 | Home > Expedition & Overland > Poptops - the definitive list |
 
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| 34064 Member Since: 12 Dec 2023 Location: South Central Posts: 193   
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Im not following the instructions exactly as i am building it off the car and i bought a spare roof when i changed my rear tub over.
so far it started with i gave everything a clean down and used UPOL Acid 8 Etch primer 2 coats before i got started just because everything covered and its a nice base to work from. I then laid my spare roof upside down on some stands and laid the upper frame ontop of it measured it equally and lined it all up scribed the holes then drilled and riv nuts set. I also used Duralac jointing compound between the Stainless rivnuts and the aluminium frame.  Click image to enlargePXL_20240103_155236169 by Tom Bayford, on Flickr After that i then lined up the lower hinge on the front and marked it out and drilled it through but i used Cleco pins to hold it in place while i drilled i didn't want to put a temporary rivet in as drilling it out there would be no way to clean it out so it could forever rattle around and annoy me! When you set the hinges be careful as our top frame is 100% square and is 5mm off on the right hand side (looking from back) so when you set the top hinge you can fine tune the alignment. Click image to enlargePXL_20240118_140755680 by Tom Bayford, on Flickr Thats pretty much where i am up to for the moment as work keeps getting in the way and im trying to get it to a point i can take the roof off and put the pop top on during my shift days off. 110 Td5 Ex Utilities slowly converting into a pop top camper one day Build thread:https://www.defender2.net/forum/post1024784.html#1024784 |
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13th Feb 2024 10:30am |
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| 34064 Member Since: 12 Dec 2023 Location: South Central Posts: 193
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I have used it extensively on the trains i work on with good results hence the choice i just made sure to get a good coating of it on there first.
You'll also need a strong rivnut tool for them as they are challenging i ended up buying a long handled one which also has the advantage of being able to do Defender seat riv nuts too 110 Td5 Ex Utilities slowly converting into a pop top camper one day Build thread:https://www.defender2.net/forum/post1024784.html#1024784 |
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13th Feb 2024 10:52am |
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| pistonfields Member Since: 29 Mar 2022 Location: Zurich Posts: 72 
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I have an okay tool with long handles. Still chinesium but I can't afford a professional one. I'll try to drill all the holes and do a dry fit of at least the base frame before painting it. That should help with corrosion resistance on the rivnuts and similar.
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13th Feb 2024 10:58am |
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| macfrank Member Since: 05 Nov 2015 Location: somewhere in the north Posts: 1081  
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That's not how they are supposed to be installed. 
SCNR; all the best for the installation. |
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13th Feb 2024 12:45pm |
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| pistonfields Member Since: 29 Mar 2022 Location: Zurich Posts: 72
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Quick update: as of now 5 months have passed since ordering and I'm still waiting for the canvas and one missing bag of screws to be shipped. Bit underwhelmed with customer service...
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13th May 2024 8:47am |
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| 34064 Member Since: 12 Dec 2023 Location: South Central Posts: 193
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Pistonfields your not alone I have my all assembled now and on but we ordered in November 2022 and still waiting on the German VAT to be paid back. His service is shocking too almost as bad as his instructions! 110 Td5 Ex Utilities slowly converting into a pop top camper one day
Build thread:https://www.defender2.net/forum/post1024784.html#1024784 |
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13th May 2024 10:21am |
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| pistonfields Member Since: 29 Mar 2022 Location: Zurich Posts: 72
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yeah he's a nice chap for sure but business wise a complete <insert>. Honestly, even if quality and everything will be brilliant I'm not sure I'd have a good feeling recommending it to someone else. Not unless they are fully aware of how things might play out.
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14th May 2024 6:42am |
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| steveww Member Since: 05 Jan 2022 Location: Uppingham Posts: 571 
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Another one for the list
https://rrcoffroad.com/toit-relavable-defender/ |
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14th May 2024 10:37am |
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| 8619simon Member Since: 04 Nov 2016 Location: North Wales Posts: 247  
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Found this thread really useful and helped me drive down my choice to the Drivelodge PopTop. Just had this fitted by Mick at Pennine Overland (L.R.Bits).
So far really pleased.... No perceivable impact on handling or mpg and nice low profile which was one of my key criteria. I opted for his Explorer awning as well and the roof rack so I can bolt on my shower cube and also 270 degree awning.... More awnings than you can shake a stick at
He's also just developed some quick release roof bars that go over the top and allow you to carrry loads but only take a minute to take off when you need to pop the roof. A few pics for information and I'll report back when used more in anger. Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge |
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2nd Jul 2024 8:57pm |
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| LR Nuts Member Since: 10 Aug 2022 Location: UK Posts: 1147 
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I used similar construction principles on my L663, to give a small 'one-man' awning.
Click image to enlarge Telescopic poles mounted on Molle plates (Left&Right) to form a framework and a canvas over the top. Click image to enlarge The rope n eyelets give it an olde LR canvas look.  |
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3rd Jul 2024 5:06pm |
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| BrickBox Member Since: 05 Oct 2021 Location: Wales Posts: 838 
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Curious why you have a 56mph speed limit restriction sticker? 2008 2.4 110 Utility Station Wagon XS.
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3rd Jul 2024 5:58pm |
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| LR Nuts Member Since: 10 Aug 2022 Location: UK Posts: 1147
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It's NOT a restricted sticker, but a 'sign' that I cruise along at 56mph (mainly on motorways). As a retired person I'm not in any hurry.
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3rd Jul 2024 6:03pm |
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| pistonfields Member Since: 29 Mar 2022 Location: Zurich Posts: 72
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finally managed to find the time to do the installation. More work than expected and definitely lots of little adjustments neccessary. If someone is looking for a bolt on-solution this definitely isn't it. Still not finished yet, had to wait for the paint to dry... Current state:
Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge related: what did you all chose as a bed solution? slatted frame or just a wooden board? Spring elements like the Froli system?  |
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6th Sep 2024 6:13am |
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| 34064 Member Since: 12 Dec 2023 Location: South Central Posts: 193
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I have used two sections of 18mm ply with air holes cut in one section is fixed as such over the cab then the smaller bit in the middle can be removed to increase space if needed 110 Td5 Ex Utilities slowly converting into a pop top camper one day
Build thread:https://www.defender2.net/forum/post1024784.html#1024784 |
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6th Sep 2024 9:50am |
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