High-Top for my van.... $1,000....

[Littlejoe]

I have a 2007 GMC Savana 1500. I found a company in North Carolina that makes tops for handicapped and Ice cream vans. He sells 24" tops for $1,000 and will install it for $600... Is this a good deal???

 

[phillipaaron]

That sounds like a good deal to me, but, my research hasn't be exhaustive.

 

[Littlejoe]

That sounds like a good deal to me, but, my research hasn't be exhaustive.

I live in Indiana. I can drive 6 hours and have it put on. Everything else I found was out west and a lot more money.

 

[Littlejoe]

That sounds like a good deal to me, but, my research hasn't be exhaustive.

I just seen who you are. I'm a big fan of your videos. I love the Zombie van..

 

[phillipaaron]

I just seen who you are. I'm a big fan of your videos. I love the Zombie van..

Awesome, thanks for watching! But ya, $1,600 for top and installation sounds like a winner to me. Perhaps someone with more experience on the subject will chime in.

 

[Milk Hauler]

What's the name of the company? My interests have been peaked.

Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk

 

[Almost There]

Since you live in Indiana, check out what the same/similar top installed would cost you in Elkhart/Mishawaka area.

I think you're going to be making the trip to North Carolina though!!

I take it that that is a single hull high top??

There is a difference between manufacturers of high tops.

The one I had years ago on a Ford had a double hull with insulation(very thin) in between. Both inside and out were gelcoat finishes.

The one on Lady Arabella is a single hull with a steel safety cage that was welded to the existing van roof during installation. PITA to work around when finishing the interior roof but major safety factor.

When you do get the high top installed, give some serious consideration to leaving the back portion of the van roof in place as well as the roof over the drivers compartment. I have 6' of full height standing room in the middle of the van and find it to me more than adequate and the extra storage over the rear of the van has proved to be absolutely wonderful...not sure how I did without it in the last van to have the hightop.

 

[NeedAnEscape]

What's the name of this company?

 

[steamjam1]

I'd say thats a good deal if it comes with a liner. Fiberine in Socal quoted me like $3700 for 24" hightop install on my shorty Dodge.

 

[DannyB1954]

Almost There has already pointed this out in post #7, but depending on where you cut the hole, you might also be able to make your bed up there.

 

[Littlejoe]

The company is Fiberglass molding and Engineering. They are in Thomasville N.C. They been in business 30 years doing mostly commercial vans. The owner is James. Check out www.fiberglassme.com. He will ship it to your door or install a top for $600

 

[Littlejoe]

Since you live in Indiana, check out what the same/similar top installed would cost you in Elkhart/Mishawaka area.

I think you're going to be making the trip to North Carolina though!!

I take it that that is a single hull high top??

There is a difference between manufacturers of high tops.

The one I had years ago on a Ford had a double hull with insulation(very thin) in between. Both inside and out were gelcoat finishes.

The one on Lady Arabella is a single hull with a steel safety cage that was welded to the existing van roof during installation. PITA to work around when finishing the interior roof but major safety factor.

When you do get the high top installed, give some serious consideration to leaving the back portion of the van roof in place as well as the roof over the drivers compartment. I have 6' of full height standing room in the middle of the van and find it to me more than adequate and the extra storage over the rear of the van has proved to be absolutely wonderful...not sure how I did without it in the last van to have the hightop.

Do you have the name of some high top companies in the Elkhart area?? I can't find any. The ones I find only do new vans..

 

[steamjam1]

The company is Fiberglass molding and Engineering. They are in Thomasville N.C. They been in business 30 years doing mostly commercial vans. The owner is James. Check out www.fiberglassme.com. He will ship it to your door or install a top for $600

Woah. Ok Im there!

 

[Littlejoe]

Woah. Ok Im there!

He is a great guy to work with. He has made them for years, but just starting to do the installs for the public. He has different model tops and will even put windows in the top.

 

[Almost There]

Do you have the name of some high top companies in the Elkhart area?? I can't find any. The ones I find only do new vans..

I used to - I had them all bookmarked on my old laptop...sigh!

Call Discount

 http://www.discountvantruck.com/contact-us.htm

They used to show high tops on their website but I couldn't find them a minute ago. If anyone can tell you where to go in IN they will!

 

[66788]

I still think the best deal is to buy a used high top from a dismantler and install it yourself.

I bought a 24" high top for a 1970 VW bus and installed it completely with a good water tight seal in less than 2 hours.   I drove that van for about 7 years before selling it and no problems with the top installation.

The used high top cost $100.00 and the butyl tape was another $20.00.     $120.00 is a fair price for a good high top.

As for my current Dodge van, I bought it with the high top already installed for $400.00.   Deals are out there, you just have to know where to look.

When purchased:



Interior when purchased:



Now:



Interior from back door:

 

[highdesertranger]

there is no doubt if you find a used one you can save a bundle. there have been 2 on here recently. highdesertranger