Pop top canvas.

[Pummer67]

Going to try and fit a new pop top canvas for my westfalia. Any tips before I start. Is it reasonably easy or a absolute mare.

Mark

[captain Byrne]

Nightmare - good luck!

[Pummer67]

Brilliant. Not what I wanted to hear but I was sort of expecting someone to say that. Should you start with the top or bottom. I was thinking fix all the way round the bottom and then pull up to the corners and temp fix them pulling tight and then fix all the way round. Do u think I need an extra pair of hands to help me?

[captain Byrne]

E D I T - Depends on how the canvas is fixed to the roof. I think lates have an aluminium strip & earlies are stapled. Mine's an early so I had to take the roof off.

Going from memory, (as it was a few years since I did mine). Remove the aluminium strip holding the canvas to the van. Close the pop top, (not fully) and prop up the roof at the front, I used a piece of wood about 0.5m long. Remove sixteen nuts/bolts holding the H bar to the roof & van and then tie the tension bars together on the 'H' bar. I used decent strength cable ties, two for each. Remove the H bar completely. Remove all but one (on each side) of the bolts on the rear hinge holding the roof to the van. One person stands on the roof above the cab and holds the front of the roof. At least one person (two are better) on the ground holding each rear corner. Undo the two remaining bolts at the rear hinge and carefully lift the roof of the van. It's heavy so be warned. Ok roof off.
Put the roof on its back & remove all the staples holding the old canvas. (You should also really measure the distance from the wooden frame to the roof on the old canvas so when you put the new one on it's not too tight or too saggy).
Get a good staple gun and staple the new canvas in place. Easier said than done - it's a real PITA. When that's done it's just a case of returning the roof to the van so a reverse procedure of the above. To avoid damaging the new canvas you should roll it up and secure it under the lip of the roof before you re-attach the roof to the van.
That's about it really. All the best!

[Dollytony]

I did mine with the roof in place, Jed did a video on CVC website, I pretty much did the same. It is fiddly especially at the back but loads easier than taking the roof off.

End result was good

[Pummer67]

Yea mines a 79 so is stapled to some batten. I am presuming Cvc video will be of a later one as they don't sell a canvas for the early ones. But might be worth a watch still later.

[captain Byrne]

Yea mines a 79 so is stapled to some batten. I am presuming Cvc video will be of a later one as they don't sell a canvas for the early ones. But might be worth a watch still later.

That's correct. You won't be able to replace yours without taking the roof off I'm afraid. Just be methodical but defo get an extra pair of hands & a decent staple gun. And remember, the roof is heavier than you think!

[Pummer67]

Ok. Brilliant. I didn't even consider roof needed to come off so thanks for your input.

[Dollytony]

Mines an 81 and is stapled still managed it without taking the roof off, alot less hassle.

[captain Byrne]

I guess you could do it without taking the roof off but once it's off you can do a much better job, (IMHO). I recall watching a couple of vids of someone doing it in situ & they really struggled. I also cleaned & painted the underside whilst it was off. I'm not saying it's impossible, but sometimes I think it's best to go around something the long way in order to do a proper job.

[irishkeet]

I would replace the staple strip, I got mine from NLAVW

http://nlavw.com/gb/roof/68-white-plast ... anvas.html

[danmetallic]

If you're methodical it's not too bad. We have rail here if you need it. http://campervanculture.com/shop/vw-t25 ... ttom-edge/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Install video here https://vimeo.com/104328953" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[horizontal kipper]

Fitted my 80 joker with the roof left in place. Double check your new canvas is big enough before removing your old one and use stainless steel staples.

[Pummer67]

Thanks everyone. All complete now. It took longer to get old one completely removed and all staples removed than it did to fit new one. My dad helped me and we got it fixed into place Monday night and he kindly finished it off for me tonight while I was working. Was a bit fiddly with the roof on doing the back but we managed it and the new one looks ace.

[danmetallic]

Photos? Well done.