Roof Raise Question

[melwade]

We are wanting to raise our roof from behind the front cap to the back of the bus, with the transition being over the main door (just behind the end cap to the back of the door). This area is 36 inches and there is a roof spar across the middle of this area - see the image. Are there any issues with removing this spar for the transition? Any structural advice?

 

[EastCoastCB]

Just go for it. Make sure you put some structure back to replace that stuff, though.

 

[melwade]

Thanks! Here we go!

 

[EastCoastCB]

Thanks! Here we go!

I did a raise on an Amtran very similar to yours. They're solid, you've got nothing to worry about. Just take your time and enjoy!

 

[Native-SKO]

Thanks! Here we go!

Please post the pictures as you do the raise.

 

[Flipmode-SKO]

I did my raise that way. I took that extra rib and doubled it up to the front rib to give it a little more strength.

I also pulled the remainder of the cut roof panel out from the front cap so I could tuck new metal under which was a big PIA so I don"t reccomend it. Leave yourself atleast 2-3" of roof past the ribs to allow mating the new transition panel to unless you come up with a better plan first. I thought I left enough on the back rib but doing the transition I had areas where it was 1.5" and it would have been easier if I left more.

Not sure on your RE but the bonus to cutting that section of the front roof is I was able to use that metal on the back transition. If I'd had known beforehand I could have ordered one sheet less and saved some money.

 

[ewo1]

We are wanting to raise our roof from behind the front cap to the back of the bus, with the transition being over the main door (just behind the end cap to the back of the door). This area is 36 inches and there is a roof spar across the middle of this area - see the image. Are there any issues with removing this spar for the transition? Any structural advice?

I am doing the same thing to my '99 Amtran. I raised mine 18".

Here is my thread with some pics, starts at post #61
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/bus-9906-a-26674-4.html

I would highly recommend "Flipmode" suggestion of leaving at least 3" inches of the old sheet metal, of the portion that you are cutting out. this will give you a place to attach the new skin you are adding, the transition piece. That is how I am doing mine and let me tell you, by not doing it this way you will be doing triple the work, removing rivets, prying out the old metal, trying to slide the new metal in....
Not only that but if your front cap/rib is like mine, you can only put rivets in one the front side of the rib as the back/trailing edge of the rib does not have a flange where you can pop rivets into.

Nah...just leave a minimum of 3" of old skin and you will be very glad your did!

 

[ewo1]

Do not cut it this way !

We are wanting to raise our roof from behind the front cap to the back of the bus, with the transition being over the main door (just behind the end cap to the back of the door). This area is 36 inches and there is a roof spar across the middle of this area - see the image. Are there any issues with removing this spar for the transition? Any structural advice?

Just wanted to share with you an experience of mine.
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT cut the roof the way I did here, on the side. Go straight down, do not angle out like I did!