Andys Pop-top

[abittenbinder]

I though you may like these photos in this photo section as well. The 10,000 hour pop-top project is still "under construction". Working on wiring and interior. It sleeps 5 and has full dining room and kitchen with sink/running water, built-in microwave, 2 burner stove, 3-way fridge and propane central heating. These early photos do not show the installed monster sized rear side windows. One side has the awning style and the other side the slider style. Rear door windows are screened sliders as well. Doktor A

4483

4484

4485

4486

4487

[sikwan]

Thanks for sharing DokAndy!

The cover looks like it's a transplant from a VW Vanagon camper van. Is it true? How does the material perforum during a downpour?

[abittenbinder]

I did not want to mold an entire roof from scratch. I started with the vanagon fiberglass top and modified its length and added a front bulkhead (vanagon pop roofs are open at the front and close against a luggage carrier). The roof raising mechanism was extensively modified and the Sprinter received an inner and outer superstructure to reinforce the roof and it's new opening. A inner rear superstructure was also added to allow for a secure mounting surface for the rear scissor hinges and a raised steel mounting perimeter was fabricated to allow mounting of an unmodified, new, replacement vanagon tent(now available with generous zippered front and side windows). 10,000 hours is of course a stretch of the facts, but not much of one. Doktor A

[Llarry]

I want to know more about the pushout on the left rear as shown in this photo, Andy. Is that the basement den or something?

Incredible work and I am still amazed that you can sell these conversions for only 3K...! :bow::bounce:

[abittenbinder]

Larry, I thought you would be more interested in the built-in basketball court. And yes, price is still $2999.99 AND your first and second born. First and second born humans, that is. NOT llamas. Doktor A

[abittenbinder]

Thanks for sharing DokAndy!

How does the material perform during a downpour?

The tents are available in a variety of materials-this one happens to be Sunbrella. The various materials don't allow water leakage under the heaviest of downpours (but still breathe)-as long as you remember to close the sunroof and screen cover zippers. Doktor A

[hkpierce]

How about his unique grill? Mercedes/Freightliner/Mercedes

[Llarry]

How about his unique grill? Mercedes/Freightliner/Mercedes

I missed that first time around... :thumbup:

Typical Herr Dr Eng Bittenbinder work: Wunderbar! :clapping:

[worksofman]

Beautiful to see your pop-top. Drove a VW Westy for a long time; if someone hasn't really experienced the good side of the pop-tops, they might not get it. Of course, being an old VW, there were a few issues, heat, power, friends deciding electrical fires weren't an accepted part of the journey, gas-fed auxillary heaters dropping little balls of fire as I drove down the road....

I'd been dreaming of doing what you've done to your Sprinter, and then saw yours (thanks, Google.). I should be picking up my used Sprinter next week, a 2004 140' 2500. But... I needed to go with the higher roof, as this will be a rolling studio for me at times, and it gets really old crouching.

Here's the big question... would it be insane to put a pop-top with the higher roof? I realize I may need to add extra support, but before I follow along this mental path too much, I guess I need to figure out if it's a pipedream or a possibility. Seems you, or others out there, might have a sense of it. And I'm sure there will be opinions... which is great.

Thought this was an interesting/modifyable option: http://www.loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

[BaywoodBill]

And the reason for a poptop on a taller van is for another bed? :hmmm:

Maybe put up a tent outside, since you can already stand up inside.

[worksofman]

And the reason for a poptop on a taller van is for another bed? :hmmm:

Maybe put up a tent outside, since you can already stand up inside.

Really, there's a couple of reasons.

What I do: I drive around the country quite a bit, selling my metalwork/jewelry at art shows.

The sprinter goal: Hopefully I'll be converting a section of the sprinter into a usable camper. I'd like to have a bit of space for food storage and prep, small fridge, running water, possibility of a shower if I can squeeze some sort of fold away solution in there (yep, I did see the video in the forums)

What has to come first:
Another section will be a work bench area, where I can work while on the road. Nothing too major - 4' bench and some upper storage. Some of it will likely fold-away.

And, yet another section is storage for my display cases, packaging, tent (not camping tent, big display tent, 10x10') and misc. business/travel/art show necessities.

So - sure, a fold away bed inside is fine, and even preferable when I'm sleeping in the middle of a city somewhere, downtown. But - if I'm in-between, and the van is loaded - not always room. And, occasionally, I end up in a really beautiful place where it's wonderful to put the top up, camping at a show in some wonderful park.

I've made it a tight fit due to it being a 140", but I'm in a lot of cities. I've been doing this in a 16' box truck. I want easy parking, to make it all a bit more pleasant.

last but not least - the more comfy I make it, and the more fun it is to be in, with plenty of sleeping room, the more likely my wife is to wander a bit with me.

[hkpierce]

YOu might want to look at some of the suppliers and ideas at YahooSprinterVan's DIY camper section.

[abittenbinder]

And the reason for a poptop on a taller van is for another bed? :hmmm:
Maybe put up a tent outside, since you can already stand up inside.

Being able to go to bed at a moments notice(10 seconds, actually)-when really, really tired after a long days drive-without having to stow cargo blocking the downstairs sleeping area or pitching an extra tent outside, is priceless. Fresh air, sunshine and all that comes with a roof top penthouse is icing on the cake. Doktor A

[abittenbinder]

Beautiful to see your pop-top.
I'd been dreaming of doing what you've done to your Sprinter, and then saw yours (thanks, Google.). I should be picking up my used Sprinter next week, a 2004 140' 2500. But... I needed to go with the higher roof, as this will be a rolling studio for me at times, and it gets really old crouching.

Here's the big question... would it be insane to put a pop-top with the higher roof? I realize I may need to add extra support, but before I follow along this mental path too much, I guess I need to figure out if it's a pipedream or a possibility. Seems you, or others out there, might have a sense of it. And I'm sure there will be opinions... which is great.

Thought this was an interesting/modifyable option: http://www.loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

Thanks for your comments. Now, regarding a pop-top on a high roof-the biggest engineering obstacle is the roof load rating. 300lbs for the high roof. The low roof at 600 lbs rating makes this achievable. It will probably be too expensive and involve too much weight in the wrong location to make this project viable. Doktor A

[abittenbinder]

Beautiful to see your pop-top. Drove a VW Westy for a long time; if someone hasn't really experienced the good side of the pop-tops, they might not get it.

Thought this was an interesting/modifyable option: http://www.loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

Sorry-I didn't address the link you provided. The lofty shelter looks like it would meet weight limits of the high top-especially if the 2 occupants are petite. The question remains is there a ladder long enough? DoktorA

[BaywoodBill]

Hi Andy and worksofman,
Thanks for your explanations of the value of a poptop.

[worksofman]

Thanks for the thought, Doktor A. The loftyshelters are really pretty light - 150lbs or so. Doesn't seem like it would take a major amount of reinforcement... I've got to get the rest started first, anyway. I'll bring it back up when it's time, and keep things in mind as I plan the "1st floor". Also - didn't mean to hijack your thread. I was so excited about what you've done, I jumped in.

Hi Andy and worksofman,
Thanks for your explanations of the value of a poptop.
On a real primitive level, it's almost simple as this... ever have a treehouse? Now, make it portable, and move it to the best places you can. And, as DockorA says, if the van is full, and you need a quick bit of shut-eye, it's still always right there. Nothing like it.

Again, great work DoktorA. I'm in Pittsburgh a lot for shows - I'll buy you a cup of coffee sometime if you're around.

[abittenbinder]

didn't mean to hijack your thread. I was so excited about what you've done, I jumped in.

I'm in Pittsburgh a lot for shows - I'll buy you a cup of coffee sometime if you're around.

Adding great info to a thread is certainly not hijacking.:thumbup:(First time I've used one of these little faces) Do look me up if you're visiting the Burg. Have enjoyed meeting quite a few out of (and in) town Sprinter owners. Everyone is always welcome. Doktor A

[ducsingle]

Can a pop top conversion be performed on a 118 standard?

[BaywoodBill]

Can a pop top conversion be performed on a 118 standard?


Here's your post, nearly two days without a response. That's not like this forum.

From me, who knows next to nothing about the correct answer to your question, I don't know why you can't put a poptop on a 118 Standard or any other Sprinter. It all comes down to making certain you retain structural integrity.

[sikwan]

Can a pop top conversion be performed on a 118 standard?

Can't see a reason why it couldn't be done since the VW Westfalias were shorter in wheelbase. Besides, Andy's pop top is a modified Westfalia pop top from a VW if I remember correctly.

[bikergar]

Since joining this Forum I have been in awe of Dr A's knowledge...after seeing this I am just plain intimidated by his ability...WHAT A GREAT LOOKING VAN!!! :thumbup:

gary

11063

[MERLEANDSARAH]

Hello all, we are new to the SPRINTER world. Has anyone seen one of the completed Sportsmobil pop tops? They are not cheap... I have not seen one in person. Just wondering about quality for the long haul. Andy's design looks great...problem is we would have to unload our kayaks to pop the roof. Thanks, Merle

[BaywoodBill]

Has anyone seen one of the completed Sportsmobil pop tops? They are not cheap... I have not seen one in person. Just wondering about quality for the long haul. Thanks, Merle

We have a few Sportsmobile owners here but I think they all have the taller Sprinters.... Anyone with a poptop: help Merle out.

[artistwantab]

Hey guys,

I am new here and researching sprinters. I am defintly getting one but still trying to figure out if I am going the custom route or ready built.

My question is regarding this top...did I read that right $3k for the top?

E

[BaywoodBill]

Hi Artistwantab,welcome to the forum.

Andy may respond to your question but if $3,000 is what he put in his post, that's what it was... but you know he did a lot of work.

Instead of a poptop you could just get a taller Sprinter. Devote your time to being an artist instead of installing poptops.:bounce:

[hkpierce]

Hi Artistwantab,welcome to the forum.

Devote your time to being an artist instead of installing poptops.:bounce:

Those of us who have seen Andy's pop-top in person know that it is an artisan who has worked on it.

[BaywoodBill]

Those of us who have seen Andy's pop-top in person know that it is an artisan who has worked on it.

absolutely, HK, no question about that, though I haven't seen it in person. I guess I was considering the right/left brain stuff. Dr. A is clearly strongly mechanically oriented with a wonderful craftman's eye for beauty. Most who are strongly artisically oriented don't have the mechanical aptitude to do what Andy does.

Yet, I know I was being presumptious in my recommendation.

[artistwantab]

Hi Artistwantab,welcome to the forum.

Andy may respond to your question but if $3,000 is what he put in his post, that's what it was... but you know he did a lot of work.

Instead of a poptop you could just get a taller Sprinter. Devote your time to being an artist instead of installing poptops.:bounce:

Well believe it or not I am "professional" artist. You can check me out here (http://www.eliocamacho.com).

Actually, that is why I want a sprinter because I want to be able to jump in my camper and travel and paint.

My idea is to have a Pop-top camper so I can sleep while still allowing me plenty of space to carry canvas and supplies.

I actually want a high-top and I thought Andy's was a high top.

Anyone doing a pop-top conversion for a sprinter high-top.

[BaywoodBill]

Andy's is definitely a shorty. A lot of folks on this forum have installed beds that fold up against the wall. That might be a much simpler installation that would still give you plenty of room to move around?

When you cut a big hole in your roof you are upsetting structural integrity.

[artistwantab]

Andy's is definitely a shorty. A lot of folks on this forum have installed beds that fold up against the wall. That might be a much simpler installation that would still give you plenty of room to move around?

When you cut a big hole in your roof you are upsetting structural integrity.

Short roof or high you would still be upsetting the structural integrity of the roof. You could reinforce it couldn't you.

I take it no one knows of someone doing this on a high top.

[hkpierce]

[1] Short roof or high you would still be upsetting the structural integrity of the roof. [2] You could reinforce it, couldn't you?

It does, and he did.

[BaywoodBill]

Short roof or high you would still be upsetting the structural integrity of the roof. You could reinforce it couldn't you.

I take it no one knows of someone doing this on a high top.


I did not intend to imply that you couldn't reinforce the roof if you cut a big hole in it, only that the cutting of the hole upsets the structural integrity. The implication is that some people might value structural integrity the way Doktor A does.

I see that Sportsmobile only puts the pop up on their short Sprinters. Look in the RV section of this forum. There is a list of suppliers and a couple of them do custom work.

[Nate]

I believe that in another post or maybe even in this thread itself that Dr A, says that the pop top can only go on the shorter roof sprinter because it is able to hold 600 LBS and the High roof model can only support 300 Lbs on its roof.


I may be wrong but I do remember reading that somewhere.


Edit: it is mentioned in post #14 of this thread.

[artistwantab]

I believe that in another post or maybe even in this thread itself that Dr A, says that the pop top can only go on the shorter roof sprinter because it is able to hold 600 LBS and the High roof model can only support 300 Lbs on its roof.


I may be wrong but I do remember reading that somewhere.


Edit: it is mentioned in post #14 of this thread.

Interesting. I wonder if there is a possibility of pulling this off. I would really have to rethink the van without the poptop.

If anyone knows or hears about a pop top on a high top let me know.

[bladerunner]

I though you may like these photos in this photo section as well. The 10,000 hour pop-top project is still "under construction". Working on wiring and interior. It sleeps 5 and has full dining room and kitchen with sink/running water, built-in microwave, 2 burner stove, 3-way fridge and propane central heating. These early photos do not show the installed monster sized rear side windows. One side has the awning style and the other side the slider style. Rear door windows are screened sliders as well. Doktor A

4483

4484

4485

4486

4487

Hi...just come across this thread...............great looking popper:thumbup:.............couple of questions please:thinking:...............your pull out awning, is it secured with some sort of gutter clip or does one have to drill and bolt into the body?

Also do you have any pics showing the awning extended?:cheers:

[robbielu]

@Worksofman: Hi, we're new to the forum and thinking of doing something similar to what you describe here for transport to art fairs. You posted in 2007 - did you finish this conversion and have you posted pics? Would love to see what you did. Thanks!

[abittenbinder]

@Worksofman: Hi, we're new to the forum and thinking of doing something similar to what you describe here for transport to art fairs. You posted in 2007 - did you finish this conversion and have you posted pics? Would love to see what you did. Thanks!

How rapidly time passes. I have had little oppertunity over the last few years to devote to the camper project but am happy to report I set aside significant time this last winter and am very close to completion.

The pop top portion of the project was actually completed years ago and I have been working on interior, wiring and a unique stacked, slide out solar array which allows 2 full size panels to fit in the short roof section behind the pop top.

Doktor A

[worksofman]

@Worksofman: Hi, we're new to the forum and thinking of doing something similar to what you describe here for transport to art fairs. You posted in 2007 - did you finish this conversion and have you posted pics? Would love to see what you did. Thanks!

Hi Robbielu -
Well - I actually rolled that van about a year and a half ago. (Hit black ice, ended up being nothing I could do. Was one of 60 vehicles that went off the road on that section of the highway that night.) So - nothing to show. I now have a 2003 3500, with a shorter wheelbase. I don't love it so much... not so sure what I'm going to do with it/about it. Still love the idea, it's just not the priority it was, as life has changed a good bit.

Good luck!

[israndy]

I have been working on a unique stacked, slide out solar array which allows 2 full size panels to fit in the short roof section behind the pop top.

Doktor A

Post? Also, could you not put them on the pop top? Then when you pop the top they are already angled, just point them to the sun...

-Randy

[abittenbinder]

Post? Also, could you not put them on the pop top? Then when you pop the top they are already angled, just point them to the sun...

-Randy

Full sized panels are too heavy for a pop top, even one with spring lift assist at each of the hinged front corner posts.

Doktor A

[GPSTrans1]

The tents are available in a variety of materials-this one happens to be Sunbrella. The various materials don't allow water leakage under the heaviest of downpours (but still breathe)-as long as you remember to close the sunroof and screen cover zippers. Doktor A

looks good andy,got the same top on my rinker boat!:rad:

[Raegan]

Nice car you got there.. been checking our community saw a lot of campers....its perfect

[Dingo]

Might sound like a daft question , but do they also make a version where the hinge is at the front edge ?.
Hate to think of the damage caused if the top sprung up when driving , seen a car with an aftemarket glass sunroof fitted wrong way round . Glass blown out & roof panel ripped open
Looks nice though