The thumbnails below show some of the solutions or methods I used to convert from a slider to a dormobile style poptop.
I used hinges found at a marine supply outlet. They are stainless steel. The weather strip I made from raw aluminum strips and approx. 2" wide. I wanted something that would be flexible enough to conform to the curve of the roof and strong enough to act as the support for the roof in the closed position. I attached the strips with loctite brand (white) adhesive and self tapping trim style machine screws.
For the hinges I used flat head bolts with nuts and a layer of JB weld underneath as I felt this would be the area where the most stress would be concentrated.
The portion of the hinge that is attached to the roof I use machine screws with JB Weld in the holes. For the compression latches I used the same idea. the clasps were mounted on the portion of the roof that "steps" so I used JB weld to fill the small gap and to add support under the clasp where it wasn't flush. I had to use the screws that came with the latch as they are flush to the surface and allow the latch to hook. As they are a finer thread than I would have liked I made sure that the JB weld got into the holes.
 hinges |
 Latch |
 DONE! |
 hinge |
 trim |
 trim |
 trim |
 clasp |
 hinge bolts |
 latch |
 latch |
 latch |