Thankyou.! One of the best video I've seen so, far, that trully is impressively skilled with the proper tools needed to remove van roof top.and add. High rise roof top on a van, very good video love it..
I remember one-day when I was driving home from work and seeing a van that looked exactly like this van and it was involved in a accident and I seen the lady who was driving the van come flying out away from the van while being inside of one of these roof extenders. I couldn't believe just how easy it was for that roof extender to come apart from the top of the van. And yes the woman survive.
Thank you for teaching me to never ride in one of those vans. What used to be held up by six steel supports is now held up by twelve sheet metal screws and the roof got bigger and heavier. I hope you have some jaws of life ready when this thing rolls.
@@Annabelle511 IT'S CALLED A ACCIDENT! A VEHICLE CAN ROLL OVER MORE THAN ONE TIME DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. I WAS IN A EARLY 1950s FORD ON SKILLMAN AVE. WHEN DUE TO A TRAFFIC PROBLEM THE DRIVER HIT THE CURB AND THING ROLLED OVER ON IT'S ROOF A SLID DOWN THE ROAD. IT SEEMED LIKE SLOW MOTION. NO ONE WAS INJURED, WELL EXCEPT THE CAR. IN 1986 I HIT BLACK ICE DOWN BETWEEN PALMER AND WAXAHACHIE TX. MY 1969 FORD PICKUP SLID DOWN THE ROAD WHILE SPINNING IN CIRCLES. THEN IT MUST HAVE HIT A DIP OR A BUMP CUZ IT TURNED AROUND AND WENT SPINNING BACK DOWN THE ROAD IN THE DIRECTION I WAS COMING FROM. THEN IT RAN OUT INTO A SNOW COVERED FIELD, STOOD UP THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AND FELL RIGHT OVER ON IT'S SIDE. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, STOOD UP ON THE PASSENGER DOOR, ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVERS WINDOW, THREW OUT MY PURSE AND CLIMBED UP OUT OF THE TRUCK AND JUMPED TO THE GROUND. IT COST $47 FOR A WRECKER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE I DID BUSINESS AND THE ONLY THING BROKEN WAS A CRACK IN THE WEST COAST MIRROR ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. I WASN'T WEARING A SEAT BELT & I ONLY HAD SOME BUMPS AND BRUISING. IRONICALLY I HAD JUST PURCHASED THE FIRST OF TWO HOMES I'VE OWNED IN SD AND I'VE NEVER HAD A ACCIDENT THERE EVEN WHEN I DROVE HOME ONE TIME IN A TOTAL WHITE OUT BLIZZARD. I THINK I HAVE SOME GOOD GUARDIAN ANGELS.
I own a factory conversion van you not supposed to cut the back till the end. Leave 3 feet and the 2 cross member The van stock weight 4,800lb you going to add 1,200 lb that 6,000 lb you roll the van the back and the front will get flattened. Beside the space between the roof to the ceiling is perfect or storage and the bed, nobody standing back there anyway.
Live in Honolulu, I don’t do conversion, Check your craiglist or try goggle “ craiglist high top van for sale ” or “ craiglist Conversion van for sale” good choice, as these van are business used and they dont have the 10 yr parts limited in stock parts as all the other do. But limited to 1,100 weight load limit. Advises, watch your weight wood etc. building up as it’s easy no trying to put 1,000+ Weight in the build. I had to redo thin wood with backing as needed. Finish weight is about 700-800
You are right. The rear you leave 2-3 feet. As it is a side load being surface. Why they use the rear space for overhead storage and AC\Heat ducting.. I would never chop the whole roof off. You roll the think and it will fold up like paper....
That the problem, the tall hight and floor that above the wheel make it easy to fip over high center of gravity .On my company van they was this steep right turn I would Turn and lift could lift the left side up and off the road and drive on 2 wheel. I seem many van roll over at my junk yard. A fellow worker had a blow out on a s hill and roll his van totaled. If you on the freeway going 60-70 if you turn to avoid a car fast the back end will fish tail and will roll the van. Here federal government safety dept. from 1991. To 2,000 1,204 van flip over they only count fatal accident and there are not counting the under 15 passengers van also. And the conversion window pop out there a defect about that too. There not much holding up the roof. The front glass will break.only the front side pillar. The van weight 4,200 pounds or over 4 tons empty www.autosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/import/NTSB15Passenger.pdf Analysis of Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data for 1991- 2000 shows that 15-passenger vans are involved in about 0.22 percent of the fatal accidents (1,204 vans of 557,786 vehicles) and 0.24 percent of the single-vehicle fatal accidents (499 vans of 209,447 vehicles)
Thanks amigo for sharing this video I started doing this for a good friend of mine and you show exactly how to do only one thing change he wants a metal rack to make stronger so this video help me a lot grasias amigo long life to you.
So, cutting out all (but the front) of those factory cross braces doesn't weaken the sidewalls ? I'm imagining a lot of flex, and all of it working to pop those screws and break the bead of sealant, at a minimum.
Imagine whatever you want. The reality is this is how every fiberglass high top conversion van in the history of the US was and still is built. Seeing as such I'd imagine we'd have seen a lot of this imagined problem by now, if it were actually a problem, you know, "at a minimum", yet we don't. Funny how that works. You know-it-alls thinking you know better than the industry that has actually been doing it for decades crack me up. You don't. You just think you do.
@@adammacer not really, vans and cars when they go thru the trim and final lines have to fit into the cage that carries them thru the plant, with a high top they would have to retool the entire plant to fit the vans. They only retool every model change
Usually there's an option for them to take care of that. More often than not the van owner doesn't opt for it since you can simply paint the exposed metal with a rust inhibitor, then put a rubber lining over it yourself for far cheaper than what the body shop will charge.
@@Sig721Tau Hi from the UK. The more you sand or file...the more metal filings drift about the van into recesses.... to rust away affecting the surrounding area. It's unnecessary as you're going to put a soft rubber edge on anyway. Even painting the bare metal is a surplus step ..IF....you fit the rubber using silicone as soon as the metal is cut. The silicone does exactly the same job as the paint would. Hope this helps. Happy travels everyone. John.
They sure do! I would keep the main brace over the cab. This being an extended van, I would also keep the back two braces. These Ford vans were well known for rolling over... adding these fiberglass shells weaken the vans structural integrity!
Interesting...I was waiting on how replacement roll bars, or whatever were gonna get mounted.... oops... none ! Vehicles have to go thru so much testing to prove road worthiness... before allowed to go into max production... a few snips here & there... removing bracing sure MUST be devastating to its ability to survive a crash... yikes 😱
Not as much so. In common with those ribs immediately inside Sign Writting Panel areas, they're only a sound-deadening measure. EXCEPT in some generations of VW Transporter/Microbus (Against Side Impact?).
Have hitop 04 Savana want to remove remaining original roof over cab. For max headroom getting in out of drivers seat. Already cut out 9” where ol TV was up to the support bar across..could cut out 18”# 14” horse shoe config between seats or cut out portion over driver seat and in between seats leaving portion over pass seat . Perhaps eave small section above visor for ledger for control switch’s and small compartment. Any advice? Thx
Wow!!!! Best video I've seen all year!!!💕 I have been living in a 2006 Ford E250 converted cargo van for a year and would absolutely love to have this done. Only thing I want different is I don't want all the height like this video. Just high enough for me 5'8 so 6ft. I have a recipricating saw but need to know the tool used to cut. Yes I'm a girl lol. Is it pneumatic? Also the sealent what brand information and is that also pneumatic? For pneumatic do I need a to buy or make a compressor? How powerful does it need to be? Better yet do you guys have a shop in northern California? I absolutely got to look into this. Ty
Searching internet and made tons of calls about same thing with no luck ! I'm hoping it's just esthetic because I have major issues with mine and haven't found one person who knows
Nicely done. I want to do mine. I have the 1998 ford E 250 cargo van. I’m disabled and I don’t need 2 people to do a 1 person job. But you guys did a great job. Now how much money is it going to cost me if I do it myself? 🤪🇺🇸💪👍
No. That's not how they do it, in fact that's never been how they do it with fiberglass conversion hitops. This is how it's done. If you are worried about rollover protection fiberglass high top vans are not for you. Not buying one would be safest. M'kay? Buy a factory high roof Ford Transit, RAM Promaster, Mercedes/Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter, etc. And yes they cost a small fortune, even high mileage 15 year old work vans.
thank you so very much for this indepth graphic step-by-step process of doing it right .. one question, though, it looks great but was it really that great and did it function as well as expected .. just curious .. lol .. among everything else you did so well, I love the final black strip as it adds professional aesthetic quality but I would presume it is also meant to be a sealant .. if so, did it really work as that .. I am 77 y/o and disabled but I am going to buy a van and it has to be high top as I can no longer crouch without falling over .. lol .. and, of course, it is obvious I shall not be doing this myself but if I get someone else to do it, I shall have him/her/them follow your most excellent guidelines .. once again, thank you ..
@@bryantmatthews93 i did it to a van once...used a p.u. shell for the back , and faired in aluminum for the front....for yrs. people thought i'd used a boat i also cut a fiberglass boat down to use , but it was so damed heavy , i went back to canopy...cheap , free to $50 , and pretty easy , actually...leave the front and back 3' for strength and shelf over cab , you only walk around in the middle anyway
just bought a used van to convert myself cringing on the cost of these fiberglass toppers Im always thinking out side the box as of yet havent though of an alternative option
Very interesting video! I have a question about my conversion top. I have a 1988 van and I'm guessing the conversion top was put on back then. It is fiberglass and in great shape. I recently gutted the interior of the van, as well as the top cabinet parts. I noticed that you (and all conversion tops I've seen) leave the original body over the cab and add a brace. This makes sense, I assume to keep the driver safe in case of a rollover. But my van also has the rear part of the original body and a brace in the same manner. There was a cabinet up there, but I took it all out. I can see where the brace is screwed into the frame on the sides, and then it's just a floppy cut piece of the original van's roof. My question is, would it be okay to unscrew the brace, and cut the rest of the original roof off in the back with a jigsaw? Is there any safety reason that it would be there? The only thing I could think is to protect passengers in the back in case of rollover and allow for the ugly cabinet area that was there. The conversion top seems plenty sturdy, I assume it was put on the same way as this. I would much rather have the head room in the back with the full conversion height, but I'm just wondering and wanting to make sure if maybe there's a reason why a conversion top would need that in the back and others like this one wouldn't. Any advice would be much appreciated!
@@lutonia I have a conversion van with the raised roof and a rear cabinet. We removed the additional 12" of original roof that was hidden in it without issues two years ago. Chevy express van.
For the strength of the roof we keep the original strength in front for the driver and passenger seat. However we cannot keep it for occupants in the back
Wonder why this response didn't come from Mory Master (who posted this video) like those further up in the posts ? This response is incorrect....the strength in the front section is not derived solely from the factory rib above the front occupants. ALL the roof ribs contribute to the strength of the roof immediately above the front seat occupants. Try tightening a top on a FULL 2litre soda bottle and squeeze it as hard as you can with one hand. Now take the top off and do the same. The lid doesn't just make the top of the bottle stronger. ....it assists the rest of the structure and vice versa. It's not just about direct impact either. .....ever tried to flatten a cardboard box ? They can be stubborn even if you stamp on them. But......undo just some of the end folds and they flop. That's what a van is....a flimsy tin box. You need those ribs. Hope this helps. John
2:04 - What is this air tool? Looks like a recip saw. 7:34 - That is a really nice caulking gun! Looks like air compressor connected as well. Once you cut through the metal roof supports, you have altered the car steel framing. Does this affect safety in accidents? Wish you had shown us how you measured it and got the placement centered before the cut. Would love to know how much this costs to get done on this style of van? Nice work, very interesting to watch! Many thanks!
It's a metal shear. And yes pneumatic caulking gun. As for safety, it's my understanding (not fact) that roll bar bracing is only needed if people will ride in the back (which also necessitates seat belts) Measuring the hole, doesn't matter much. Some leave more in front/back other go max. Cost for roof and install is in the $5000-$7000 from my research.
well done tool work and video, sir... i am curious about how stable the van is w/ the roof supports all cut out..... the new roof is a fiberglass shell only? i guess i would have to see one, seems like the van is not as strong and/or safe anymore.... IMHO :)
We have customers that its made 4 vehicles that have their roof converted at our factory. The only thing that changes these when there is a very strong wind from the side of the roof extension
Yeah sure you can try something different and see how it works. I get it, you like rivets. Rivets are cool. The reality is this is how every fiberglass high top conversion van ever built was put on. Unless you can point to a real issue that using self tapping fasteners causes, why would you try something different and untried during installation?
Is there no need to reinforce the roof with some kind of bracing? Hard to believe that the fiberglass top and self tapers into sheetmetal , replace the braces that were cut from the original roof!!
I would like to do my Ford Transit Low Roof, but cannot find anyone that sells the kit. I have been building cars for 50 years and have the tools and skill.
I need this done. Homeless & disabled, living in my van for 5 years. Unable to get my service pony to come along. Van is long enough but not high enough. Bummer. What's the less costly way? Anybody?
We can make finition in option. You can see standard finition on bottom of this page on our web site (360 photo): moryinc.com/en/toit-sureleve/chevrolet-express-gmc-savana/modele-condor/
I really like that style of high top roof. I have a Ford E450 cutaway van that I want to install one on but I really only need the front few feet for mine. I currently have a sleeper cab mounted behind the cutaway van cab. Installing a raised roof for the cab would work great to help the sleeper cut thru the air better while also giving me a storage area above the E450 cab.
I was just looking at a Rocky ridge raised roof van and they have the standard headliner they don't use that space at all in the front I don't understand it
@Mory Master Where does one obtain the rubber seal you applied to that exterior joint. I have a 13yr old high top ford that is leaking aloing that joint and I need to reseal it..
We do not have the molding you need, what we install these only a decoration, it will not prevent the infiltration of water. Looked at a company that repairs camping trailers.
Look at Eternabond tape or similar (Extreme tape at Walmart also Ultra Bond at ACE) which is used on rubber rv roofs. Cut it to size. Waterproof. Bitch to remove though.
Hi I would like to know if you can do something like this to raise the roof of a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and if so what would be a rough estimate of cost? Please and thank you
@@mastermoryinc If someone did have a mold, could it be done? What I mean is, on a van that is already a high roof is it possible to increase the height without any trouble?
@@mastermoryinc I don't want to lower it. I want to raise it. You have taken a regular height van in your video and raised it to be a high roof. I want to take a stock high roof van and raise it to make it extra high. I am wondering if it is a good idea. A Promaster High Roof is 76" high, interior dimension, stock. I want to increase it to 86-88" high, interior measurement. In other words, I want to add another 10-12" of height to a High Roof van.
@@btkramer Sorry I do not know why I thought you wanted to lower the roof ... Yes it would be possible for you if there is a company that has the mold, but we will not have this option available for the Promaster .
Great video! What kind of moulding is that used to seal the outside edge of the top? Been looking to use something like that on my project instead of just caulking it and making a mess of things.
Thanx for the quick comeback! Does the 3M stripe also seal the gap? And can I get a part number or what it's called? It looks like that gets wrapped around the entire perimeter of the new roof section.
Where can I get one??? I have an express and I could use one!! NOW... before I buy a Box Truck!!! I could do what you did.. no doubt. Thanks for Video Man!!
Does anybody know how to insulate these fiberglass tops? I'm planning on adding one to my van but have NO IDEA how to insulate or add any wood cabinets to it, since Im petty sure you can't just drill through it. All vans have beams on their roofs and I think I coul handle that... but I seriously have NO idea how to work with one of these. ANY IDEA WILL BE WELCOMED :)
Check UA-cam videos. I saw one in the last few days where they said they had reinforcements put into their fiberglass top when they ordered it specifically for the loads they were going to put on it (solar panels, inside cabinets.) They ordered theirs from Fiberine which is a reputable manufacturer. Here's the video ( ua-cam.com/video/szL8jmhJeiM/v-deo.html) Your safest bet is to tell the manufacturer you order it from what you want to do and just pay for it. If you aren't buying from a manufacturer (not certain its possible) then for insulation look at videos and websites on fiberglass RVs. For the load I would consider building an aluminum frame that ties to the walls and floor of the van rather than hanging the load off of a fiberglass roof, but I'm not an expert in any way shape or form. Just cautious.
There's diy spray foam kits that people have used on these vans. Get your structural supports installed and then insulate and apply the final interior finish.
@@wabiiiii your welcome! In my own van, I used cut pieces of foil- sided polyiso foam board with reflectix covering the whole surface. It really helped with solar gain, but was just ok with cold. I glued it up. Getting the windows covered made a large difference in the hot sun, and cold nights. That's my two cents.
Hey guys good job. So how i can get one othose roof for my van do you have any website to order or do you guys have in California on bay area plz respond thank's
Thankyou.! One of the best video I've seen so, far, that trully is impressively skilled with the proper tools needed to remove van roof top.and add. High rise roof top on a van, very good video love it..
Really great and informative video. It's always good to see skilled craftsmen doing a thorough job. Thank you for sharing you knowledge.
I remember one-day when I was driving home from work and seeing a van that looked exactly like this van and it was involved in a accident and I seen the lady who was driving the van come flying out away from the van while being inside of one of these roof extenders. I couldn't believe just how easy it was for that roof extender to come apart from the top of the van. And yes the woman survive.
the lady was NOT wearing a seat belt ,,, period.
Much better to be thrown out of a car and come sliding to a stop on a patch of grass than be crushed stuck in your vehicle
Made up story
They are made of fiberglass so guess ya have to know what you're in store for in the event of an accident.
Wow! I need to have the roof of my 2017 Chevrolet express done like that. Great Job!
Thank you for teaching me to never ride in one of those vans. What used to be held up by six steel supports is now held up by twelve sheet metal screws and the roof got bigger and heavier. I hope you have some jaws of life ready when this thing rolls.
why would it roll??
@@Annabelle511 IT'S CALLED A ACCIDENT! A VEHICLE CAN ROLL OVER MORE THAN ONE TIME DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT.
I WAS IN A EARLY 1950s FORD ON SKILLMAN AVE. WHEN DUE TO A TRAFFIC PROBLEM THE DRIVER HIT THE CURB AND THING ROLLED OVER ON IT'S ROOF A SLID DOWN THE ROAD. IT SEEMED LIKE SLOW MOTION. NO ONE WAS INJURED, WELL EXCEPT THE CAR.
IN 1986 I HIT BLACK ICE DOWN BETWEEN PALMER AND WAXAHACHIE TX. MY 1969 FORD PICKUP SLID DOWN THE ROAD WHILE SPINNING IN CIRCLES. THEN IT MUST HAVE HIT A DIP OR A BUMP CUZ IT TURNED AROUND AND WENT SPINNING BACK DOWN THE ROAD IN THE DIRECTION I WAS COMING FROM. THEN IT RAN OUT INTO A SNOW COVERED FIELD, STOOD UP THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AND FELL RIGHT OVER ON IT'S SIDE. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, STOOD UP ON THE PASSENGER DOOR, ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVERS WINDOW, THREW OUT MY PURSE AND CLIMBED UP OUT OF THE TRUCK AND JUMPED TO THE GROUND.
IT COST $47 FOR A WRECKER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE I DID BUSINESS AND THE ONLY THING BROKEN WAS A CRACK IN THE WEST COAST MIRROR ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. I WASN'T WEARING A SEAT BELT & I ONLY HAD SOME BUMPS AND BRUISING.
IRONICALLY I HAD JUST PURCHASED THE FIRST OF TWO HOMES I'VE OWNED IN SD AND I'VE NEVER HAD A ACCIDENT THERE EVEN WHEN I DROVE HOME ONE TIME IN A TOTAL WHITE OUT BLIZZARD. I THINK I HAVE SOME GOOD GUARDIAN ANGELS.
@@Annabelle511 Roll over accidents happen every day!! Ask a firefighter!!
Simple but GREAT Video! Luv the detail steps that were mentioned
*this was amazing loved watching, I need one*
I own a factory conversion van you not supposed to cut the back till the end. Leave 3 feet and the 2 cross member The van stock weight 4,800lb you going to add 1,200 lb that 6,000 lb you roll the van the back and the front will get flattened. Beside the space between the roof to the ceiling is perfect or storage and the bed, nobody standing back there anyway.
what do you charge for a similar van? what city is your location?
Live in Honolulu, I don’t do conversion,
Check your craiglist or try goggle “ craiglist high top van for sale ” or “ craiglist Conversion van for sale”
good choice, as these van are business used and they dont have the 10 yr parts limited in stock parts as all the other do. But limited to 1,100 weight load limit. Advises, watch your weight wood etc. building up as it’s easy no trying to put 1,000+ Weight in the build. I had to redo thin wood with backing as needed. Finish weight is about 700-800
You are right. The rear you leave 2-3 feet. As it is a side load being surface. Why they use the rear space for overhead storage and AC\Heat ducting.. I would never chop the whole roof off. You roll the think and it will fold up like paper....
Its too tall to roll over, it'll probably just roll on its side
That the problem, the tall hight and floor that above the wheel make it easy to fip over high center of gravity .On my company van they was this steep right turn I would Turn and lift could lift the left side up and off the road and drive on 2 wheel. I seem many van roll over at my junk yard. A fellow worker had a blow out on a s hill and roll his van totaled. If you on the freeway going 60-70 if you turn to avoid a car fast the back end will fish tail and will roll the van.
Here federal government safety dept. from 1991. To 2,000
1,204 van flip over they only count fatal accident and there are not counting the under 15 passengers van also.
And the conversion window pop out there a defect about that too. There not much holding up the roof. The front glass will break.only the front side pillar. The van weight 4,200 pounds or over 4 tons empty
www.autosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/import/NTSB15Passenger.pdf
Analysis of Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data for 1991- 2000 shows that 15-passenger vans are involved in about 0.22 percent of the fatal accidents (1,204 vans of 557,786 vehicles) and 0.24 percent of the single-vehicle fatal accidents (499 vans of 209,447 vehicles)
Excellent job very professional also good video and music
Thanks for sharing
Thanks amigo for sharing this video I started doing this for a good friend of mine and you show exactly how to do only one thing change he wants a metal rack to make stronger so this video help me a lot grasias amigo long life to you.
So, cutting out all (but the front) of those factory cross braces doesn't weaken the sidewalls ? I'm imagining a lot of flex, and all of it working to pop those screws and break the bead of sealant, at a minimum.
Imagine whatever you want. The reality is this is how every fiberglass high top conversion van in the history of the US was and still is built. Seeing as such I'd imagine we'd have seen a lot of this imagined problem by now, if it were actually a problem, you know, "at a minimum", yet we don't. Funny how that works. You know-it-alls thinking you know better than the industry that has actually been doing it for decades crack me up. You don't. You just think you do.
Loved this video. If I end up settling on a van without the top. Then at least I know how to do it now :D
Thanks for sharing. I have wondered how this is done. Great job! 👏
always wondered why GM never offered a high roof version, I imagine this would be very popular.
Because US auto designers were generally lazy and uninnovative.. (and that's a Ford)
@@adammacer not really, vans and cars when they go thru the trim and final lines have to fit into the cage that carries them thru the plant, with a high top they would have to retool the entire plant to fit the vans. They only retool every model change
@@breakingames7772 and over the many years of production of these vans they never tried it..
What do you guys do about the rough (sharp) edge left on the inside where the cut was made?
Usually there's an option for them to take care of that. More often than not the van owner doesn't opt for it since you can simply paint the exposed metal with a rust inhibitor, then put a rubber lining over it yourself for far cheaper than what the body shop will charge.
@@glenrkat
I would still file the sharp edges down a bit.
@@Sig721Tau Hi from the UK. The more you sand or file...the more metal filings drift about the van into recesses.... to rust away affecting the surrounding area. It's unnecessary as you're going to put a soft rubber edge on anyway. Even painting the bare metal is a surplus step ..IF....you fit the rubber using silicone as soon as the metal is cut. The silicone does exactly the same job as the paint would. Hope this helps. Happy travels everyone. John.
thank you for the video. It's very interesting watching this being done. (I think I have the music memorized.)
Do the braces on the old roof not tie the walls together structurally?
I would think they are connected to the floor until the new top is on... But I'm just a woman that knows nothing about it ..😎
They sure do! I would keep the main brace over the cab. This being an extended van, I would also keep the back two braces. These Ford vans were well known for rolling over... adding these fiberglass shells weaken the vans structural integrity!
Interesting...I was waiting on how replacement roll bars, or whatever were gonna get mounted.... oops... none ! Vehicles have to go thru so much testing to prove road worthiness... before allowed to go into max production... a few snips here & there... removing bracing sure MUST be devastating to its ability to survive a crash... yikes 😱
Not as much so. In common with those ribs immediately inside Sign Writting Panel areas, they're only a sound-deadening measure. EXCEPT in some generations of VW Transporter/Microbus (Against Side Impact?).
Have hitop 04 Savana want to remove remaining original roof over cab. For max headroom getting in out of drivers seat. Already cut out 9” where ol TV was up to the support bar across..could cut out 18”# 14” horse shoe config between seats or cut out portion over driver seat and in between seats leaving portion over pass seat . Perhaps eave small section above visor for ledger for control switch’s and small compartment. Any advice? Thx
If you cut in front of the reinforcement above the seat, you will affect the crash tests for the belts.
Wow!!!! Best video I've seen all year!!!💕
I have been living in a 2006 Ford E250 converted cargo van for a year and would absolutely love to have this done. Only thing I want different is I don't want all the height like this video. Just high enough for me 5'8 so 6ft. I have a recipricating saw but need to know the tool used to cut. Yes I'm a girl lol. Is it pneumatic?
Also the sealent what brand information and is that also pneumatic?
For pneumatic do I need a to buy or make a compressor? How powerful does it need to be? Better yet do you guys have a shop in northern California?
I absolutely got to look into this. Ty
First tool was a metal shear. They used a pneumatic version but Harbor Freight sells electric versions.
Thanks for your video. Is this available to buy in United State, Texas? (only the roof without installation) Thank you.
We can ship Canada and USA, just send a request on moryinc.com
Do you guys do these roof raises for other people? I’m looking to get mine done and would definitely need professional help.
You can go on our web site and request a quote www.moryinc.com
what is the thing he is using to support the ceiling and lower to the glue called?
We use a trailer jack that we modified
What tools did you use for that I'm currently a motor fitter and there worried about sparks on the paint ? And that looks next to nothing
CP7111 CHICAGO Pneumatic
@@mastermoryinc would u recommend a nibbler aswell ?? Thanks for your time and great videos keep up the work
@@papitsb The model I sent you is the one we are using. Surely a nibbler will work well too it's the same kind.
Good job.💪. Thanks for sharing 👍
What’s the black tape you put around the seam at the end?
Searching internet and made tons of calls about same thing with no luck ! I'm hoping it's just esthetic because I have major issues with mine and haven't found one person who knows
Nicely done. I want to do mine. I have the 1998 ford E 250 cargo van. I’m disabled and I don’t need 2 people to do a 1 person job. But you guys did a great job. Now how much money is it going to cost me if I do it myself? 🤪🇺🇸💪👍
Please contact us at info@moryinc.com for more information
Would it really be so hard to design it so it matches and suits the lines of the vehicle?..
I wonder the cost for it
You can go on our web site moryinc.com for more information
Now, does this end up being as tall or taller than the head room inside a high roof Promaster or Transit?
Just bought a van with this style cap on it. I have 5' 9"- 5' 10" depending on where i measure. They come in different heights... Hope thats helpful.
What product did you use for the exterior weather stripping, and does it seem to actually help
We installed a self-adhesive decorative molding with 3M tape on the outside
Is there an option to extend the metal ribs you cut in the video to form a cage just under the fiber glass top? That’ll be safer if roll over happens.
No
No. That's not how they do it, in fact that's never been how they do it with fiberglass conversion hitops. This is how it's done. If you are worried about rollover protection fiberglass high top vans are not for you. Not buying one would be safest. M'kay? Buy a factory high roof Ford Transit, RAM Promaster, Mercedes/Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter, etc. And yes they cost a small fortune, even high mileage 15 year old work vans.
Hey Mary. I have 04 hitop Savana Was wondering if I can cut out portion over cab expanding headroom
We never take it off because that's what makes a protective cage in the event of a rollover
Nice Job. Thank you. It's Oct. 2021. No more E Series Vans . Must do a Transit. Or buy GM and go to Mory Inc.
thank you so very much for this indepth graphic step-by-step process of doing it right .. one question, though, it looks great but was it really that great and did it function as well as expected .. just curious .. lol .. among everything else you did so well, I love the final black strip as it adds professional aesthetic quality but I would presume it is also meant to be a sealant .. if so, did it really work as that .. I am 77 y/o and disabled but I am going to buy a van and it has to be high top as I can no longer crouch without falling over .. lol .. and, of course, it is obvious I shall not be doing this myself but if I get someone else to do it, I shall have him/her/them follow your most excellent guidelines .. once again, thank you ..
Svp quelle sorte de scealent avez vous utilisé. What kind of scealent please
We use 3M™ Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550 Fast Cure.
Have the tops been pond tested?
Were can I purchase this roof to install on my van????
demarcohigh247 it looks like an aluminum flat bottom boat!
It does looks like a little fishing boat
@@bryantmatthews93 i did it to a van once...used a p.u. shell for the back , and faired in aluminum for the front....for yrs. people thought i'd used a boat
i also cut a fiberglass boat down to use , but it was so damed heavy , i went back to canopy...cheap , free to $50 , and pretty easy , actually...leave the front and back 3' for strength and shelf over cab , you only walk around in the middle anyway
Doug Evans bro not a bad idea
Triad Fiberglass Pros in Colfax NC. They make tops for Chevy Express and Ford, Dodge vans
just bought a used van to convert myself cringing on the cost of these fiberglass toppers Im always thinking out side the box as of yet havent though of an alternative option
Could always make your own. That's what I plan to do for my ambulance conversion
@@Shrimp_Insurance I finally did just make my own out of lumber it turned out great thanks
@@mimiw6908 Oh nice! Glad to hear it worked out for you
@@Shrimp_Insurance I would post videos but I havent taken the time to figure out how to do it but I am documenting my progress
Neat to see how it’s done. Their shop is in Canada 🇨🇦
what part ?
So, how much was the all needed fiberglass roof?
Please contact us by email at info@moryinc.com
Están activos? Y cuánto cuesta para la e150 corta por su atención gracias saludos
Very interesting video! I have a question about my conversion top. I have a 1988 van and I'm guessing the conversion top was put on back then. It is fiberglass and in great shape. I recently gutted the interior of the van, as well as the top cabinet parts. I noticed that you (and all conversion tops I've seen) leave the original body over the cab and add a brace. This makes sense, I assume to keep the driver safe in case of a rollover. But my van also has the rear part of the original body and a brace in the same manner. There was a cabinet up there, but I took it all out. I can see where the brace is screwed into the frame on the sides, and then it's just a floppy cut piece of the original van's roof.
My question is, would it be okay to unscrew the brace, and cut the rest of the original roof off in the back with a jigsaw? Is there any safety reason that it would be there? The only thing I could think is to protect passengers in the back in case of rollover and allow for the ugly cabinet area that was there. The conversion top seems plenty sturdy, I assume it was put on the same way as this. I would much rather have the head room in the back with the full conversion height, but I'm just wondering and wanting to make sure if maybe there's a reason why a conversion top would need that in the back and others like this one wouldn't. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Did you do it ?
I’m wondering the same thing. I’m in the exact same situation. Lol
@@lutonia I have a conversion van with the raised roof and a rear cabinet. We removed the additional 12" of original roof that was hidden in it without issues two years ago. Chevy express van.
Do people still do this with most Van's offered factory high top?
Most of our customers install a fiberglass roof and finish inside themselves which gives them a camper with a low cost
Nice job. I’m having this guy cut the roof off my new 2019 Tahoe Premium I just purchased. I want to be able to stand up inside my Tahoe.
How much for that job?
Did u do it yet? Pics?
What was the product you used at the end? the black trim piece? Purely cosmetic? or what?
We use a molding finish between the fiberglass roof and that of the van. These only for the look.
When you cut out the transverse supports in the roof, does it leave the vehicle substantially weaker and less safe in a rollover?
For the strength of the roof we keep the original strength in front for the driver and passenger seat. However we cannot keep it for occupants in the back
@@juliemorin2251 I wondered about this myself. Thanks for being honest about it.
Wonder why this response didn't come from Mory Master (who posted this video) like those further up in the posts ? This response is incorrect....the strength in the front section is not derived solely from the factory rib above the front occupants. ALL the roof ribs contribute to the strength of the roof immediately above the front seat occupants. Try tightening a top on a FULL 2litre soda bottle and squeeze it as hard as you can with one hand. Now take the top off and do the same. The lid doesn't just make the top of the bottle stronger. ....it assists the rest of the structure and vice versa. It's not just about direct impact either. .....ever tried to flatten a cardboard box ? They can be stubborn even if you stamp on them. But......undo just some of the end folds and they flop. That's what a van is....a flimsy tin box. You need those ribs. Hope this helps. John
@@juliemorin2251 What types of government hurdles/insurance do you have to jump through to cover your butt with the customer?
How much does it cost and how much of it is labor and how much of it is material?
You can go on our web site moryinc.com for more information
Thank you so much for such a great video. What product did you use on 9:48? Looks like black tape or sealer.
2:04 - What is this air tool? Looks like a recip saw.
7:34 - That is a really nice caulking gun! Looks like air compressor connected as well.
Once you cut through the metal roof supports, you have altered the car steel framing. Does this affect safety in accidents?
Wish you had shown us how you measured it and got the placement centered before the cut.
Would love to know how much this costs to get done on this style of van?
Nice work, very interesting to watch! Many thanks!
It's a metal shear. And yes pneumatic caulking gun.
As for safety, it's my understanding (not fact) that roll bar bracing is only needed if people will ride in the back (which also necessitates seat belts)
Measuring the hole, doesn't matter much. Some leave more in front/back other go max.
Cost for roof and install is in the $5000-$7000 from my research.
@@hobohacker258 Thank you! That was very useful to know!
@@hobohacker258
That's a lot of money for a fiberglass shell.
@@Sig721Tau Yup. But if ya need/want it.... Also consider product liability insurance, EPA regulations, etc.. (thank Lawyers!!)
@@Sig721Tau yeah ,no shit it is. I was interested till I saw the price tag.😲
How would you frame out that topper inside to support a wood tongue and groove ceiling?
It is recommended to glue wood reinforcements using urethane glue where you need it.
Awesome. I'm wondering if they come in different heights and for different makes of vehicles?
We have a 19'' and 24'' high raised roof model. Please contact us at info@moryinc.com to know if it is available for your van model.
well done tool work and video, sir... i am curious about how stable the van is w/ the roof supports all cut out..... the new roof is a fiberglass shell only? i guess i would have to see one, seems like the van is not as strong and/or safe anymore.... IMHO :)
We have customers that its made 4 vehicles that have their roof converted at our factory. The only thing that changes these when there is a very strong wind from the side of the roof extension
Can you raise the roof on a Ford transit connect xtl 2012?
I like the bolts way better than those self tappers
Hi do you guys actually offer the services of extending the roof and if so, how much? Thank you.
What is a urethane cord??
Will this fibreglass roof top support the weight of a roof top air conditioning unit like the type used on an RV?
Yes we have standard reinforcement for A/C
Is it against regulations to lift the entire thing, including over the driver/passenger's seats?
Probably more a strength thing.. leaving that section in maintains some rigidity in the upper body
can the roof top be made a bit higher than that?
No sorry our molds are of this height and can not be changed
Double decker would be nice.
I would have thoughts rivets would be superior to self tapping screws
The tapping screws are used while the urethane is dry. Once dried the screws are no longer useful. Using rivet maybe use these just longer to install
What about using rivets instead of self-tapping fasteners? I've done some aircraft repairs and like rivets.
There are rivets that can do the trick the only problem is to put them properly with the roof angle especially in the front.
Yeah sure you can try something different and see how it works. I get it, you like rivets. Rivets are cool. The reality is this is how every fiberglass high top conversion van ever built was put on. Unless you can point to a real issue that using self tapping fasteners causes, why would you try something different and untried during installation?
Holy cow are yall close the Oklahoma I got a Express 2500 I'd love to get my roof done
Me too I need this asap.
How many feet did this roof raised over all?
24 "at the highest
Whats the highth now and can it be done to go 9 feet?
Height is around 6'
do you guys think this would be possible to do to a Volkswagen Type 2 samba or kombi mini bus? how would you recommend someone get that done?
Unfortunately we only have raised roof for Savana/Express and Econoline van
Is that butyl tape at the end (that u wrapped around the topper) or what was the last product you used?
If you talk what we install around the top, it a rubber trim with 3M tape double face
Is there no need to reinforce the roof with some kind of bracing? Hard to believe that the fiberglass top and self tapers into sheetmetal , replace the braces that were cut from the original roof!!
When these roofs are installed they are not designed to carry passengers in the rear. The front ocuppant protection cage is not cut.
Can I drive a van to Quebec to raise roof? How much time do you need? How do I get details?
Installation take about half a day at our plant. Contact us at info@moryinc.com
Can this be done after conversion to a camper van it’s stuff still inside?
It's something we've already done but it's much longer. We must remove all that could harm the installation
How much was the roof top? Thanks. Nice video
Do you guys do something like that to a suburban? But not that high. I have 2018.
No Sorry we have just for Savana, Expresse & Ford E-Serie
What is he using to get the high top to stick to the van ?
We use Urethane, the same product we use to install a windshield
I would like to do my Ford Transit Low Roof, but cannot find anyone that sells the kit. I have been building cars for 50 years and have the tools and skill.
We only have raised roof for Ford Econoline and GMC Savana/ Express van
I need this done. Homeless & disabled, living in my van for 5 years. Unable to get my service pony to come along. Van is long enough but not high enough. Bummer. What's the less costly way? Anybody?
Change vans to a high top. You get factory steel ribs for structural strength. Hope this helps. John
What is the name of the tool you are using on 2:12 please?
Phoebekhins
metal shears
Chicago Pneumatic Zip Gun CP 711
Its called tweezers..
What are these shells called and where can I get one? Just bought my van and want to be able to move around in it without walking like igor
fiberene makes high tops. do you know what that black strip he used at the end was O.O??
its 3m strip caulk in case you also want to know
@@elaineabreu282 thank you
Very cool video! Thanks for sharing
What is that tool used to cut the top?
It's a metal shear.
@@mastermoryinc watching it go through that metal was impressive!
'Struck me' as an air-chisel.
Why didn't you show how you finished cleaning up the inside? Did you leave all those raw edges on the inside?
We can make finition in option. You can see standard finition on bottom of this page on our web site (360 photo): moryinc.com/en/toit-sureleve/chevrolet-express-gmc-savana/modele-condor/
Bro what kinda glue did you using or you use ??
we use Polyurethane, same glue used for the windshield car
@@mastermoryinc oh ok thanks brother God bless you have nice day
I really like that style of high top roof. I have a Ford E450 cutaway van that I want to install one on but I really only need the front few feet for mine. I currently have a sleeper cab mounted behind the cutaway van cab. Installing a raised roof for the cab would work great to help the sleeper cut thru the air better while also giving me a storage area above the E450 cab.
I was just looking at a Rocky ridge raised roof van and they have the standard headliner they don't use that space at all in the front I don't understand it
How much did this cost labor plus roof?
Please contact us at info@moryinc.com and provide you van model, length and year
So how can you push tall cargo into the van with that rear cross beam? Not worth it.
@Mory Master Where does one obtain the rubber seal you applied to that exterior joint. I have a 13yr old high top ford that is leaking aloing that joint and I need to reseal it..
We do not have the molding you need, what we install these only a decoration, it will not prevent the infiltration of water. Looked at a company that repairs camping trailers.
Look at Eternabond tape or similar (Extreme tape at Walmart also Ultra Bond at ACE) which is used on rubber rv roofs. Cut it to size. Waterproof. Bitch to remove though.
I just want to know how much this cost for a Chevrolet Express 1500. The quality they put into the install and conversion is great.
Please contact us by email at info@moryinc.com
What gauge is the roof metal? 18 gauge? Trying to figure out the best tool to use for cutting the top.
18 gauge, we use metal shears
Hi I would like to know if you can do something like this to raise the roof of a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and if so what would be a rough estimate of cost? Please and thank you
Sorry we don't have mold for this vehicle
Is this available in the US
We are located in Quebec Canada
Can this be done to a high roof van? I would like to increase the interior roof of a Promaster High Roof by about 10-12".
No sorry we have no mold for Promaster
@@mastermoryinc If someone did have a mold, could it be done? What I mean is, on a van that is already a high roof is it possible to increase the height without any trouble?
@@btkramer In our market we raise the roof and not lower it. I think its would be much more complicated to do and almost impossible.
@@mastermoryinc I don't want to lower it. I want to raise it. You have taken a regular height van in your video and raised it to be a high roof. I want to take a stock high roof van and raise it to make it extra high. I am wondering if it is a good idea. A Promaster High Roof is 76" high, interior dimension, stock. I want to increase it to 86-88" high, interior measurement. In other words, I want to add another 10-12" of height to a High Roof van.
@@btkramer Sorry I do not know why I thought you wanted to lower the roof ... Yes it would be possible for you if there is a company that has the mold, but we will not have this option available for the Promaster .
Heck yeah good job dude awesome
Made it look so easy
Do they leave the inside unfinished? the sharp edges?
Look this link moryinc.com/toit-sureleve/finition-interieur-2/
Absolutely excellent work
Great video! What kind of moulding is that used to seal the outside edge of the top? Been looking to use something like that on my project instead of just caulking it and making a mess of things.
The raised roof has a reverse flange made of fiberglass. We also put a 3M black stripe in the front
Thanx for the quick comeback! Does the 3M stripe also seal the gap? And can I get a part number or what it's called? It looks like that gets wrapped around the entire perimeter of the new roof section.
I was like how is he not falling through the roof?! Oh, yeah support beams.
He didn't cut the cross beans until he went inside
what do you charge for this and are you in Arizona?
We are in Quebec, Canada. You can require a quote on our website www.moryinc.com
Where can I get one??? I have an express and I could use one!! NOW... before I buy a Box Truck!!! I could do what you did.. no doubt. Thanks for Video Man!!
Does anybody know how to insulate these fiberglass tops?
I'm planning on adding one to my van but have NO IDEA how to insulate or add any wood cabinets to it, since Im petty sure you can't just drill through it. All vans have beams on their roofs and I think I coul handle that... but I seriously have NO idea how to work with one of these.
ANY IDEA WILL BE WELCOMED :)
Check UA-cam videos. I saw one in the last few days where they said they had reinforcements put into their fiberglass top when they ordered it specifically for the loads they were going to put on it (solar panels, inside cabinets.) They ordered theirs from Fiberine which is a reputable manufacturer. Here's the video ( ua-cam.com/video/szL8jmhJeiM/v-deo.html) Your safest bet is to tell the manufacturer you order it from what you want to do and just pay for it. If you aren't buying from a manufacturer (not certain its possible) then for insulation look at videos and websites on fiberglass RVs. For the load I would consider building an aluminum frame that ties to the walls and floor of the van rather than hanging the load off of a fiberglass roof, but I'm not an expert in any way shape or form. Just cautious.
There's diy spray foam kits that people have used on these vans. Get your structural supports installed and then insulate and apply the final interior finish.
@@marthamryglod291 Thanks!
@@wabiiiii your welcome! In my own van, I used cut pieces of foil- sided polyiso foam board with reflectix covering the whole surface. It really helped with solar gain, but was just ok with cold. I glued it up. Getting the windows covered made a large difference in the hot sun, and cold nights. That's my two cents.
do you guys offer a raised roof for a 2022 toyota sienna?
No Sorry
Do they make these tops for a long wheelbase van?
What model do you have? Ford or GMC? Please contact us at info@moryinc.com for more informations.
Hey guys good job. So how i can get one othose roof for my van do you have any website to order or do you guys have in California on bay area plz respond thank's
We are located in Quebec, Canada, you can contact us by email at info@moryinc.com