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Offline Cole

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3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« on: February 02, 2016, 10:31:23 am »
I've been working with the manufacture to improve these tops over the last year. I've asked them to change several things to make these fit better and install easier.

We discovered that I've been installing more of these than any other individual so had more experience on how they should fit and install. I also sent them nearly every top I took off so that they could compare and improve their patterns.




http://cavevan.myshopify.com/products/replacement-tent-fabric-for-westfalia-weekender?variant=15793717571
Cole

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Offline mech23

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2016, 11:37:17 am »
Good news, Cole.

Do you have color swatches / images for us to see that various options?

What are the main differences between the cotton and acrylic fabrics?

David

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Offline Cole

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2016, 11:43:15 am »
Good news, Cole.

Do you have color swatches / images for us to see that various options?

What are the main differences between the cotton and acrylic fabrics?

David


I'm going to be adding more pictures of the tops installed in the various colors. One of the things that has bothered me is "stock photos" where its clear that vendors have never really touched the product themselves.

I'll take some pictures of the actual swatches and get them up in the mean time.

I personally like the cotton top. Its a bit thicker and more rugged feeling in person than the stock tops. All the grey ones currently pictured on the store are cotton. The Acrylic tops feel thinner and more like the stock top.

I'll see if I can get a good close up photo of each fabric to add.
Cole

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Offline mech23

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2016, 11:48:22 am »
Thanks. Is the top on the green van (second to last picture) tan? That looks pretty good.

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Offline Cole

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2016, 11:54:34 am »
I have yet to install a tan one.

I will get the best pictures of the color variants up soon.
Cole

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Offline mech23

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2016, 08:13:23 am »
Few more questions, if you don't mind:
For the later VR6 models, are the side windows half moon (like stock) or triangular?
What's the lead-time after ordering? (should I order soon so it arrives by spring  ;D )
Are there parts which should be replaced when the top is out? Seals, hardware, etc.
Thanks!

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Offline Cole

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #6 on: February 05, 2016, 08:48:03 am »
I've requested that all the tops have the larger triangular windows. They are very nice. I have to include that option when I order them.

But if you preferred the half moon windows you could have it that way on the later tops.

At the moment, if you look at the pictures on the store. The VR6 vans with triangular windows are vans that I've converted from hardtop to poptop.

The vans with the half moon were vans that I just replaced the fabric on.

Interestingly,  I called several of the other distributors awhile back and nobody could tell me the difference between the newer and later tops. No one even knew that the windows were being made differently.

I finally started working with the manufacturer directly. They of course knew two styles of windows were being made but ultimately had no idea why.

Seems that I may be the only one that has ever requested a change or provided any feedback.


All the retaining seals I've removed have been 100% reusable.
Cole

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Offline rcowan

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2016, 08:49:12 am »
I'm really tempted to put a yellow one on the second blue van I'm working on. I'm currently trying to find some blue/yellow plaid material for the curtains. Do you have a scrap piece of the yellow that I can try to match?

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Offline Cole

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2016, 08:50:59 am »
I'm really tempted to put a yellow one on the second blue van I'm working on. I'm currently trying to find some blue/yellow plaid material for the curtains. Do you have a scrap piece of the yellow that I can try to match?


I'm hoping to have some swatches in a few days.
Cole

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Offline rcowan

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #9 on: February 05, 2016, 09:17:53 am »
Perfect!

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Offline mastersryan!

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2016, 02:55:25 pm »
Hey Cole - Whats the lead time on these tops? I am looking to replace mine here in the next couple months and need to know when to order.

Thanks
1993 VW Eurovan MV Weekender 2.5L 5spd

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Offline Cole

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Re: 3 window Westfalia replacement tops are now in the store.
« Reply #11 on: October 14, 2016, 03:03:01 pm »
2-3 weeks
Cole