Very well done sir. You have my utmost respect for your skills, and besides your camera operator, it appears you did it all yourself. That is incredibly impressive.
Awesome job! I want you to know this is the best diy installation job I’ve seen on the net. Better than most professionals. Great attention to detail and even a fit check first. Good job on the fillet seal it will last a lifetime I’m sure.
Can't believe you only have 20 comments..😮 your video was good .. and we appreciate that you took the time to make it for us. Learned a couple things along the way.. 😊 Love that it was about doing this build and not a bunch of internal ads trying to get people to buy stuff through affiliates, and no you tube commercials. I hope you keep doing them and that people come and learn a thing or two from your experience. 👍
Great video. Seriously envy your garage. I have a Tufport as well. In the process of trimming out the transition between it and the van. And building a cabinet over the front seat area. I think all the trim is more work than the top itself.
Consider grounding the frames of your solar panels to the body of the vehicle as they will pick up static electrical charge from the environment just from being on the roof. 👍 My system is going to incorporate a solar combiner box on the roof with lightning protection and grounding. I really like your method of installing that high top I wish they had done that with mine when they built my van! Nice work and good video production ✌️
Wonderful work! I just purchased this van with the same top already installed. I would love to know the process you used to cut out your hole for the fan, how you avoided chipping and breaking the fiberglass in the process and how you reinforced the wood to fiberglass connection from the inside. Two of your videos are the only thing I have found that have been at all helpful for me on preparing for my build! Thank you for doing all of this!
The hole for the fan was cut using a jigsaw with a fine blade. Not much chipping really. I glued wood blocking up around the underside using bondo. Of course the screws coming from the top thru the fan base also hold the wood blocking in place. Good luck with your build.
May I also ask what size are your solar panels and did you also do wood blocking inside underneath where the attachment screws are located? I am curious because it seems like my top is just dead space where the panel screws would attach (other than the honeycomb structure of the fiberglass). Thank you again for posting your videos! You are the only good source I have found online dealing with the tuffport and chevy express cargo build. Just absolutely amazing! @@handyoldfart
@@rachellevanderplas3148 I did not reinforce beneath the fiberglass where the solar panels are screwed. The panels are 100 watts each I don't recall the dimensions. They were from Renogy Solar. Cheers
Looks really good. I plan to see if I can find a high top at a local junkyard but now I know how to install it thank you! If possible could you share the brand of silicone you used to secure the high top to the van and what type of screw you used?
The silicone is Dowsil 795. There are other comparable products. Look for neutral cure structural silicone. Check with your local glazing contractor where to buy it. People charge crazy amounts on Amazon. It should be about $10 per tube. The screws are #10 wafer head tek screws. be sure to drill a clearance hole through the fibreglass to help prevent cracking. Good luck with your project!
Also as an alternative, I've seen a lot of people recommend and use Sikaflex. It's a polyurethane construction adhesive. It was located at our local Home Depot in the asphalt/shingles/concrete aisle. It was $8.85 here. I resealed my extended high top and took 2 tubes. I did not do a full removal. Says 3 days to full cure. Sika website shows 30% flex. I am happy with results. SKU 442729 "10.1 fl. oz. Sikaflex All Purpose Non-Sag Construction Sealant Polyurethane in White"
Unless I missed it, you've carefully concealed and/or failed to mention what type of sealant/glue you used. Most installs I see use the butyl tape for the seal, you appear to be using a windshield type glue/sealant? How did you decide which type to use? Not sure. Otherwise superb installation.
@@handyoldfart Thanks, I figured it worked fine. I recently purchased an empty shell 2009 E350 work van with a fiberglass hightop. It doesn't leak now, but I'm considering preemptively removing the hightop and resealing it before I proceed with my camper buildout. Normally it seems butyl tape is used. But the urethane type glue which I suspect is the same used on automotive windows you've used may be a better and more permanent solution. Appreciate your time. 👍
@@handyoldfart One more question: How many tubes did it take to complete the seal on the hightop, not including the fan or other protuberances? And your van is a standard length, correct? I have an extended van so I need to add a little for that.
Thanks, the 120" was just my preference for a smaller vehicle. We are just using it for travel to and from destinations. Yes we have AC in our home or do you mean the van? I chose not to install a rooftop unit in the van. Only a fan. It does have the rear AC so we could run the van for a bit to cool it down if it was necessary.
@@handyoldfart Thanks. I'm trying to look for one for my 2006 e250, but they're so expensive and can only find like 2 companies that do it. Which is strange, you would think there is a big market for this, with all the recent popularity of living in vans.
I keep track of all of the fills in a fuel app. This is interesting. We did 2 trips from Alberta to Toronto. One before installing the hightop and one after. Both trips were about 6500 kms round trip and consisted of 11-12 fill ups each trip. Because of the larger tires the speedo is out about 1 1/2 percent but that doesn't matter for comparisons anyway. Before the hightop 13.97mpg---after installing the hightop 13.08mpg. These are Canadian gallons.😁
For this dude to say "I'm pretty happy with it" to Tufport is like getting a very positive review from a five star Michelin chef for your dish.
Ha ha. Too funny. Thanks your too kind.
Very well done sir. You have my utmost respect for your skills, and besides your camera operator, it appears you did it all yourself. That is incredibly impressive.
Thanks for taking the time to film it …
What an amazing job to watch! Thanks for videotaping it for us to watch. A man with attention to detail.🙌
Great job I learned so much from this video you are a true Master
Awesome job! I want you to know this is the best diy installation job I’ve seen on the net. Better than most professionals. Great attention to detail and even a fit check first. Good job on the fillet seal it will last a lifetime I’m sure.
Thanks for the kind words.
Can't believe you only have 20 comments..😮
your video was good .. and we appreciate that you took the time to make it for us. Learned a couple things along the way.. 😊
Love that it was about doing this build and not a bunch of internal ads trying to get people to buy stuff through affiliates,
and no you tube commercials.
I hope you keep doing them and that people come and learn a thing or two from your experience. 👍
Thanks for your kind words.
Great video. Seriously envy your garage. I have a Tufport as well. In the process of trimming out the transition between it and the van. And building a cabinet over the front seat area. I think all the trim is more work than the top itself.
This is an excellent video. I am a visual learner and I learned a lot!
Thanks for your kind words.
I've watched a few others install the top. You did the best installation with no problems. Great job over all.
Thanks for the kind words.
Looks great! I agree that filming can be the most work. Happy travels
Great thorough video showing us your process. Looks like you did a great job. Thank You!
OK, I'm seriously in love with your garage/workshop!!!!!!
Great install and video.
It’s great you were able to do that but the average person does not have all that equipment. But great job!
Consider grounding the frames of your solar panels to the body of the vehicle as they will pick up static electrical charge from the environment just from being on the roof. 👍 My system is going to incorporate a solar combiner box on the roof with lightning protection and grounding. I really like your method of installing that high top I wish they had done that with mine when they built my van! Nice work and good video production ✌️
Wow super cool man the is my dream van love it you did a fantastic job wish i vould own one
Great style and love something understated as well as no nonsense! You are my hero brother!!!
Thanks for the kind words.
Can I ask what was the supply only price you paid for the Tufport Hightop that you installed . Thanks , Trevor
Very good job! Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful work! I just purchased this van with the same top already installed. I would love to know the process you used to cut out your hole for the fan, how you avoided chipping and breaking the fiberglass in the process and how you reinforced the wood to fiberglass connection from the inside. Two of your videos are the only thing I have found that have been at all helpful for me on preparing for my build! Thank you for doing all of this!
The hole for the fan was cut using a jigsaw with a fine blade. Not much chipping really. I glued wood blocking up around the underside using bondo. Of course the screws coming from the top thru the fan base also hold the wood blocking in place. Good luck with your build.
May I also ask what size are your solar panels and did you also do wood blocking inside underneath where the attachment screws are located? I am curious because it seems like my top is just dead space where the panel screws would attach (other than the honeycomb structure of the fiberglass). Thank you again for posting your videos! You are the only good source I have found online dealing with the tuffport and chevy express cargo build. Just absolutely amazing! @@handyoldfart
@@rachellevanderplas3148 I did not reinforce beneath the fiberglass where the solar panels are screwed. The panels are 100 watts each I don't recall the dimensions. They were from Renogy Solar. Cheers
Great job
Thank you so much ❤
Nice job. Where can I find a hightop like the one you have?
good!! 멋지십니다~~
GREAT WORK !!!
New sub . Lots of interesting information . Thank you !
Great job Thank you.
This Is Awesome!
Looks really good. I plan to see if I can find a high top at a local junkyard but now I know how to install it thank you! If possible could you share the brand of silicone you used to secure the high top to the van and what type of screw you used?
The silicone is Dowsil 795. There are other comparable products. Look for neutral cure structural silicone. Check with your local glazing contractor where to buy it. People charge crazy amounts on Amazon. It should be about $10 per tube. The screws are #10 wafer head tek screws. be sure to drill a clearance hole through the fibreglass to help prevent cracking.
Good luck with your project!
@@handyoldfart thank you! Subscribed excited to see what you end up building in the van
Also as an alternative, I've seen a lot of people recommend and use Sikaflex. It's a polyurethane construction adhesive. It was located at our local Home Depot in the asphalt/shingles/concrete aisle. It was $8.85 here. I resealed my extended high top and took 2 tubes. I did not do a full removal. Says 3 days to full cure. Sika website shows 30% flex. I am happy with results.
SKU 442729 "10.1 fl. oz. Sikaflex All Purpose Non-Sag Construction Sealant Polyurethane in White"
Great info. That's strong enough to hold it? Hadn't made it to the screws yet. Disregard. Thanks for the excellent vid.
Kool vid. Whats the interior standing height?
In the back it is 76" and 73" in the front.
Unless I missed it, you've carefully concealed and/or failed to mention what type of sealant/glue you used. Most installs I see use the butyl tape for the seal, you appear to be using a windshield type glue/sealant? How did you decide which type to use? Not sure. Otherwise superb installation.
I used structural silicone. Tremco Spectrum 2. This is a product used for glazing. Another brand would be Dow 795
@@handyoldfart Thanks. Have you thoroughly tested the hightop since then in driving rain, snow etc? Any leaks or signs of leaks?
@@drott150 yes we've taken on a 6500 km trip to Ontario and back. Worked great.
@@handyoldfart Thanks, I figured it worked fine. I recently purchased an empty shell 2009 E350 work van with a fiberglass hightop. It doesn't leak now, but I'm considering preemptively removing the hightop and resealing it before I proceed with my camper buildout. Normally it seems butyl tape is used. But the urethane type glue which I suspect is the same used on automotive windows you've used may be a better and more permanent solution. Appreciate your time. 👍
@@handyoldfart One more question: How many tubes did it take to complete the seal on the hightop, not including the fan or other protuberances? And your van is a standard length, correct? I have an extended van so I need to add a little for that.
Who did you buy the top from?
Was it shipped to you?
May i know where are you located?
Alberta, Canada
Did you fabricate the hightop or get a specialist to make it.
It is a Tufport, made in Canada
I pull my pants up just fine in a minivan. It just requires a different technique.
Ha ha, yup humans are pretty bendy...
nice roof install .why did you opt to fix up a 120"wheelbase instead of the 155?do you folks in canada have air conditioning in the homes?
Thanks, the 120" was just my preference for a smaller vehicle. We are just using it for travel to and from destinations. Yes we have AC in our home or do you mean the van? I chose not to install a rooftop unit in the van. Only a fan. It does have the rear AC so we could run the van for a bit to cool it down if it was necessary.
What's the interior height?
In the back it is 76" and 73" in the front.
@@handyoldfart Thanks. I'm trying to look for one for my 2006 e250, but they're so expensive and can only find like 2 companies that do it. Which is strange, you would think there is a big market for this, with all the recent popularity of living in vans.
Wow looks very nice 🚐🇺🇸💞
Thank you for the kind words.
Curious, what's your gas mileage now?
I keep track of all of the fills in a fuel app. This is interesting.
We did 2 trips from Alberta to Toronto. One before installing the hightop and one after.
Both trips were about 6500 kms round trip and consisted of 11-12 fill ups each trip.
Because of the larger tires the speedo is out about 1 1/2 percent but that doesn't matter for comparisons anyway.
Before the hightop 13.97mpg---after installing the hightop 13.08mpg. These are Canadian gallons.😁
Nice work! Would you be willing to help out with an install? I can leave you my contact info. Thanks.
HI- PLEASE TELL ME WHERE YOU BUT FIBERGLASS ROOF FROME THANKS
any tips on where to buy the whole fiberglass thingy?