Full length poptop

[bluebus1987]

It would appear that VW sanctioned the design, as the text says they commisioned it and used it as a show vehicle. Although they weren't exactly mass produced, you would think that if there were serious problems with the first one you'd not do any customer vehicles.

[412s2]

The show bus is still around, currently owned by a German couple touring the Americas http://www.syncrox.de/about-bus/

I came across this video that led me to the above link https://youtu.be/I6Vgmq-_PXo

Neil

[hugomonkey]

Anyone know of a contact number for people that make these? Contact on their website doesnt work for me..

This is exactly the sort of pop top I'm after to squeeze the wife & kiddies in.

Only other option is selling the Syncro to get something bigger or getting a roof tent.

im putting a superviking roof on mine LOADS of space!!

[bluebus1987]

Just do this!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/951599.jpg
Then chop out all your roof and support structure.
Easy!

[slowcoach]

Our van doesn't have any beam remaining above the b pillar, doesn't seem to be a problem, but obviously not been in a crash! It's by trakka, Australia's biggest conversion company (and still going today I believe), so doubt they broke any rules. Someone else on here has one too.

Can't post a picture right now ho hum

[bluebus1987]

Trakka's are cool!!!
Along with the Special Mobils vans, they've inspired me to one day take the plunge and make the big cut.

[slowcoach]

Ere we go

[springbk]

Just looking on The Samba website and found this

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds ... id=2105097

[silverbullet]

The Trakka just looks right, a super low-profile poptop with integral solar.
The other thing in chequerplate just looks crude.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

[bluebus1987]

That's my ultimate plan. Something with tintop looks, but a practical full length poptop.

[silverbullet]

I would keep the B-post roof brace myself, at the very least add something substantial between the posts (assuming you dont have a half-height bulkhead)

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[bluebus1987]

Yeah, that's what has stopped me so far. There are plenty of Trakkas out there with it all cut, to seemingly no ill effect, and quite a few of them are Syncros!
I would want something reasonably substantial around the perimeter of the hole, Particularly round the cab. If the top itself could also have a frame that locked down with anti burst locks as used in doors it would be good.

[silverbullet]

The roof perimeter frame is a pretty substantial thing (if you have ever had the privelege of unpicking a skin panel from a roof cut you'll know what I mean) but I cannot see the value in removing cross bracing, its not as though the cab particularly needs standing headroom?
Rather have a van that doesnt creak and crack it's seams or fold up just when you need it to protect you!

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[bluebus1987]

More than one person standing in a metre square box is definitely a crowd. The possibility of two shorter roof beds when needed (three boys). Much less claustrophobic. And just a much more flexible space. I'd rather keep the rear frame if it was a straight choice of one or the other. Have I convinced myself yet? Not sure.

[hugomonkey]

this shows some nice pics of the penthouse
viewtopic.php?f=40&t=123105