Using a Van High Top for more headroom

[HJS26]

Hi Guys

I have been looking into a cheap and simple way to give myself more headroom in the middle of my bus, mainly the kitchen and shower (as I am 6'3") And I was thinking of using a Fibreglass Van High Top, has anyone done this?
It is strong and lightweight and can be reinforced as well.
I welcome any thoughts and comments please..
(The one I am looking at is 143" x 62" x 16")

All the best and thank you
Howard

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by HJS26

Hi Guys

I have been looking into a cheap and simple way to give myself more headroom in the middle of my bus, mainly the kitchen and shower (as I am 6'3") And I was thinking of using a Fibreglass Van High Top, has anyone done this?
It is strong and lightweight and can be reinforced as well.
I welcome any thoughts and comments please..
(The one I am looking at is 143" x 62" x 16")

All the best and thank you
Howard

If you cut the ribs, its gonna cause structural issues. By the time you've reinforced the cut sections etc you could have simply done a standard raise.

[HJS26]

Hi EastCoastCB

Thank you for your feedback
I am not a welder or even know one for that matter.
But I was thinking of some sorts of cross braces.
How much of a problem do you think this would cause?

Thank you!
Howard

[International]

School buses are safe but a little top heavy so I'd think about it and check it out real good first.

[HJS26]

Hi
This is why I was thinking a lightweight fiber Glass section would be better re balance and weight? If anything it would be less top heavy after than before (Maybe?)
Thank you!

[cadillackid]

Id say do a mini roof raise... maybe 8-12"? you will have just as much work in making a van top work and not leak, keeping your bus structural and such as you would if you do a short raise.
-Christopher

[International]

Originally Posted by HJS26

Hi
This is why I was thinking a lightweight fiber Glass section would be better re balance and weight? If anything it would be less top heavy after than before (Maybe?)
Thank you!

Your welcome and Cadi and E.Coast may have a good idea ,sounds good to me.

[HJS26]

Thank you guys...

OK - if I am doing a roof raise has anyone ever Bonded it together rather than welded?
There are some amazing 'glues' out there and I could have a machine shop make me some special spars to bond in place.

What do you think?
Thank you
Howard

[Jolly Roger]

It's not a problem if you can't weld.
You can use rivets and bonding material or buy a cheap welder to start with and practice welding until your comfortable.
There are many options but a bonding agent only for a roof raise to me is not a good safe decision?

[Tango]

There are some super strong commercial construction adhesives that work great on sheet metal but any structural (like the ribs and any added support members) will need to be welded and/or riveted.

[Jolly Roger]

With age bonding materials will give up.
No matter what brand/grade it is.
Safety wise a permanent attachment should be used.
At a minimum
Rivets with adhesive.
It might be scary at first but get a small welder and play with it then the scare is gone?
Hands on is how to build anything you want.
Put your gloves on and teach yourself! The only one holding you back is you?
Maybe money I can understand money but for it to be something you never have to worry about again and move forward with it needs to be done correctly.

[turf]

if i recall, Lornashinske was contemplating a similar roof raise. i think she called it a transome roof?

[Carytowncat]

Welding is delightfully simple and forgiving. I am always amazed at how two clean surfaces and a welding rod just melt right together. Sorcery. lol
I wear lots of leather protection when i weld, including an old 70s leather jacket... hayyyy!

[HJS26]

Hi Guys

Thank you for the comments - Yes learning welding is something I see in my near future...

Ok - So my new idea is this..

I wanted to add a deck to my Skoolie anyway, so my question is, it is possible to use this as my new roof?

As this would be properly and structurally welded to the steel frame.
All I would be doing different is to simply remove the original roof.
Equals more headroom and less weight.

Do you think this is an option?
Of course I would have to box it in and waterproof it. But I would then have a taller stronger lighter bus. With the ceiling height I want and it would also be flat and not rounded.

I welcome any feedback or comments

Thank you
Howard