Questions about adding a pop top to my Gen 1

[plh]

I've got the itch to convert my Gen 1 2 door to something like this:







I don't have access to a A/C TIG however.

Anybody know of a reliable source in the midwest (Milwaukee / Chicago) that could fab something up like this for me?

The aluminum work only... I can finish and mount etc...

 

[Eric M]

Why not just a rooftop tent?

 

[plh]

Why not just a rooftop tent?

I already have one. There are a few "cons" to a RTT in my opinion. Not major, but the setup and take down time including putting on the cover is about 30 minutes. Especially the take down. Getting the cover on, on top of a truck is a huge pain. Its great if you are setup in one spot for a couple days, but if you move night to night.... Looking for something a little different and potentially quicker - unusual (although a RTT is pretty unusual around my area).

It is typically mounted on my '92. Have not had it on my '88 yet, but it is higher than my '92, so I'd imagine getting the cover on would be even more challenging.



I'm also trying to justify the continued ownership of the '88.

 

[Sleam]

Hardshell rtt then, the maggiolina would be perfect for you. Autohome is the company.

 

[plh]

Hardshell rtt then, the maggiolina would be perfect for you. Autohome is the company.

Nice, but could probably pull off a self conversion for less $$$ and have the option for access to inside the vehicle. Looks like the Maggiolina's run $3000 +/-

 

[Eric M]

I already have one. There are a few "cons" to a RTT in my opinion. Not major, but the setup and take down time including putting on the cover is about 30 minutes. Especially the take down. Getting the cover on, on top of a truck is a huge pain. Its great if you are setup in one spot for a couple days, but if you move night to night.... Looking for something a little different and potentially quicker - unusual (although a RTT is pretty unusual around my area).

It is typically mounted on my '92. Have not had it on my '88 yet, but it is higher than my '92, so I'd imagine getting the cover on would be even more challenging.

View attachment 279740

I'm also trying to justify the continued ownership of the '88.

Fair enough. I could have sworn I've seen RTTs that pop up just like the Samurai in your pictures, but I am not a fan of them so I wouldn't know.

I'd maybe take that Raider off your hands, if you end up selling. It would probably end up way cheaper than trying to import my desired 1990 LWB Exceed.

 

[plh]

I'd maybe take that Raider off your hands, if you end up selling. It would probably end up way cheaper than trying to import my desired 1990 LWB Exceed.

True! but either the '92 or '93 will be up for sale in August. My daughter heads off to college this fall, therefore we won't need 3 daily drivers. She can't have a vehicle there until senior year. (2018/2019)

 

[1morebike]

I have been working on the same idea. At first I thought a westfalia top off vanagon would work with some modifications but its to long. I'm still researching but I think with that big *** sunroof in the back it would be so easy to get in and out, it would be so cool.

 

[vanatee2000]

I too have been throwing this idea around. Figured I would build it out if fiberglass rather than aluminum

 

[1morebike]

There was thread around expo about a guy who used and old fiberglass boat as the top and built it from there, it turned out awesome. I think it was in the van section

 

[Toasty]

I thought this was going to be another stupid RTT thread, I like where this is going. Makes me want to build something for my Delica because I have the skills and equipment plus I'm a cheap bastard. Fits my criteria for mods.

 

[plh]

I thought this was going to be another stupid RTT thread, I like where this is going. Makes me want to build something for my Delica because I have the skills and equipment plus I'm a cheap bastard. Fits my criteria for mods.

You have AC Tig equipment? So jealous!

 

[Toasty]

You have AC Tig equipment? So jealous!

I wish, I can Mig aluminum though. Not as pretty but get's it done.

 

[plh]

Sent a napkin sketch over to a local fabricator to get an idea on what the base and top will cost to have made from 16 gauge aluminum 3003 or 5054 today.

 

[plh]

Went out and did some measurements of my Gen 1 SWB roof. Really thought it would be considerably longer than the Sami posted at the beginning of the thread. It is a little, but not to much. I figure I can get a 68 x 48 mattress / sleeping area. Width is OK. Length is probably OK. I'm 5'8" (and shrinking it seams) and my wife is 5'4". Won't be as spacious as the RTT. Found 2 fabricators local capable of doing the aluminum work, bending and welding. Will see what they come back with cost wise next week.