Transplanting a pop top?

[1sweetvan]

I found this Sportsmobile top attached to a Standard length 97 Dodge. I wonder if it will fit on an RB Ford. It appears to be in treasonable shape.

 

[Cole]

Only one way to find out:coffeedrink:

I transplanted a Eurovan Poptop from one Eurovan to another. Just measure and cut. Worth the effort!

 

[1sweetvan]

What did you use to make the cut? Cutting disk or sawsall?

 

[Cole]

What did you use to make the cut? Cutting disk or sawsall?

I used a 4" cut off wheel. I'm sure there might have been a more efficient way, but this didn't take too long and I liked the accuracy.

 

[rockbender]

I used an air hammer/chisel with the forked sheet metal cutting shear tool on it. No sparks and it leaves a nice cut.

 

[thedjjack]

I drilled 4 holes from the inside out to mark the corners....then chalk line to mark the lines....and cut with a cut-off wheel on a grinder with a cutting wheel guard and had the sparks outside the van....took me 15 minutes total time including the drilling...

 

[1sweetvan]

The more I think about this, the more questions I have. Now I'm worried about my side- Barn Doors. If I give them a goog slam now, I see the roof skin move. Once I cut out the roof cross members, the Penthouse frame will be the only stiffener that the doors close against.

The hole is 46.5" x 107".

 

[r_w]

There are lots of ways to stiffen the remaining roof. Cut undersized hole and flange the metal or weld more steel in place for a flange are just two.

I personally would want some kind of flange up just to act as a rain gutter for 100% waterproof interior even if parked on a hill.

 

[xped]

I also scored the same pop top a junk yard. I wasn't as fortunate to get the whole van roof. Is the actual rough cut in the roof 46.5 x 107? I didn't have a tape measure with me when I got it and when I went back they had crushed the van. I want to be sure I cut the right size hole.

 

[1sweetvan]

Yes. 46.5" x 107".

There was one spot on either side where it was cut larger to accommodate the lifting mechanism. That was like 20" long by maybe 2" or thereabouts. Il get those for you if you want.

 

[xped]

Yes. 46.5" x 107".

There was one spot on either side where it was cut larger to accommodate the lifting mechanism. That was like 20" long by maybe 2" or thereabouts. Il get those for you if you want.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Its been over a year since I got the top and want to be sure before I start cutting.

 

[Herbie]

I transplanted a GTRV pop top from a '95 van to an '03 van. There was a stiffening "ring" to keep the sheet metal rigid. I used an air nibbler. Lots of details and pics in my build thread (see signature)

 

[warmblood58]

I still think that a 3/4 ton tonneau cover could be used, create a flange to keep water out, have side curtains made by a canvas/upholstery shop and you are off to the races. I have seen very nice rigid tonneaus on Craig's List for 200.00. With a little ingenuity . . . .pop top!

 

[Cole]

Hmmm.....

 

[bdog1]

You ever install on of those lids on a truck? There heavy!


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