Putting on the new pop-top - helpful hints

Replacing a pop-top on a 1988 Vanagon

Replacing a canopy top came with a fee of $500, so it made sense to do it ourselves. We were hoping that the time it took us to do it wouldn’t equal to 500 big ones. I hoped someone else besides us had done this already and paid society by putting it on the internet, and someone did! We combined their instructions (helpful) with the ones that came with the canopy (not as helpful) and started the mentally and physically challenging journey of putting on the new canopy. (This part was written by our wonderfully talented daughter, Katelyn!)

1988 Vanagon – (The directions that come with the canopy are for the baywindow - wooden tack strips)
Necessary tools (at least the ones we felt were necessary!): small hand held electric screwdriver, regular screwdrivers, tape measure, duct tape, small containers/ziplock bags to put screws in, metric wrenches, small tack hammer, pliers, permanent marker, at least 4 people to lift top off and put it back on.

1. We started by taking lots of pictures of how the original canopy was installed. I would definitely suggest this – they come in handy as you put the new canopy on. You can refer back to your pictures when you forget how something fit (I used it a lot!)

2. We unscrewed the bottom strips – we started at the front and then did the sides. To do the back I had to lay up on the bed. (That was fun on a hot day!). You can just unscrew all screws (place in a container or ziploc) and remove all metal strips (you can mark them on the back if you want to help when reinstalling them).

3. I took the 4 nuts off the bolts on the back, but left the bolts in to hold the top in place. ( 2 of the nuts are really hard to get to, so I needed to use the metric wrench)

4. I put the top down and unscrewed the top spring loaded rails on the front of the canopy. You need to secure the spring so that it doesn’t fly up – I used tie down straps to do this. After doing that, you can undo the nuts in the front.

5. This is when the four strong people come into play. You need to have an area prepared to put the top when you take it off. I used sawhorses with blankets placed on top. We carefully lifted it off and flipped it upside down on the sawhorses.

6. Then I did the same thing as in step 2, but this time it was a little easier. I unscrewed the screws off the strips. I also noticed there were little wood blocks where the canopy was attached with a small staple. I carefully took these out and saved them – they come in handy a little later. We kept the top in place, so that we could match up the new top – it gets a little confusing when it is upside down and this is a step you don’t want to mess up! Lay the new top over the old top so you can see how it should fit. Check windows (so you know the outside is the outside).

7. After we had the new top matched up and triple checked that it was correct, we slid out the old top.

8. We measured the top/front from seam to seam and made a little mark where the middle was. I used the staples (from step 6) to tack the canopy in place on the front (with the little wooden blocks). I then put these staples in the whole way around – I had to adjust a little and take some measurements as I did this.

9. Then I put the metal strips on with the screws. Make sure when you put the strips down that none of the canopy is stuck underneath the strip or you could puncture your new canopy. If you use your screw/drill take your time and pull on the top to make sure it doesn't bunch under the metal strip.

10. I carefully rolled up the canopy and duct taped it in place so I didn’t have to worry about the canopy catching on something.

11. This time I had 4 people help to put the top back on my Westy. Actually 5 can be real helpful if you can get them. 4 take the top over and move along the side of the westy and 1 stays in the middle just to guide and watch that the top doesn't catch on anything.

12. Put all the bolts back in place so that the top is attached. If you slide bolts in the back you then can let "the help" go. Attach the spring arms and attach back bolts so that the top is now reattached.

13. Take the duct tape off the canopy so it drops down.

14. I found a piece of wood to prop in front of the canopy (see illustration) so that I could drop the canopy down – I had to make sure it was secure so the top didn’t fall on my head! It helps when you attach the metal strips to have just a little slack - not too much but not the whole way up tight.

15. I found this next part to be the most challenging. We measured the front again (just like in step 8) so we could find the middle. If you don’t tighten the strips down the whole way, it will help in case you have to adjust anything and make sure it’s not bunched up. Put in the rails and secure the screws. I would periodically pop up the top to make sure the sides are nice and smooth and nothing is pulling.

16. When you get to the corners, you’ll need to notch (sort of a v shape) – just a little at first (more if needed) to make the corners work. I used snips to do this. The corners sort of bunch a little and you want to make sure that the strip holds it down good - take you time at this part. Cut just a little at a time - you can always cut more but you can't go back. The back is the hardest – very time consuming because you are working in a very small area and those little screws will make you say some words.

**We put this canopy on over a period of 2 days – I would say a minimum of 8-10 hours. It’s very tedious work and you definitely want to take your time so you don’t jack your new $400 canopy.

**I would not do this on a hot day, unless you have an air conditioned area to install it in.

Disclaimer – This was us installing the top using the directions from the company and ones we found on the internet. The following directions worked for us, but we take no responsibility for any mistakes you may make in the installation. Feel free to email us with any questions – we’ll try to help!

Niagara Falls/Lake Erie - Day 5 - June 15, 2011

We awoke this morning to the sound of birds – lots of birds. This was probably one of my favorite campsites to date – you can’t beat camping right on the sand! :) We went across the street to the PIG (Presque Isle Gallery) coffee shop for breakfast. Doug had the PIG mocha, Katelyn had s’mores hot chocolate, and I had a blueberry acai smoothie. We ate some pastries too – all were very good! The coffee shop was cool – it had lots of local crafts – we got some ideas for some future projects!

Next we drove into Presque Isle National Park (I study this with my kids in fourth grade when we talk about the regions of PA in social studies). It was a very clean park – lots of small beaches with lifeguards and concession stands. There were also a couple playgrounds and fishing areas. We just chilled on the beach – this was the hottest day on our whole trip – I think it was about 80 degrees. We were so glad for the sun! :) Katelyn played in Lake Erie – met some girls to skip rocks with. It was relaxing but I think we were all missing the Atlantic Ocean. About mid afternoon we made the decision to drive home after we left here.

I found a place to eat on the way home in Slippery Rock called North Country Brewing. (I checked with Adam to make sure it was good). We did have good meals there – totally stuffed ourselves! Doug had the wing special (6 whole wings), I had a zucchini parmesan sandwich, and Katelyn had their homemade root beer and a soft pretzel (she wasn’t very hungry). From there we went home – long ride from Slippery Rock! Doug was not thrilled to be driving those roads at night – we saw a lot of signs for deer. We finally made it home around 11:00. It was a very long ride and not a fun one at all! There really wasn’t much to look at along the PA turnpike.

Overall this trip was a lot of driving and not a lot to see, although we had a very good day at Niagara Falls. Katelyn’s reaction to the Falls, as well as her numerous pictures and video clips will not be forgotten. Also camping right on the beach on Lake Erie in PA will be a lasting memory…I just can’t wait to be forever waking up to the sounds of water!

Niagara Falls/Lake Erie - Day 4 - June 14, 2011

We woke up and quickly got ready. We wanted to try Tim Horton’s – a donut shop we thought was Canada’s version of Dunkin Donuts (although we did see a couple after we were back in the U.S. in NY). Today we were determined to find some area along Lake Erie that was interesting. We crossed the border back to the United States and headed toward the town of Erie, PA. We drove along the coast of Lake Erie, again hoping to find some quaint little towns or picturesque place along the water for lunch, but again no luck. At least I knew when we got to Erie, I had two campgrounds to check out that were supposed to be on the water.

Well, we finally lucked out!! We found Sara’s Campground, which at first we didn’t think had the water view we had hoped for, but then found out they had another part across the street that was lakefront sites. It was mostly an RV park, but there was a section right along the beach where you could camp. Sandy fit in perfectly! We found a nice spot to pull her right up on the beach. We took a quick trip to a sub shop in downtown Erie and then came back to the site to chill out! As you can see we had lakefront dining… finally! :) Katelyn enjoyed climbing out on the rocks, while Doug and I sat and enjoyed not driving!

 

After chilling for a while, we started a fire and for the first time on this trip, had s’mores! I must say having s’mores with the gigantic marshmallows are very messy, but oh, so delicious! We enjoyed the fire, then turned in for the night, with the sounds of the small waves on Lake Erie lulling us to sleep.  

Niagara Falls/Lake Erie - Day 3 - June 13, 2011

We decided to head north to the town of Niagara-on-the Lake today – heard it was a cool town with shops. It turned out to be a bit of a "la-te-da" town. We looked around at some of the shops (mostly bakeries!). The highlight of our time there was the shop called Cows. It was an ice cream shop with all kinds of cow merchandise – funny cow merchandise like Justin Beefer, iCowly, Mootube, Hannah Moontana t-shirts. (If you click the link, you can see the funny t-shirts!) We had some pretty tasty homemade ice cream there!

From there we headed west along Lake Ontario. We were very unimpressed. If you like wine, you would like it – there are wineries and grapes growing all along the way. We finally ended up at a visitor center when we stopped for gas. One of the girls there told us about a cool campground that she used to go to when she was a kid. She said there were all kinds of things for kids to do there. So we headed south to Lake Erie with a map of some different waterfront campgrounds to check. We drove to the first one (a little out of the way, but looked like it was directly on the water), but first we stopped at a little drive up place to eat. Afterwards we headed to the campground called Knight’s Beach fully intending on staying there, but when we didn’t really even see much of a beach, we decided to head east towards the U.S. We drove and drove trying to find the other campgrounds on the map (that we got at the visitor’s center), but they were not there! We did check out one State Park, but just weren’t impressed.

We finally ended up at Sherkston Shores, the campground the girl told us about. Well… it was pretty much deserted ($25 a night to camp). We realized it wasn’t the “in season” yet. One of the cashiers at Niagara Falls told Katelyn the kids around there weren’t finished school until the end of June. By the time we were settled and took a little walk to Lake Erie, it was time for bed. This was a pretty uneventful day – a lot of driving and not much to see or do. At this point Doug wished Katelyn had chosen Cape Cod!

Niagara Falls/Lake Erie - Day 2 - June 12, 2011

We woke up this morning and had some breakfast in Sandy. The advantage of having a Westy is sleeping in it, and not needing a hotel room. This also becomes a disadvantage at times like this – we were pretty sure we were coming back to the same campground again that night, but we had to take apart beds and put all our luggage and chairs in the back so that we could drive Sandy down to the Falls. Then when we got back in the evening we had to set everything up again. It is a bit of a hassle, but we love sleeping in Sandy and pretty much know where everything fits the best.

So we drove down to the Falls area and parked at the Comfort Inn parking lot – you could park all day for $10 (not bad), and we could leave and come back in the evening for fireworks and to see the Falls lit up. We took Katelyn down to the Canadian side of the Falls. She loved it – we had to stop about every 30 seconds as we got closer to the falls so that she could take a picture. It was cute – her reaction, “They’re beautiful!” We walked the whole way to the Falls and then back. By that time, we were ready to get something to eat so we got some burgers and fries and sat at a table where we could see the Falls. Then it was back to Sandy to take a rest. :)

After lunch we walked across the Rainbow Bridge to the American side of the Falls. You had to take your passport along, but it wasn’t a big deal – they just asked what you were doing - again no stamp :(. We went to the Maid of the Mist first. That was pretty cool – you get super close to the Falls. Katelyn really enjoyed it – she was taking pictures and I think some video too with her waterproof Kodak Playsport video camera.(I had to include a picture from 2002 with our family at the Falls - this time we didn't take the big kids.)









Next we went to the Cave of the Winds. That was insane. You are almost standing under the Falls! There is a hurricane deck where you get pelted with wind and water. Doug and Katelyn had a great time with this! I didn’t get too close, but I had a great time watching them! :) Katelyn thought it was cool that you got to keep the sandals. Even though we wore ponchos, we still got wet – Doug and I even kept on our Maid of the Mist ponchos on which were a little longer.

We walked back across the bridge – it was a little chilly. We had to get the picture of us standing in two countries at one time! I'm sure when I was a kid there were actually lines painted on the ground - now it's just that plaque.
We stopped at a souvenir shop and got a couple things. Then back to Sandy and the campground. We were tired, so we just picked up a Hot-n-Ready (yes, Little Caesar’s) and took it back to the campground. We ate our pizza and then decided that the pool and hot tub sounded good. After that we got showers.

Around 9:15, we headed back to the Falls area. We ended up in the perfect spot for the fireworks. The Falls looked very pretty all lit up – they changed the colors – the American Falls were red, white, and blue for a time. When the fireworks started, they lit up the sky… huge and beautiful! They only lasted about 10 minutes, but extremely impressive! We really liked it – definitely worth it to go back at night.
After that we returned to the campground, got our beds ready, and went to sleep!

Niagara Falls/Lake Erie - Day 1 - June 11, 2011

We said we’d do it and we did! We wanted to leave right after school ended for a trip in Sandy! We gave Katelyn 2 choices – Cape Cod or Niagara Falls. She chose Niagara Falls – she was there when she was 2 years old to visit Uncle Randy, who was doing border patrol at the time. That time (with Randy’s connection), we got to ride in a helicopter over the falls. She fell asleep! :) She was ready to see the Falls again – this time as a bigger kid with a video camera!

So we got up on Saturday, June 11, and drove to Niagara Falls, Ontario. That was quite a drive. We stopped at a Sheetz for gas and food along the way. We got our food and ate in Sandy. We enjoy that. Katelyn brought 10 books along, so you can guess what she did the whole way up to Canada! Crossing the border was no problem. We had our passports ready and were a little bummed that they didn’t stamp them… I wonder why they don’t?
It was about a 7 hour drive – we went right to our campground – Niagara Falls KOA.

It was a very nice and clean campground. They had a huge inflatable pillow that Katelyn had fun jumping around on. Then we went to the indoor pool – Doug and Katelyn swam while I read The City of Ember (a book of Katelyn’s that I started to read one day and now I can’t put down!). They had fun swimming, then back to the campsite for a campfire. We roasted hot dogs and those new HUGE marshmallows!! They were pretty fun – roast the outside layer then eat that and roast the next one and so on! Takes a while to eat just one!

We have our new top on Sandy – did it ourselves – that’s a story for another entry – I think I’ll let Doug tell that one since he did most of the work! Anyway, it got very chilly as night hit, so we didn’t even need our extra two windows! Needless to say, we used sheets and blankets this night! Katelyn loves sleeping up top.

Sandy doesn't like winter

Hopefully things will start to appear again on this blog now that the weather is getting warmer. I thought I’d give a little update on how Sandy did this winter. In a couple words… Sandy does not like cold weather!!

The first indication we had of this was when Katelyn and I were on our way to her bus stop one cold, winter morning and the sliding door slid open while we were driving! Katelyn freaked out (as I too would have if I was sitting in the back seat!)! My school bag flew out onto the side of the road, which is what Katelyn was most worried about. Turns out all was fine, we collected all the items – only a few were in the street, mostly just some broken pens.

I’m not sure why the door was opening! It only happened 2 more times over the course of the winter. There was no rhyme nor reason that we could figure out as to why it happened except that Sandy does not like winter (just like her owners!!). We even locked the door and it still came open. Needless to say, we were very careful as to what we put on the floor – mostly everything was up on the seat!

About a month after my oil change, I noticed spots in the garage that looked like oil. Sandy was also hesitating sometimes when I gave her gas. So, I took her in to get checked and found out she had quite the problems. I had to get the thermostat replaced which cured the hesitation problem and also gave me more heat! She actually got nice and warm in the cold weather. The transmission problem had to do with some seal. Of course that seal cost me about $900 to fix!!

Our final mishap of the winter time was again on the way to the bus stop with Katelyn! I was getting ready to make a turn and BAM! – a girl turned right into my front and side bumper! She claimed the sun was in her eyes! Great. Sandy was still drivable and is actually getting fixed this week. Her insurance is covering it all.

We decided that while she is at the body shop, we’d also get the sliding door touched up and painted. She should look good when all is said and done.