A couple weeks ago I mounted my Thule rooftop box to the rack on my '85
Westy.  I quickly found that this setup was nearly impossible to lift (even
with the box empty) and seemed like a really good way to wreck my new
3-window tent by pinching it in the hinge arms when dropping the top down at
terminal velocity.

I decided that the best way to spare the canvas (and my arms) from almost
certain agony was to order a pair of the poptop lift shocks that Mark
(JackBombay) sells over on thesamba.com
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=798951.    I received
my shocks today and got them installed in about 20 minutes, which felt like
about 19 minutes too long in the 94 degree heat and humidity...

To say that this simple kit is one of the best additions that I have ever
installed on my van is an understatement.  The quality and fit of the kit is
fantastic.  All of the necessary hardware is included and the instructions
are top-notch.  I was super impressed to note that he even supplies Grade 8
fasteners to install the base mounts (hardware nerds rejoice!)

If you have any trouble lifting the top on your van, this setup is just what
the doctor ordered.  They are available in 3 different levels of shock
assist.  I went with the medium shocks since I will generally have my Thule
box and my 60W solar panel on the roof.  With this setup I can lift the top
with one hand and when lowering the top I can park it in any position by
simply letting go.  The top will hover nicely about 6 inches over the latch,
which is just right for gathering the canvas and pulling it in before
locking the top down.

The only downside is that now I have no excuse not to finish packing for the
music festival this weekend...

Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
'87 Zetec Wolfsburg