ambulance roof removal and re-install

[INISLDR]

I have found a 2006 EB ambulance roof for sale. The salvage yard is willing to cut the roof free and sell it to me for $600. I am wondering if anybody has re purposed a high top roof like this. The van it will be transplanted onto is a 97 EB. I am also wondering if the roof lines are the same? I think they are but maybe somebody could verify please? I could see it being a nice high top roof once all the lights and horns are removed and holes repaired...

Thank You,
Kristian

 

[Bbasso]

measure twice cut once.

but it should fit, the body hasn't changed since it came out in 1992iirc.

 

[INISLDR]

so its just a matter of how the original was installed and if it will come apart without destroying it. I might have to stop by and take a look and snap some pics first...

 

[bdog1]

I believe 92 to 2007 are the same. Please keep us updated! I'd like to do something similar also.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[guidolyons]

Write up on installing a high top: http://www.cheaprvliving.com/install-high-top/

It's a GM van, but the process would be similar.

 

[INISLDR]

Write up on installing a high top: http://www.cheaprvliving.com/install-high-top/

That was a very inspiring write up that it can be done without too much fuss. One thing I have thought about with the ambulance top is what to do with all the exterior lights? I would want to remove the lights but that means repairs... I have done some fiber glassing so it would not be too bad, unless the lights could be converted to exterior lights with different fixtures? I don't want this to be a club house ghetto top install lol.

 

[INISLDR]

Here's some pics of the top.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Here's some pics of the top.

I'd keep the lights and change the color of the lenses... I find them handy.

Repairing the holes wouldn't be hard though.

 

[Bikersmurf]

If you're going through the effort of installing a raised roof, would that roof be high enough? Or, would you want a camper top?

 

[INISLDR]

If you're going through the effort of installing a raised roof, would that roof be high enough? Or, would you want a camper top?

This is a good point. I don't really want to go too tall but this roof is around the 16" range. I think that gives around 5'-5" or so inside? I'm 6'-1" so I would still have to stoop but my wife would be ok. I don't really like the look of a 24" or 30" inch roof. Too tall in my opinion. A pop top would be best but I don't have 5k plus to spend on the top. Trying to get my rig all up finished for around that... unless I find a wrecked Sportsmobile or something. That would be a score!

 

[philos]

Maybe search the local wrecking yards for a conversion van or an old ice cream van to get a top from. You'd probably save a healthy chunk and not have to deal with the lights. I see them around here in the 16"-20" range from time to time and have seen a few nice candidates sit for several months. I'm still debating it myself or I'd already have done it.


Sent via flux capacitor

 

[derjack]

I have a similar roof on shorty. Though mine came that way. My interior is now 1,60 meter, stock should be 1,32m or so.
Unless one is really small, I wouldn't go installing this narrow roof. If you want to sell the rig later without a minimum of 1,80m its useless and will not gain any extra penny.

These roofs are also not an engineering high tech thing. In my region its common to build sleeping roofs on tiny rigs like Toyo or G Models
If you don't need or want a foldable roof you can build it relatively easy out of 4mm aluminum and glue it to the top of the van. that's how it's done in Germany for $$$. Though material is not that expensive.

 

[guidolyons]

I'd keep the lights and change the color of the lenses... I find them handy.

Repairing the holes wouldn't be hard though.

Agreed. I'd keep the lights, swap in some LEDs and clear lenses. Great for setting up camp, etc. One of the ambo threads (maybe Belefonte, Belafonte reboot, AmboVan? ) has a link for clear lenses and other ambulance related items.

 

[Stumpalump]

Offer 3 and tell them to keep the lights.

 

[Bikersmurf]

What sucks about Ambo lights is the lenses run about $55/each + shipping (if they'll even ship to Canada6. So far I've not had much luck finding the ones used on my rig for less.

Fortunately, we still want it to look like an ambulance... And red light are legal on the back half of the truck aren't they.