Hardtop California wanted!?

[Lambeth Cali]

Has anyone ever wanted a hardtop/high top California? With the problems with my roof sensors, I could imagine just preferring a solid high top. I imagine a fibreglass one would be easy to source but it would have to aluminium, body colour for me.
The first van I rented was a high top Toyota Hiace in New Zealand for a month. I really liked that. I think I go under a 2 metre barrier about once a year.
The bed etc could remain unaltered.
Yes I have heard of the Grand California but that’s not what I’d like.

 

[CALI FATE]

We find if we go over 2.0m height it restricts most of the sneaky camping spots we enjoy - especially in France / Spain

 

[BrugseB]

There are many options with solid high top. If you use the search funtion you'll find lots of info. In the meantime, take a look at the Westfalia models. Depends on what you want and how you camp, but we love our toppie!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Has anyone ever wanted a hardtop/high top California? With the problems with my roof sensors, I could imagine just preferring a solid high top. I imagine a fibreglass one would be easy to source but it would have to aluminium, body colour for me.
The first van I rented was a high top Toyota Hiace in New Zealand for a month. I really liked that. I think I go under a 2 metre barrier about once a year.
The bed etc could remain unaltered.
Yes I have heard of the Grand California but that’s not what I’d like.

We used to have a T25 Hightop. I thought it was great but Mrs chipbutty always referred to it as the ‘ice cream van’; I didn’t find it restrictive as now we always tend to have something on the roof anyway that takes us over 2m. You can have fibreglass matched to the body colour, and probably more sturdy than aluminium anyway.

 

[2into1]

Search 'polyroof' on here and elsewhere. See quite a few in mainland Europe
And 7mins 40 into here for some interior shots

 

[soulstyledevon]

Wouldn’t you be better off with the Westfalia...?

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I’m just not a big fan of fibreglass. A friend has a great T4 Westphalia and it’s roof peels after a while.

 

[2into1]

I’m just not a big fan of fibreglass. A friend has a great T4 Westphalia and it’s roof peels after a while.

I think you'll be building your own if you insist on an aluminium high top.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

It would be nice to have something where you kept bed abs hatch as is.

 

[The Merle]

4 1/2 yrs and no paint peel

 

[2haw]

I was talking to someone a few weeks back and i said I’m surprised you cant get some form of a hightop to bolt into existing California bolt holes. Would be good if you wanted to travel Europe for a few months.

 

[2haw]

4 1/2 yrs and no paint peel View attachment 77480

Love it but Is the base vehicle a California?

Does it have the standard California internal panels and kitchen?

 

[The Merle]

It’s westfalia uses lwb, they made the California in the beginning.
Calis should only have pop top no need to be hightop unless you fit loo and shower. A good roof topper works a treat, had isotop in my old cali lovely and warm.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Club Joker etc seem to be 2 sleepers. I don’t want a loo.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I suppose what I’d like (and not going to get) is
No hassle of raising roof.
No crouching. I always crouch even when beds up. Can’t help it.
Could leave bedding on the bed. That would free up a lot of space.
I’ve had our California since 2009 so I am quite attached to it. I’m not complaining. Was just wondering if others might like a metal fixed top. Doesn’t sound like I should be phoning China just yet.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I have a lot of respect for the Joker etc. Maybe we’ll get a two sleeper GC when the kids wander off.

 

[The Merle]

I have a lot of respect for the Joker etc. Maybe we’ll get a two sleeper GC when the kids wander off.

Joker has a downstairs bed too. Would suit one adult or two smaller kids.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I’m just not a big fan of fibreglass. A friend has a great T4 Westphalia and it’s roof peels after a while.

Having had 3 previous vans, all over 20 years old with fibreglass tops / no roof issues, but now seeing corrosion bubbles on our Cali Alu roof that’s less than 10 years old...I would be more inclined to go for fibreglass if I had the choice.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Having had 3 previous vans, all over 20 years old with fibreglass tops / no roof issues, but now seeing corrosion bubbles on our Cali Alu roof that’s less than 10 years old...I would be more inclined to go for fibreglass if I had the choice.

Fair point.
The flaky T4 was from 1992 I think, so nearly 30 yrs old.

 

[WelshGas]

Fair point.
The flaky T4 was from 1992 I think, so nearly 30 yrs old.

Denby Hi-Top Roof Conversions | Denby Campervans

Denby High-Top Roofs CAMPERVAN HIGH TOP ROOF Denby offer a range of high top roofs designed for Volkswagen Transporter vehicles, as well as many other popular Campervans including: Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Traffic, Mazda Bongo and Nissan Primestar. A high top roof provides extra...

www.denbycampervans.com

 

[Wildcamper]

If you take your California to Autohaus in Minehead they will put a high top on, like picture - this is not a California. I think they will be surprised at the request, but they will do it. Price, at a guess £5k.

 

[ArunAlec]

If you take your California to Autohaus in Minehead they will put a high top on, like picture - this is not a California. I think they will be surprised at the request, but they will do it. Price, at a guess £5k.

View attachment 77487

Does it cover the corrosion? If so might be worth it!

 

[Wildcamper]

Does it cover the corrosion? If so might be worth it!

Don't know. Give them a call. Suggest you ask to speak to Tony - the boss. The high top on my van is a Remio roof that is glass fibre. No issues with it or the paint work over 3 years. It is well insulated so winter warm.

 

[Azteccamper]

If you take your California to Autohaus in Minehead they will put a high top on, like picture - this is not a California. I think they will be surprised at the request, but they will do it. Price, at a guess £5k.

View attachment 77487

Price could be offset by selling your Cali roof and bed?

 

[altvic]

4 1/2 yrs and no paint peel View attachment 77480

Has it paid for itself with the number of Mr Whippy’s you’ve sold?