night time.

Incidentally, I spent my first night in this van on Saturday with a mate and I actually opted to sleep in the top! Says a lot when you would prefer to sleep in the top than 'downstairs'!

I think these might be rather hard to get hold of, but maybe someone would make one for you?

A

[5rise]

With regard to the Westy question, my van is a twin-slider - would a westy pop-up fit that?

Pop-topping a twin-slider is probably a really bad idea. There will be very little keeping the two halves together and T3's are twisty enough as they are, without a great big hole in the roof too...I don't think the factory ever did twin-sliders with sunroofs for that reason.
If you do go for it, expect to get lots of cracking at the corner of the front doors, above the fuel filler...and peculiar handling on twisty lanes

Good point, I hadn't thought of that. Would a Hi-Top compensate for the loss of rigidity in the roof, or would that be a no-no as well?

[lloyd]

There are several hi-top twin sliders in the club.

[5rise]

There are several hi-top twin sliders in the club.

Cheers for that. Also did a quick internet search and found quite a few pop-top twin sliders as well (no doubt converted)

Therefore, the question remains, is there any difference with regards to rigidity between pop-top and hi-top?