Thinking of a rag top

Alright... I'm just looking for opinions here. Im thinking of installing a rag top on my van. I need some air flow and I do live in California(it doesn't rain in California)  What you opinion?? and whats a good application
Thanks for sharing

My only thoughts are = is the existing top straight / no rust thru?/ if so -id find another van to do!! Now -if bad id suggest contacting a member here= "Wirepuller" as he bought an econo from me that i had removed a camper top from. He will know all about who/ what on rag tops as he's redoing that econo like no one has eved done-with a rag top!!

Don't do that to your van. please resist the urge to butcher vintage classic sheetmetal.

If you need airflow, do they have pop-out windows for the fords like the chevy sportvans have? with both sides of the sportvan windows popped open, its like a wind tunnel inside when you're underway

Sorry traditionalists,

I'm going to go against the grain here.  Because mine already has a gaping hole in the roof, I am going to put a sliding rag top in it.  Probably one from the link I provided, and they are right in your backyard...so to speak, as I'm from Canada.  Click on me!!!!  I think they are pretty cool, and will definately give you air movement.  I say go for it.

WP

I know the thought of cutting my van up does kinda make me queezy. No rist and perfectly straight. I have some pop out windows, but i can not find the rubbers anywhere. I know Tim was going to try and get some made but I don't think he has been successful. Anybodu know where to get them??

I fitted one on mine, as the travelwagon camper roof was destroyed on the way over to the UK from the USA. It is not an easy job though, the strengthening ribs that run along the length of the roof make life very difficult....!!








You can see in this last photo that i had to weld in a section of flat metal to create a water tight front edge. A lot of welding went into joining the flat section with the original ribbed section. It was very tricky, but the finished result looks lovely, even if nobody can see it from the ground...!!!




Driving it at any sort of speed with the roof open is eventful to say the least, i tend to  leave mine closed when on the move.
Not sure i would do it to a van with a good solid roof, you could get aircon fitted for the price of a good ragtop...

sy -Great job - i remember when u bought it & that delievery guy over there lost that top! Looks Good now!!

Thanks, it was a challenge with my limited welding skills but the end result was worth it.

Vantastic, you've got a good looking van there. I always hesitate to do permanent modifications to vintage stuff, but it's your van and if you plan on keeping it then why not do what you want and enjoy it. Sy's top looks really nice. I think that if you can get a quality top like Sy's and have the time to do a proper installation, it will add to the character of the van. The fun factor will make it well worth while. Just make sure it will seal well and not create problems later.

Vantastic wrote:I know the thought of cutting my van up does kinda make me queezy. No rist and perfectly straight. I have some pop out windows, but i can not find the rubbers anywhere. I know Tim was going to try and get some made but I don't think he has been successful. Anybodu know where to get them??

what rubbers are you needing for your windows? I cant remember how close they are to my chevy pop outs, but I found some really good seals that work awesome on them. might work on your stuff too.

diamond dave wrote:

Vantastic wrote:I know the thought of cutting my van up does kinda make me queezy. No rist and perfectly straight. I have some pop out windows, but i can not find the rubbers anywhere. I know Tim was going to try and get some made but I don't think he has been successful. Anybodu know where to get them??

what rubbers are you needing for your windows? I cant remember how close they are to my chevy pop outs, but I found some really good seals that work awesome on them. might work on your stuff too.

Oh man I hope, pop out windows would make a world of difference. Let me know where you got them and I'll try them out.
Thanks,

Sy Hollinshead wrote:I fitted one on mine, as the travelwagon camper roof was destroyed on the way over to the UK from the USA. It is not an easy job though, the strengthening ribs that run along the length of the roof make life very difficult....!!








You can see in this last photo that i had to weld in a section of flat metal to create a water tight front edge. A lot of welding went into joining the flat section with the original ribbed section. It was very tricky, but the finished result looks lovely, even if nobody can see it from the ground...!!!




Driving it at any sort of speed with the roof open is eventful to say the least, i tend to  leave mine closed when on the move.
Not sure i would do it to a van with a good solid roof, you could get aircon fitted for the price of a good ragtop...

Good information thanks,
If I can find those rubbers for the windows that would be the perfect fix. I really don't want to cut the roof. It is perfect.