DIY POPTOP IN CHEVY EXPRESS AWD

[tahoevan]

Just finished a poptop in my 07 chevy express van. Started as a cargo, added walls, insulation, tortion keys to lift it a couple inches, and a poptop from an 84 westfalia. If anyone is interested, the poptops from vanagon fit surprisingly well in these vans. It was a pretty big job but doable if you have some skills. I chose to ditch the luggage rack part of the poptop and fiberglass in the front of top. I built a simple mold out of rigid foam insulation and laid up fiberglass matt and cloth, painted the whole thing with marine topcoat. I'm in Auburn CA if you are nearby and want to take a look. Email me for any info-
Thanks
Derek
530 318-6609

 

[k9lestat]

very nice

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Well done!
What did you do for the fabric?
How the fabric connect to the van?
How does the top seal to the van?

Nice first post:victory:

 

[Desert Dan]

Great job
How do you like your Van?

 

[mgmetalworks]

Awesome! Nice work!!!

MG

 

[wanderbum]

That looks great! I'm also interested in the tent, did it come off the original? Would love to see interior photos as well. Nice work!

 

[Accrete]

Hey Derek, the van + Westy top looks great!
Best wishes on the build.
Thom

 

[JDZ]

Nice build! What size rims and tires?

 

[rockbender]

Looks great, Derek! I think the ExpressAWD is an awesome platform and is definitely on my short list for next time around. Meanwhile, the 'ol Econoline poptop retrofit is still working dandy.
Cheers!
josh

 

[sgosine]

Great looking rig!

Really like the addition, been thinking about popping the top on mine for a while now. How much addtl weight did it add?

 

[T.Low]

:26_7_2:

 

[skidpan]

Awesome job, I'm currently in the planning stages of a similar mod. Anything you would have done differently?

 

[Steamboater]

Great set up! Any more pics of the installation process and interior?

 

[tahoevan]

Hi, to answer some questions: I got the fabric from Gowesty.com, it seals great, attached to the roof with all stock metal strips and screws that I removed from the old Vanagon. I bought new weatherstripping for the outside of the pop top from them too. I got the strip that pinches onto the top and has an extra edge of softer rubber to seal larger gap areas. Used the existing Vanagon hinges too.

 

[tahoevan]

Thanks Dan,
Love the van, great mileage for a full size van, I would definitely recommend the express or savannah. Awesome snow vehicle, I live in Tahoe and am in need of awd quite a bit in the winter so its nice to not have to lock the hubs.