 | Home > Expedition & Overland > Defender pop top options? |
 
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| Leenorthants Member Since: 08 Sep 2013 Location: Silverstone(ish) Posts: 856  
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Why are they so much money? I would get one fitted but can't afford the price!
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4th Mar 2015 9:02pm |
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| Mountain_man Member Since: 09 Dec 2011 Location: Right side of Offas Dyke Posts: 756 
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There are literally loads of small firms building them in Germany/CH/A. All cost upwards of 5000 Euros though that will invariably include fitting since they need to be signed off and entered into your vehicle papers over there. I guess you might be able to persuade one of the makers to sell you a DIY kit cheaper since the UK rules do not require a vehicle inspection after fitting.
One thing strikes me with the pop up roofs (and I think they are a great idea) is that you almost never ever see a photo of one closed. They are invariably pictured opened up. Why? Because they look butt ugly when closed, that is why  |
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4th Mar 2015 11:10pm |
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| MalteHH Member Since: 19 Apr 2015 Location: Hamburg Posts: 12 
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Hi Sticky,
First of all apologies for my English skills. 
The weight is about +30kg depending on the brand. Some companies are using the original roof and build very flat so it looks almost the same as the original. And you can still have your roof rack. No problem. In Germany there are at least 5-8 to different supplier for poptops. I will order mine soon and will post photos here. |
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19th Apr 2015 9:52am |
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| sraosha Member Since: 30 Apr 2015 Location: Dar es Salaam Posts: 29 
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Hi,
Alu-Cab, from whom I just ordered a rooftop conversion, claims that the whole car becomes stiffer with their pop-top roofs. They no longer use the original roof but weld their own. Though it will be a bit heavier than the original roof it makes the whole top area less flexible - not like a roll-cage of course and I believe the A/B columns are still the weak factor, but safer than before. Also, a pop-top roof will be lighter than a rooftop tent (thus safer again), easier to operate and unfold. Plus you can enter/exit from inside the vehicle, which comes in handy in case lions or hyenas roam around. If memory serves, the Alu-Cab conversion for a 110 is now about $ 5.5k, in ZA that is. If you buy it in Europe it's almost double the price. |
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2nd Sep 2015 7:27pm |
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| Cold_n_Wet Member Since: 15 Oct 2012 Location: Bergen Posts: 244 
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We supply Alu-Cab products in Scandinavia and once our Demonstrator is well, we will be doing the conversion.
We have one of the original "Icarus" which use the original roof. The "new" one was unveiled at the Beeld Show in Johannesburg this year. There are many smart innovations, and some small sutle difference between them. Genesis are the European importer with XS parts as the UK Rep. The new top.  Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge "Rafiki" 2007 110 STW - Rolling rebuild. |
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2nd Sep 2015 10:49pm |
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| Guy Member Since: 11 Feb 2013 Location: St Eval, Cornwall Posts: 250
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Very useful post. I recognise 'Moose' from the RGS Overland Workshop, Sam Watson is a friend of mine, I was in my Disco.
My dream Land Rover is 130 station wagon with seats and sleeping for 2 adults and 2 kids. I think we have outgrown my much loved Discovery and am currently weighing up 130 double cabs as a family adventure wagon. Demountable campers also appeal, but a pop top is more discrete I think. DINGO - '99 Discovery 2 V8 with 300Tdi transplant, chawton white. Repatriated from Australia and expedition prepped. **FOR SALE** SHARKY - '06 Discovery 3 HSE Auto, bonatti grey. SOLD. GEORGE - '99 Discovery 1 300Tdi Auto, willow green. Daily driver, travel companion, part of the family! SOLD. PINGU - '96 Defender 110 300Tdi station wagon. SOLD. Dream LR - 130 pop top station wagon camper. |
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3rd Sep 2015 11:51am |
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