How big a hole?

[therealchrisgray]

Geeetings! I finally got my westy-style poptop fitted and am now grappling with the "what next" question.

Roght now I've only cut a 1m hole in the tin roof, between the two roof supports. And I haven't yet secured the tent to the roof.

But there's only a couple of inches clearance between the metal and the fibreglass, not a lot of space for a bed. So I'm wondering if I can cut away more roof and put in a bed that lifts up out of the way with the poptop when not in use.

That means removing the cross beam in the middle of the van. I would be left with whatever is above the windscreen (behind the headliner), one at the door pillars, and one at the back with the tailgate hanging off it.

Has anyone else done this? Is this beam doing anything more than supporting the roof, like providing overall rigidity? If I cut it out, do I need to add anything anywhere else to compensate?

More generally, I'm thinking of putting in front swivel seats and not having a rock n roll bed. Van is mostly used in warm climates, so an outdoor kitchen under the tailgate looks good. I will probably want to do online work in the van, and also need quite a lot of storage space for clothes, wetsuits, camping gear, etc. Any layout suggestions or bed ideas are much appreciated.

Thanks

[multisi]

The westy poptop had a factory lowerd roof , yours has the standard curved roof so no room for the hinged boards and mattress set up, there will be room in your conversion for the ply boards to make the bed base , i have the same set up in my multivan and the boards are hinged with a piano hinge across the front of the boards, you will need a removable mattress, roll up or blow up to make the upper bed.

[silverbullet]

Web search for Westfalia T3 Mozaik poptop required?

[Rascal]

These are some good videos on YouTube.. Slso a company sells a template ill try to find the links

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3YX0vd2LPVg

pop top install

I have a westy mozaik... And. The previous installer had neglected to fit the reinforcing plated for the pop top hinges and just rivited them to the roof.. So i spent some time researching and made my own.. I believe they are available to purchase now... But make sure you have them

roof brackets.
The images are a good indication of theur fitment

The same company also sells the mozaik folding bed extension.. My mosaik has a fiberglass bed base that fits on the non westy factory curved roof.. Did your kit come with this.? Im currently working away at the moment but haply to take pics for you on my return of my. Mosaiks roof etc
mosaik template

[therealchrisgray]

Web search for Westfalia T3 Mozaik poptop required?

Oh boy, am I learning to hate AI-generated answers to search queries!?

Seems like the Mozaik just has the small 1 sq metre hole. I can't find an answer to whether I can safely cut out that central support beam.

[therealchrisgray]

These are some good videos on YouTube...

pop top install

Thanks Rascal! Someone else previously recommended that channel and it has been super-useful, especially the bit about back plates! We improvised our own, but it's nice to see a supplier here in the EU. Thanks for the link.

So your recommendation is not to cut out that central support beam?

[multisi]

No dont cut out the middle roof crossmember.

[sarran1955]

Hi,
DO NOT CUT THE CROSSBEAM....

[therealchrisgray]

DO NOT CUT THE CROSSBEAM....

Tell me what you really think!

I guess it does something important then?