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westvalia roof on a late bay panelvan
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:58 am
by oldschool75
Hi all,
As in the subject line, would someone advise me to try and do this..... will this work...?
I have a nice panelvan, without engine and papers at this stage. Looking to put a Westfalia roof on it.
Any suggestions or advise?
Thanks
Re: westvalia roof on a late bay panelvan
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:31 pm
by fig
Do you already have the westy roof?
There's no reason not to do it, but be aware that original pop-top westies have significant extra body strengthening to make up for the hole in the roof. They have the double roof panel of a sunroof bus, as well as extra panels below the cargo floor.
Re: westvalia roof on a late bay panelvan
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:54 am
by oldschool75
Busy getting a roof from Volksieshop in Bloem ...
So it's not as simple as just cutting a hole and fitting?
Thanks
Re: westvalia roof on a late bay panelvan
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:59 pm
by fig
It can be that simple ... You need to decide what outcome you want. All I'm saying is the factory added considerable extra strengthening to make up for the weakness caused by cutting a hole in the roof. You may feel it's not necessary (and you may be right).
My 63 Dormobile has a huge hole in the roof and no added strengthening. Later Dormobiles were ordered with the optional extra panels under the floors. My Dormo's bodywork feels noticeably looser than a regular split bus, and there are dimples on all the spot welds where the outer panels are welded to inner panels from the flexing. But the car hasn't fallen apart or become dangerous over 50 years ...
Re: westvalia roof on a late bay panelvan
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:25 pm
by didi
Hi Johann,
You will need the roof, (make sure the wooden frame inside is in good condition) Look for play where the rivets of the front hinges bolt onto the poptop. You will need the stays for the back which are springloaded. The roofrack at the back with the support grommets that mount on the roof. I highlighted the double roof section in the picture as well as the inside support brackets- (get those as well if you can) The pop top tent is held by plastic tack strips on top and a moulded aluminium 4 piece at the bottom. That might also be well worth getting.
Also try and get the 3 inside fastening brackets
Hope this helps.
Re: westvalia roof on a late bay panelvan
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:39 pm
by oldschool75
Hi Fig and Didi,
Thanks so much for all the pointers and advise.
Hope it will go well, who knows....
Johann