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canvas replacement advice

Posted: 24 Mar 2013, 20:22
by rainman
Hi, I'm considering replacing my canvas and fancy getting a nice yellow one, like these...

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_parts_Loca ... GB.htm.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Seems there are two types; 80-84 and 84-90. Now my van is definitely pre 84 but the roof is of dubious origin. Does anyone know what the difference between the two canvases might be? Also does anyone know if these are better quality than the one I bought from JK?

thanks

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 24 Mar 2013, 21:40
by Ralf85
I bought my westie canvas replacement from Gunzl. They cost £297.00 + postage. They refer to 80/85 for the earlier type which was the type that was 'nailed' on. The other one is 86-onwards which was fitted using aluminium strips is the one I have had fitted. I am well chuffed with it. I can't speak for the one's you're looking at on the VW Heritage site.
:)

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 24 Mar 2013, 21:55
by richlaz
I asked the same question :D but unfortunately haven't got round to doing the job yet... definitely this summer (whatever day summer will be this year :lol: :rollin :rofl )

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=101626" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 25 Mar 2013, 07:07
by rainman
Thanks for that, I think I need the earlier one so. Mine is stapled between plastic strips and wooden batons on the fibreglass roof at the top and it's sandwiched between aliminium strips and the van body and the bottom. I fitted the JK one myself and it wasn't too bad a job but I had no bed frame upstairs at the time so access was easier (might have to take that out again for the refit). The difficulty I envisage is that some idiot :oops: fastened the bottom of the canvas with rivets instead of screws, so that's going to be fun.

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 25 Mar 2013, 17:25
by richlaz
I quite like the yellow, but not sure if I'm brave enough... might have to go for beige or grey :lol:

If you do get yellow, post some pics when fitted to tempt me :D

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 30 Mar 2013, 18:44
by philat1
Hi

I would like to tap into this topic, as I'm also planning to replace me roof canvas on my westy.

Not sure where best to buy it, Grunzi or VWheritage. Also if to go for the three vented one, currently have the one front vent.

Can anyone help with either of the options, and advise on what sort of D.I.Y. job it is?

Many thanks.

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 30 Mar 2013, 20:26
by Pubert
Handy video to watch. http://vimeo.com/12165017" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've just taken delivery of an early type beige single window from Gunzl, quality seems good. Haven't even attempted to fit it yet so I can't comment on fitment. HTH

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 30 Mar 2013, 20:37
by keith
My lad did mine a couple of months back...


https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=113366" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 30 Mar 2013, 23:13
by Ralf85
philat1 wrote:Hi

I would like to tap into this topic, as I'm also planning to replace me roof canvas on my westy.

Not sure where best to buy it, Grunzi or VWheritage. Also if to go for the three vented one, currently have the one front vent.

Can anyone help with either of the options, and advise on what sort of D.I.Y. job it is?

Many thanks.

I recommend one with three vents, You can open the side vents at least partially in the rain so you can cook safely because there is a roof overhang and it's brilliant to provide extra ventilation at night if the weather is seriously hot, without worrying about rain coming in. I got somebody else to install my Gunzl one so can't help on that one.
:)

Re: canvas replacement advice

Posted: 31 Mar 2013, 07:28
by rainman
philat1 wrote:Hi

I would like to tap into this topic, as I'm also planning to replace me roof canvas on my westy.

Not sure where best to buy it, Grunzi or VWheritage. Also if to go for the three vented one, currently have the one front vent.

Can anyone help with either of the options, and advise on what sort of D.I.Y. job it is?

Many thanks.

I'm opting for the VWHeritage (if I ever get around to it) because I want it in yellow and I like the side vents as it just gives a couple more options for ventilation and views. I put in the JK canvas that I've got now by myself a few years ago and don't remember it being too difficult, no great technical ability required, but I did have no furniture at all upstairs which I think would make access much easier so I'm considering removing the woodwork for the refit.
I've read that JK have since improved the quality of their canvas and, to be fair, the deterioration of mine is largely due to my lack of maintenance, e.g. putting it away wet etc.