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Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:04 pm
by jessef
Tony, contact Sergiy. He has built an L400-specific rear camping unit that is class.
I never asked. Does your low-roof have the retractable moon roof ? If so.. you have more options without butchering your van. White elephant has a moon roof similar to the L400 low roofs and I will be incorporating something that goes up top.
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:28 pm
by thelazygreenfox
Tony
There's deals out there, just keep looking.
Rule out new fiberglass construction. As an experienced fiberglasser (34 foot fberglass foam core sloop) foam is better than cardboard construction. Fiberglass is also stinky, messy, itchy. Not cheap either. You also need a place to glass thats out of the rain and heat.
You can't lift off a fiberglass top, its just too damn heavy. Forget epoxy too! Some european countries have banned it, NA is too slow to recognize the dangers. Difficult to sand after curing too.
It's cheaper to buy a run down trailer and repair it. Lots of good ideas are popping up. Try some of those.
Wayne
TLGF
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 12:15 am
by tonydca
jfarsang wrote:Tony, contact Sergiy. He has built an L400-specific rear camping unit that is class.
I never asked. Does your low-roof have the retractable moon roof ? If so.. you have more options without butchering your van. White elephant has a moon roof similar to the L400 low roofs and I will be incorporating something that goes up top.
I know what you're thinking, but sadly - no.
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 12:42 am
by thedjjack
I have a grinder if you need a moon roof
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:38 pm
by glenn
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:09 pm
by nxski
Lear would be a lighter albeit more expensive alternative to fiberglass no? From the sounds of it you're just making a big Thule box though!?
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:35 pm
by jessef
thelazygreenfox wrote:You can't lift off a fiberglass top, its just too damn heavy.
If you have the cash, this is the best thing going for an L400.
http://www.coloradocampervan.com/Galler ... rsion.html
http://www.coloradocampervan.com/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... -astro-van!!
The paint actually got to dry overnight and we left it alone for a full 24 hours while working on other stuff. The lift is a different design I have not been totally happy with the old designs for several reasons. They all seem to work but not as perfect as i would like for them to. Yes this one is a single side lift to leave the passenger side open for a slide out bed (which this van did not get). I am finding most people want to load down the tops of their vans especially astro vans so the lifts need to be bullet proof and be able to pick up an extra 200 pounds of equipment like racks skis bikes and solar panel. I think it is crazy to have to unload your equipment to use the bed. These new tops I can sit on them and raise them up at the same time using the remote control they are that sturdy.
Derek
slide out poptop
http://www.coloradocampervan.com/Galler ... hotos.html
Nice designs
Re: Any experienced fibreglassers out there? Need advice
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:38 pm
by jessef
If I had 4-5k laying around, this is what I would do. Take a trip down and watch their magic.
Or DIY. I emailed them and they will sell just the strut/lift chassis parts and actuators for around $800. Make your own top, cut a hole in your roof and install it.
This is by far the strongest poptop solution I have seen anywhere that is affordable.
There's a video somewhere where the guy has 200lbs of gear and sitting cross legged ontop with the poptop down. He presses a wireless remote and the thing lifts up him and the gear. Impressive.
moar eye candy
