Vanagon Hightop - Syncro

[Wandr]

Well after much internal debate here is the latest update. I was wandering through our local junk yard and came across an 90 Westfalia with a full camper interior. i picked up a full interior with rear seat for the lump sum of $150.00. I was quite happy with my weekender interior and the floor/seating and large bed space it offered. But, I am a sucker for organization. After a long weekend I was able to get most of it installed. Here is the progress so far. Still waiting on the top.

 

[a.mus.ed]

Sick score! I spent $100 on wood and had to design, cut, and assemble my simple sleeping platform.

 

[ersatzknarf]

Very nice and great price !

Agree that hi-tops are an excellent way to go and help greatly with being stealthy

Looking forward to seeing photos of the new top


Cheers,
Frank

Well after much internal debate here is the latest update. I was wandering through our local junk yard and came across an 90 Westfalia with a full camper interior. i picked up a full interior with rear seat for the lump sum of $150.00. I was quite happy with my weekender interior and the floor/seating and large bed space it offered. But, I am a sucker for organization. After a long weekend I was able to get most of it installed. Here is the progress so far. Still waiting on the top.

 

[T.Low]

Great find. I've seen people asking $150 for just the old beat up beds units.

To Cabinet, or Not to Cabinet;

Pretty big decision for me. I like the useable space and versatility of a weekender type interior, and really do use the space a lot. Numersous times I've taken 7 people with gear into the mountains and that type of use.

But the cabinet system is so cool. If I came across an entire cabinet kit for $150, I'd snatch it up, install it, and try it for a while at the very least. I think you really do need to live with it for a while to see what you like about and what you miss about the open space, if anything.

You can't go wrong. If you don't like it, there will always be a market for it so you will never have any trouble selling it.

Yours will be a pretty rare rig, especially in SE Mi.(In the '80's I worked at the best backpacking/outdoor shop in SE Mi.- before The Moose Jaw, before REI)

Looking foreard to the install pics.

 

[Wandr]

Was the name of the shop "The Benchmark"? If so I loved That place! So far I like all the space. I still don't have the top. I am trying to be patient. I don't wait very well. But it was first promised to be in mid - Febuary. We have two VW Vanagons. My wifes will stay the weekender.

 

[T.Low]

Was the name of the shop "The Benchmark"? If so I loved That place! So far I like all the space. I still don't have the top. I am trying to be patient. I don't wait very well. But it was first promised to be in mid - Febuary. We have two VW Vanagons. My wifes will stay the weekender.

Ha, you got it, The Benchmark. (ran the kayak shop before moving on to Great River Outfitters)

I had to wait all summer for my pop top, but I knew that when i purchased it. I put down the deposit in April and it was installed in the beginning of Sept. Such is life. Looking forward to your mod pics. Hang in there!:snorkel It's going to be like getting a whole new rig when it's finished.

And FWIW, I prefer the new hub caps you've put on. Looks great.

 

[ersatzknarf]

Bump for Hightop status, please ?

 

[Wandr]

I wish I had a update. Apparently the shipment of the top was lost/stolen. (Coming from the UK). They are making a new top and should be completed by the end of the week. So I am promised mid-June. I have debated about putting the kabash on the hard top and installing a pop-top. But that is a lot more work! Maybe good things come to those that wait.

 

[ersatzknarf]

That's very unfortunate. I am glad they are rushing to get you another. I have my own horror story, but let's save that for another time. I really think you are going in the right direction with the hard top vs. a pop-top. You're right, good things do come to those who wait

 

[BIGdaddy]

I would have you just wait, too. I think the high-top is a much better idea.

I'm a big westy fan, but they are COMPLICATED...I love the simplicity of the high top and its not like vanagons go fast enough to worry about wind resistance..haha! j/k.

-B

 

[BIGdaddy]

Then again...

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/pts/1753922458.html

you could buy that and be done with it for a fraction of the cost...haha!!

 

[Wandr]

Still waiting... I've been told on the water today or so. Should see it in 12-14 days.

 

[vanderpooch]

How bout now??
Anyword?

 

[Wandr]

Top arrived and installed...

Out of the crate.

Moment of Truth... Cutting of the Roof.

Finished

Headliner out of the way.

Getting Prepared for the Top Install

Everything set and on the road.

 

[vanderpooch]

:Wow1:

GAME ON!!! That is super slick!!

Is that adhesive as good as they say? What an easy install although I'll bet you were a bit puckered when you started drilling that roof.

Congrats!!:victory: