Help from Autosleeper owners

[timski]

Hello,

I've just bought an Autosleeper. One of the previous owners converted it from a 4 berth to a 2 berth, i.e. they added extra cupboard space up in the hightop. I'd like to put it back as it was if possible. I've got a feeling it wouldn't be too difficult but it would be a great help if any current Autosleeper owners in the forum could send me some close up photos so I can see what needs doing.

There's a photo in my garage that shows the hightop as it is at the moment. I'll add some better ones to this thread soon.

Cheers,
Tim.

[Ian and Lins]

Where are you? You can come and look at ours if you like. We are on the north Notts/Derbys border.

[kevtherev]

hello
I will be blunt...
Whoever has done that to the roof space... has compromised the vans strength to withstand a side impact and twisting
They have removed the "C" strut that should run across the roof which is an integral part of the vans structure.
If that is removed it should be modified to run over the roof.


Replacing this will allow you to install the slide out bed.
I'll sort out some pictures for you

[kevtherev]

you can see the "C" strut clearly here on my Autosleeper.
Also how the bed rests on the strut so allowing thinner ply boarding. The rest of the bed pulls out another 4 foot
Most if not all conversions leave this strut well alone, or replace it with one that follows the roof over the cabin

[justicewhittle]

Dude kevs pics are bang on exactly as roof space should be. I am in Kent if you want a look at my uber high top. James

[scottbott]

does the van ''creek'' or ''groan'' when being driven on bumpy roads,thought it would be bad enough when they cut a whacking great hole for the hightop,I would see about getting something sorted out about it,not trying to worry you though!!

[timski]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for that, although it is worrying. So is the C strut a metal beam that goes from one side of the vans outer frame to the other? From your pictures it's difficult to the tell because it is covered in carpet. I presume it is part of the original shell and the original Autosleeper conversion was built around it?

How do you suggest I go about getting that replaced? Can the C strut be source from somewhere? Presumably I'd need to get it welded back into place somewhere?

I haven't noticed it creeking when driving but we did think the suspension was fairly stiff compared to other vans we have driven.

Thanks,
Tim.

[timski]

One other point, do you think the van is safe to use in the meantime as long as we don't take any passengers, i.e. just have the two of us up front?

Thanks,
Tim.

[kevtherev]

Tim

you could have a strut cut from a scrap van ..plenty of them.
This is the structural frame of the van not inner or outer..frame

So is the C strut a metal beam that goes from one side of the van... to the other

Yes .... but why say it's difficult to tell
covered in carpet or not The c strut attaches to the c pillars ... you need to remove your Autosleeper carpet and box work above your "C" pillar and see where it's cut from, then ask for a similar cut section from a breaker

All your presumptions are correct
As for safety, that's up to you... I just hope you don't have an accident... the insurers would love that modification

[kevtherev]

Fill in your location Tim, there maybe some one near to you who can help

[timski]

Thanks Kev, I've filled in my location (Reading).

I should have phrased my post better regarding not being able to tell because of the carpet. I meant I'm not familiar with the structure of the roof so it was difficult for me to tell whether that cross-beam was metal inside under carpet. I suppose I was trying to build up a picture of what's going on under there. I had guessed correctly but wanted to confirm. On closer inspection it's clear now. I wouldn't have been able to tell without the pointers in this thread though. So thanks for that.

Having taken a brief look inside the box, it looks like they have cut the strut just inside the wooden boxing behind the carpet - at least on the kitchen side. I will take a closer look at the other side soon.

Would welding a new strut in place be a massive job do you think? Will replacing that strut restore the structural integrity of the van?

Are there VW specific breakers anywhere, or do you just have to keep your eyes peeled, do a bit of phoning around?

Thanks guys,
Tim.

[kevtherev]

Tim
It's a very simple repair, and once back in place the vans structural integrity will be returned to more acceptable levels.
Regarding the replacement....
Do you attend VW van shows like vanfest or camperjam or Deva Dubs?
reason I ask is T25 breakers are plentiful at these shows and at Vanfest bring scrap vans in to break, where you could pick your part and have it cut off.
Alternatively...
You could ask Billy 739 on here to cut you a section if he has a van in to break and bring the section to a show (he's in Gloucestershire)
There's andyvan, he's a breaker but posts here less often

Put an ad in the wanted forum...make the title clear for breakers to look at the post, Like "Cut section required (C strut)"
A little bit of explanation in the text and a link to this post you have made would help.. like this? https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 3#p7624403" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[timski]

Up until now I haven't attended any shows. This is all new to me. I've learned so much in the few weeks I've been on this forum and from the many helpful people on this forum like yourself, but I didn't see this one coming Thanks for all your advice Kev! It's really appreciated!

I'll get on with it now.

Tim.

[kevtherev]

I wish you the very best of luck..

[timski]

I followed your advice and posted a wanted

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 5#p7624435

I took the liberty of using one of your pics to demonstrate exactly the project I had in mind in case anyone knows someone who would be interested in carrying out the work.

Thanks,
Tim.