Best way to make a soft top pop up?

[Tomahawk2008]

I am in the process of building a camper. (Build thread will be appearing soon!) The problem I am having is finding info on attaching the soft top on the camper body and the roof. I don't know if I can find a kit, or if there are off the shelf parts. Here are some examples of what I am trying to do.

 

[ratled]

Look at the hamthis and rut digger trailer build threads

ratled

 

[givemethewillys]

I really like the look of that last one, and I'll be keeping track of this thread to learn more myself.

 

[OZKAM]

G,Day Tommahawk
Mate you can get extruded alluminium section of different types fairly cheap and rectangle section tube . Top frame is just 2" x 1" ally rectangle box section screwed / riveted bolted through the roof sheeting then either do a DIY job and make the canvas / vinyl tent sock yourself or get an upholsterer to sew you one up ..These tutorials might help if you DIY .https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sailrite+videos...
Bottom Ally extrusion is aprox 1" x 1" square with a 1" tag off one side [ other sizes available ] sealed and screwed / riveted / bolted to or through the body tub walls .
Drawing is of how I have done canvas / vinyl walls on campers before..
Black is the ally sections
Green is the canvas / vinyl [ rolled around a 1/2" x 1/8 th ally flat bar ] seal to ally section with Sikaflex sealant
Blue arrows are Screws or mushroom head rivets to hold the canvas etc to the ally frame
Yellow / orange is roof sheeting and body tub respectfully

 

[Waygoner]

I'm very interested in the replies to this as well. I have visions of a VMI type build down the road. I wonder if you could buy the parts from one of the manufacturers?

 

[FMF]

You could always buy a large hard side RTT and cut the bottom out of it.

 

[Tomahawk2008]

Here is what I like so far.

Ok this will attach to the fabric.
http://www.sailrite.com/Keder-Awning-Rope-Tape

And this will attach to the trailer
http://www.sailrite.com/Awning-Track-Aluminum-48

Awning track would be mounted down 2 inches from the top of the body of the trailer so there is space to put
https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Extreme-Outdoor-Titanium/dp/B001O6T2ZS

On the inside there will be a flap that attaches to the popup vinyl and comes into the trailer. This will be snapped on and help hold the top into place.
https://farm9.static.flickr.com/8340/8173424071_a0e6600830_b.jpg

 

[OZKAM]

You could just use industrial strength adhesive backed 2" velcro tape to attach the tent canvas / vinyl .. sew one side of the velcro to the tent section and stick the other to the camper tub side and use an ally 90* angle frame fitted to the roof under side with one side of the velcro tape stuck to it, Attach the tent section top edge with velcro sewn to it, to the ally angle ..
No need for sail tracks and to have the Keeder track edging, I did a home built camper using heavy duty Silver / white poly tarp for the tent section that had all seems held together with 2" industrial velcro Never had any troubles with leaks in wet weather in 12 years of use .. Each side / end etc could be taken off to make repairs or alter if needed ..

 

[Tomahawk2008]

You could just use industrial strength adhesive backed 2" velcro tape to attach the tent canvas / vinyl .. sew one side of the velcro to the tent section and stick the other to the camper tub side and use an ally 90* angle frame fitted to the roof under side with one side of the velcro tape stuck to it, Attach the tent section top edge with velcro sewn to it, to the ally angle ..
No need for sail tracks and to have the Keeder track edging, I did a home built camper using heavy duty Silver / white poly tarp for the tent section that had all seems held together with 2" industrial velcro Never had any troubles with leaks in wet weather in 12 years of use .. Each side / end etc could be taken off to make repairs or alter if needed ..

Thank you for the info! I like that setup!

 

[SR5expo]

Bus depot has the Vw westie pop top canvas for cheep then just make the same size lid and opening. All the hard work is done

 

[OZKAM]

Thank you for the info! I like that setup!

Your welcome ,,, Red arrows point to velcro inside edge tops and bottom of all wall panels ..
Blue arrows point to velcro outside
Each end panel wrapped around the side wall ends

 

[jwiereng]

How would this type of attachment work work when closed?

Appears to me that the fabric would be pinched when closed and I imagine subsequent chafing