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Westfalia / Re: Pop-Top Weather Seal Options

« on: August 03, 2016, 03:12:58 pm »

$69 at GoWesty. I did mine last week- easy job and great improvement to the old crusty one it replaced.

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Westfalia / Re: Replacement Tent Options

« on: July 22, 2016, 11:48:13 am »

Just finished my tent install. Went with the three window cotton offered by Cavevan. Debated removing the top but I did not and I'm glad I didn't. It was a little tight in the rear corners but other than that, I see no reason to remove the top. Started off by pulling out rubber gasket from bottom aluminum rail. Then removed screws from top rail. I read a tip to use a magnetic parts tray to store all of the screws and this is a good tip- there are lots of them and I didn't lose a single one. I did it manually with a properly fitted screwdriver- time consuming but not difficult. for the install, I started with the front center top and worked my way around, doing both sides in about 2-3 foot increments until front and both sides were attached. It can be a little tricky finding some of the screw holes but just take your time and you can pull on the tent until you find it. The tent has a rope sewn in that rests in the channel of the aluminum strip. I threaded my screws through the cotton and to the outside of the rope. Next I attached the rear strip, starting in the center and working my way around to where the side rails end. This was a little tricky, very little head room and you also have the lift hinges to contend with. Now it was time to start on the bottom. I wrapped a cargo strap through the handle of the top and then around the head rest. This held up it high enough for work space but still down enough for there to be slack in the tent. Seating the rubber gasket properly proved to be the most frustrating part of the whole project but once I figured it out, it went very smoothly. The gasket has two tabs, a top and bottom. Push the gasket in with your thumb, inserting the top tab first. Then use a Flat head screwdriver to push in the bottom tab. I ended up using a 3/4 inch wood file. Worked very well and i could cover a lot of ground pretty quickly. The aluminum rails are pretty soft and scuff easily, take your time. I say insert top tab first because you don't want the edge of your blade on the tent side of the gasket. I read time estimates of 8 hours but mine didn't take that long. It was very satisfying to remove that strap and see the tent pop tight. Another tip, go ahead and replace your pop top seal. They are only $67 at GoWesty and it's a small price to protect your new tent. Lessons learned- I would have bought a magnetic ratcheting screwdriver. Probably would have saved me an hours time and lots of frustration. Very pleased with the quality of the tent. Glad I went with cotton and I think the grey looks good with the white body color. Thanks to Cole for the install tips.