Converting hi-top to a flat-top

[rangemsr]

Converting hi-top to a flat-top

1992 Syncro 16" : 2.1DJ, 2 diff-locks, decoupler.

My van originally was a factory hi-top, but is now a camper with a very tall SCA high top on it. This roof is great, very big and yet very aerodynamic. I've got 2 horizontal steel box sections instead of the original roll hoops.

Problem is that I'm not greatly into 4 person family camping in a T3 and I don't really like the look of the roof if I'm not using it that much.

Unwisely contemplating:
a) Selling it.
b) Ripping the roof off and making some sort of flat roof with a roof rack. Either tin-top, fibreglass, checkered aluminium sheet, ...?

If you take the roof off a factory hi-top the all you're left with is just a closed section perimeter frame. Quite different than an original tin top.

Has anyone any opinions, experience with putting a flat roof on again, any ideas for DIY solution, or know anyone that could do it for me?

Still deliberating over it, otherwise may possibly be for sale soon or in the spring ...

cheers

matt

[Simon Baxter]

Sell it and buy the right thing, you'll ruin it buy putting something else on.
No disrespect but it will never be right afterwards.

[rangemsr]

Sell it and buy the right thing, you'll ruin it buy putting something else on.
No disrespect but it will never be right afterwards.

Thanks Simon

Usefull input, if most people think it's a bad idea, it probably is ...

Here's a pic, spotted up for Ireland trip to demilitarise it!

https://picasaweb.google.com/rangemsr/Syncro02#

cheers

matt

[lloydy]

That link don't work?
Could you not put the VW hightop back on? Or even look out for a certain style of ambulance roof that looks like the dehler roof
Lloyd

[Mickyfin]

[lloydy]

Nice colours

[rangemsr]

sorry, the https://picasaweb.google.com/rangemsr/Syncro02# link should now work.

I didn't put the roof so not got the original, not sure If that would meet my desires anyhow ....

cheers

matt

[Aidan]

you could put a factory sunroof on, syncropete did that to his 16" factory hi top , best of all worlds

[syncropete]

Our 16 camper was originally a hideous factory high top. I changed it to a steel standard height roof with the large sunroof. This was a big job with hundredes of spot welds to drill. The factory high top has a steel channel all the way round the top to drill off as well. The fact that it was a sunroof version fitted made the job a lot harder than imagined. Having said that its a lot easier than welding underneath a van and everything is accesible. With the right equipment 2 or 3 days should see it done (not painted). The corners need to be brazed as per factory.
Hope this helps.
Pete.

[syncropete]

sorry aiden , didnt see your reply there. Hows things? Going to vanfest?

[syncropaddy]

Sell it ...... and buy another

[Aidan]

sorry aiden , didnt see your reply there. Hows things? Going to Vanfest?

hi Pete, and everyone else

things good, busy as, not going to vanfest no time no money, got to pull a diesel fuel tank out of a syncro shell this weekend