Itinerant Air-Cooled

All,

It's only been about 10 years since I've posted in here, but....seeing as I know y'all are the best and I figure I'd give it a try.

I've got a 93 2.4D Westfalia (type 4) in Spain and besides there being ample rust (it's a German import), I have a pain in the ass pop top issue.

She the attached photos. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix? Maybe a resin of some sorts? I really don't want to have to replace the whole pop top.

Job one, would be to lubricate all the hinge pivots and straighten the hinge plate, for smooth operation of the hinges.
For the nut that has pulled through the pop-top, a large diameter fender washer could be placed under the nut, to prevent it from pulling through. A bit of sealant applied to the underside of the washer would help prevent any leaks.
Be sure the top hinge plate rests flat against the pop-top with out any stress or tension.
Cheers!

KosmicK1100 wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 15, 2019 7:05 am

For the nut that has pulled through the pop-top, a large diameter fender washer could be placed under the nut, to prevent it from pulling through. A bit of sealant applied to the underside of the washer would help prevent any leaks.
Be sure the top hinge plate rests flat against the pop-top with out any stress or tension.
Cheers!

How would I be able to tighten the nut if it's inside the poptop itself? It looks like the wood has rotted or the bolt just broke through.

While washing out my coffee cup, and relaxing my brain, this popped into mind!
I think a toggle bolt will solve the problem.

Does the nut not thread on from the top side of the top? Are you saying the nut is embedded in the fiberglass?

Mike Boell wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 16, 2019 7:52 am

Does the nut not thread on from the top side of the top? Are you saying the nut is embedded in the fiberglass?

The nut is embedded in the fiberglass. And the fiberglass has cracked some so I'm thinking of using a metal plate and thread a bold through the center while screwing it into the fiber glass on the outside.

KosmicK1100 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 16, 2019 7:01 am

While washing out my coffee cup, and relaxing my brain, this popped into mind!
I think a toggle bolt will solve the problem.

Brilliant! Great thinking.

All, I fixed the issue by using a plate with new bolts and extending the hinge toward the front he cabin. The toggle bolt was took large as there wasn't enough space to push the toggle unit into the roof. It's not perfect, but it works! Thanks for the help.