Availability of a Pop-Top Roof for VW T5

[Bullifamilie]

Foolishly I'm going to convert my T5 to a camper. One of my issues is I need to add a pop-top roof to create a sleeping area for the kids. Over here in Perth I've managed to find one but I'm not keen on the looks. I've spoken to a few companies on the East coast who have better looking roofs, a couple would fit a roof for me (some will only do a full conversion) but obviously I'd have to transport the van to/from the east coast which makes the roof much more expensive.

Does anyone know of any companies making T5 Pop-tops that would be willing to just supply the bits (lets not worry about ADR and Conformance just yet)?

On another tack;

Does anyone know if Reimo have distributor/outlet in Australia?

Posting this without much chance of a positive reply but living in hope.

[phaeton]

Welcome to the forum Bullifamilie :)

I think one of these camper conversionist would be able to lead you in the right direction.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=4183

As far as I know none of the UK Specialists have distrubutors here in Australia.

[WEDEL.1]

I'd be surprised if any would only supply the parts. They have their reputations to look after, and would only have their roofs (rooves?) fitted by themselves or an approved supplier.

Do what we did....plan your next holidays to go to the east coast to your prefered supplier, and let them fit it. It will be a great holiday with many fond memories, AND be able to use your pop top on the way home. ;-)

Maris

[gregozedobe]

I discussed this with a few converters here on the east coast. As GT said they want to protect their reputation ( a poorly installed roof reflects badly on them, even though it isn't their fault).

The other issue is someone copying it and selling the resultant copies in competition with the original. It is much easier to copy if you have the separate components than if you have to dismantle a fitted installation.

In the end I decided to stick with the original roof and forgo being able to stand up. Saved a lot of money, can still fit in my garage, stronger (and quieter roof), don't have to worry about folded wet fabric going mouldy etc etc.

I will admit my camper conversion is pretty rudimentary, but it works for my purposes :)

[Bullifamilie]

Thanks for the replies. I don't totally understand why companies won't supply parts only. It is however their business and their reputation so i respect their decision.

Agree a Holiday on the East coast is a good idea but not practical in this situation.

I've priced freighting the van across. This adds allot of cost (approx $1000 each way) but I'm still considering it to get the roof I want.

Maybe I should settle for the roof from WA, practically it's a good roof I just don't like the looks.

I need the roof, I want the van to be a proper conversion, I want it to look professionally done and to the highest standard. The extra height really makes the vans much bigger and easier to move round. I also need somewhere for the kids to sleep.

Every van is a compromise, this is the fourth van I've converted. Previous three were part conversions, this is my first full conversion, i'm just trying to get as many things right as possible. Too many compromises on the fundamentals will result in a van not fit for purpose.

[WEDEL.1]

Maybe I should settle for the roof from WA, practically it's a good roof I just don't like the looks.

I need the roof, I want the van to be a proper conversion, I want it to look professionally done and to the highest standard. The extra height really makes the vans much bigger and easier to move round. I also need somewhere for the kids to sleep.

Too many compromises on the fundamentals will result in a van not fit for purpose.

Then better you make sure the roof you get is the one you want....not the one that is convenient.

I did that with the Green T4 and never regeted it.

Maris