planning my van: where have all the fiberglass high tops gone?

[radix]

Hi all, I'm new here and still in the early stages of figuring out my plan for van living.

One thing that seems like a good deal is getting a cheaper low-roof van, and then later upgrading it with a fiberglass high top. The problem is, all of the manufacturers and installers have disappeared!

Seriously, I have seen SO many links to companies that have either entirely disappeared, or just no longer do fiberglass high tops. The only ones I've found are Fiberine and Tufport, but they are on the opposite sides of the continent from where I'll be regularly traveling.

I've talked to Coach Specialists in Texas, and they seemed to be very willing to help, but they don't have standard molds and so building a custom high top would be a VERY expensive proposition.

So, any ideas? Has this industry really just disappeared over the last few years?

thanks!

 

[OptimistInAVan]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

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We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[maki2]

They are gone because there is less demand for them. The reason there is less demand is because of Sprinters, the Ram Pro Master and other vans with high ceilings built into them rather than having to cut a hole in the roof of the van and attach a fiberglass shell top that can be prone to leakage. So that business pretty much tanked due to lack of customers. But a few have been able to survive.

 

[Chuck Q]

There's a  blue '85 Ford on EBay now asking $8K. Located in Monterey, Calif.
I have no opinion, interest nor further knowledge.
just FYI

 

[bullfrog]

Since the virus RVs in general are in demand and probably will be for some time. I’m seeing more and more tents at the campground probably because no RVs were to be had.

 

[crofter]

There's a  blue '85 Ford on EBay now asking $8K. Located in Monterey, Calif.
I have no opinion, interest nor further knowledge.
just FYI

That rig is 35 years old, I hope the buyer is a mechanic. Check out fleet sales for used vans that are larger and taller and newer.
-crofter

 

[radix]

They are gone because there is less demand for them. The reason there is less demand is because of Sprinters, the Ram Pro Master and other vans with high ceilings built into them rather than having to cut a hole in the roof of the van and attach a fiberglass shell top that can be prone to leakage. So that business pretty much tanked due to lack of customers. But a few have been able to survive.

yeah, I guess so. It's sad, because even though Promasters and Transits are now becoming common in the US, the used market is still really expensive. I believe it would be WAY cheaper to get a Savana/Express or E-series than one of those newer high-roof vans, even if you add the cost of having a brand new high-top installed.

I guess I may end just driving out to California from Texas, but boy, that's a hike out of my way...

 

[maki2]

Check your local junk yard dealers that are within driving distance. I have seen postings on forums where they have had success in finding one that fits their vehicle. A lot of accidents that total a vehicle do not damage the roof.

 

[MrNoodly]

If you want something badly enough, you forget convenience and go to where it is.

Driving to Los Angeles is about the same as driving from Houston to El Paso, to give you a sense of scale. You can either blast down I-10 or take your time, make it interesting, see some sights along the way, expand your life's experiences.

 

[crofter]

....WAY cheaper to get a Savana/Express or E-series than one of those newer high-roof vans, even if you add the cost of having a brand new high-top installed....

The RAM Promaster is the low price cargo van. You will pay 10 to15 thousand more for a Ford or Chevrolet. Hop on the used fleet sites and craigslist and you will find some bargains. You want what you want. A high top may be on there for you. 
-crofter

Description: Older high top craigslist listing
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/rvs/d/berkeley-chevy-rv-conversion-van/7153042214.html

 

[MrNoodly]

Check your local junk yard dealers that are within driving distance. I have seen postings on forums where they have had success in finding one that fits their vehicle. A lot of accidents that total a vehicle do not damage the roof.

But years of baking in the sun deteriorates the fiberglass. And you need the tools, know-how and extra hands to remove a roof in the middle of a salvage yard, then a way to transport it home, then the tools, know-how and extra hands to cut off your roof, hoist the old high top into position, align it, trim it, seal it and all that. In comparison, driving to Los Angeles (the east coast guy sucks) and back is a lot less trouble. And the work is done by pros. Oh, and at Fiberine you get a choice of heights and styles, not just the only one the salvage yard happens to have.

 

[Qxxx]

yeah, I guess so. It's sad, because even though Promasters and Transits are now becoming common in the US, the used market is still really expensive.

I don't really know much about these vans, but I think cargurus.com is the very best place to look. I entered the Dallas zipcode and found this one. It's a good deal from what I can see. 1-year old, 25,000 miles, high-top, and $26K. I bought a 1-yo Savana 3 years ago, and they were selling for $21-24K, and mine is not a high top of course.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...Helper.selectedEntity=d2229#listing=255528256

Here is the main website, set your own filters, or check other makes of vans.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...RE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d2229

FWIW, I would never put a fiberglass high top on my Savana. Cutting all of the metal cross-members in the roof would destroy the van's integrity.

 

[eDJ_]

Would a small used Step Van be an easier choice ?  One that doesn't have dual wheels on the rear and was used for a bread truck, snack & potato chip truck, or florist delivery service.  Some of these are aluminum body so rust isn't so much a problem.  They may be easier to work on or service. Changing an engine/transmission may not be so difficult or expensive.  And it may be easier to build out and be more roomy.

Just a thought.