How much stability is lost when you add a high-top?

[ChezCheese:-)]

Or for that matter, if you cut a side rib to put in a window? I want to do both, and I'm wondering about the structural effects on a Chevy Express. What is your experience?

 

[wasanah2]

Or for that matter, if you cut a side rib to put in a window? I want to do both, and I'm wondering about the structural effects on a Chevy Express. What is your experience?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I wanted to know the same thing.  A mechanic told me to get a rag top kit and he'd install it on my van and then get a fiberglass top that can be removed (sort of like how a pick up topper can be removed).    That way if I want to go stealth, a low top with a rag top and then when I want a high top, to put it on and the hole and structural support is there from the rag top kit.  The idea is intriguing.   The rag top kit isn't that expensive.   I'm still in the investigation stage on it.  Here's a website with a place that sells the kits, but there are others:   http://www.slidingragtops.com/  I kind of like the idea of having the top open while driving around too. 

Once the kit is installed, the mechanic told me that it gives a great structural integrity and you can add a fiberglass top and attach it the same way as truck toppers. 

I like the idea that you can switch it out too.

 

[Almost There]

I have driven vans for well over 40  years and have had several with the high top and several more without the high top.

IMO, there isn't much difference in stability on the road. A 24" high top WILL experience a slight increase in high wind steering (and when large transports try to blow you off the highway) but you get used to it.

As to cutting side ribs out to put in a window, I'd recommend against it. Find windows that will fit between the upright ribs so you don't have to do that.

Putting both a rag top (I presume you mean a canvas lift top) on AND a fiberglass high top is, IMO, rather strange. A fiberglass high top takes 4 people to install. If it's not fastened down permanently you're going to have problems with it lifting off at 60 MPH. And however are you going to take it off to use the 'rag top'. And where are you going to put it?

My current van has the 24" high top on it. The previous owner did something I highly recommend - when having it installed he had the rear of the van roof left intact as well as the customary 'over the driving compartment' section of the roof left in place. The back section has proven to be invaluable for additional storage. - suggest you see my build thread for viewing the size of the storage compartment it creates. As well, I now have two ribs stabilizing the sides of the van as well as the welded roll cage above the open area. I have a 6' section in the middle of the van that gives me 6'2" finished standing height.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

So I spent a good 45 minutes scrolling through your build thread...very enjoyable! Thanks!

See, here is my plan: platform bed in the back of the van, with the foot of the bed folding down to become the back for a bench seat. A diner tabletop will fold up or down between the bench seat and the drivers seat (along that wall, basically opposite the side doors). That's where I want to put a window. A wide window. So when we're sitting there, it will be like in the dining car of a train. We are not concerned with stealth. The galley will be out the back like in a teardrop camper.

I see conversion vans with full windows, or let's say doublewide windows, which are clearly aftermarket. So surely it can be done. Maybe they box the window like in a house, to divert the load around it?

 

[highdesertranger]

as far as the windows, yes they remove the ribs and no they don't frame it in like a house. the windows are mounted to the inner wall and the sheet metal. it is kinda like a sandwich and must be done right. it must be done right, if it is it's very strong. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

I should have differentiated between a DIY and a professional job on installing after market windows...it IS possible but it is a job for a pro.

I've seen too many - ahem, abortions done by non-professionals!

If you can't find someone to do the windows for you, let me know where you live (approximately) so I can source a couple of supplier/installers for you.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

Hey, Almost There, we are in the Puget Sound area...any recommendations for someone to put windows into a Chevy Express?

 

[Whitey]

My top is quite high and I feel that increased sail area when being hit by a sidewind. I'm thinking about stiffer anti sway bars to compensate. Cornering isn't bad, just those winds.