Thanks for the advice so far Cole, definitely helpful! Made some good progress and now have the top off along with all the support pieces. I think the most helpful item I used taking these off was this:
It is called a bear claw nail puller with scrapper bar. The scraper side has a nice wide and low entry to get in there and pry with leverage, but not destroy the supports you have to re-use. I would just heat gun in front and move along slowly prying every inch or so.
Now, its time to order a few things to get ready for the install on the donee van, but could really use some help again if possible. I have most things together, but here are the few I was hoping for advice from the guru:
1. What did you use to "re-glue" all the main supports with? It would be to replace the white super strong holding stuff VW used that I just heat gunned off for a few days.
2. On the aluminum rails that the canvas is attached to, what did you use for the stick black sealant between it and the body?
3. What size rivets did you use to re-rivet all the supports to the body?
4. The rubber "rain guard" that runs along above the windshield below the top was attached with double sided tape. Did you find some that worked and held, or did you use some other adhesive?
5. Last one...the trim that seals the top to the roof. What did you use in the channel to re-apply this to the top? Also, anything that will re-attach the seal to the trim? As you can see below, they are separating. Hopeful that I wont need to replace the whole thing.
Thanks for any tips on these! Plan to paint the top this week, start getting the donee ready to get a nice haircut!