1 Man poptop install on a brand new VW T6.1

VW T6.1 DIY campervan conversion. Follow along with this van build series as I convert a commercial van in to a cool camper van FOOKIN PUTIN
alright campervanners. Anyone else reading the news and feeling powerless to help. Well here’s a couple of charities that are worthwhile donating to. Either click the link or just Google the charity name and donate summat, even if it’s only a couple of quid it’s gotta be better than nowt right?
bit.ly/decorguk
dec.org.uk Donate to this charity and the UK government will match your donation. So you can get the government to send some of that fuel tax that you're currently having to pay to the Ukraine, hows that for Karma! DEC is made up from 15 humanitarian charities including the Red cross and save the children
bit.ly/unicefukrainecharity
UNICEF are a childrens charity that are on the ground helping the children and parents of Ukraine with clean water, food and life saving supplies
Disclaimer
I've created bitly links as the web address was too long, obviously there is nothing in it for me other than not feeling totally helpless. As second hand van prices have gone stupid I thought sod it I’ll buy brand new, what could possibly go wrong!
bit.ly/denbypoptops
www.copter-cam.co.uk/
/ coptercamuk
/ coptercam.co.uk

[@shabba168]

FYI the brackets that you fitted after the front frame they you had to make the plate for actually go on first. They use the original holes for the plate that holds the grab handles. The holes line up with the ones in the van. Put your riv nuts in and boom easy

[@KBeadle]

thanks shabba, I was a little confused about that as the instructions aren't very clear and the bracket seems to be the wrong shape to fit above the frame rather than underneath it

[@simonrhodes661]

I’m struggling with this too. To me it looks like the plate should go up against the roof. On the passenger side drill out the rivets and fit rivnuts on the grab handle to hold bracket. On the drivers side drill holes in the same place and fit rivnuts. Looking closely at the pictures in the instructions it looks like this is how it should be done. What do you think? I am also a bit confused about the cut out and the front brace alignment. What is the correct way to do this?

[@greggillies1320]

@@simonrhodes661 which make is the pop top?

[@simonrhodes661]

@colin B Front frame I attached using rivnuts. The position is based on the pictures in Denby instructions. I have a grab handle on the passenger side which I removed prior to fitting the frame. I didn’t used the grab handle holes. Make sure you use plenty of mastic on the top side of the frame to avoid any creaks. The hinges fit according to Denby instructions. Again I used rivnuts. The position of holes is marked out according to the existing roof rack bolts. All pretty straightforward really. Although quite daunting at the time.

[@age_of_reason]

That plywood storage under the floor is brilliant.

[@simonmiddleton4977]

So just when I was feeling good about fitting my diesel heater myself, you up load this amazing video! I know you have done a pop top before, but what always amazes me is how cool, calm and collected you are even with the added pressure of filming yourself, but with humour too! Can’t wait to see the rest of the build. 👍😃

[@KBeadle]

although my head does feel like it will explode at any moment

[@ChuckleVision7]

At last....A home brewed conversion technician,using nothing but initiative, the proper parts and the proper tools... Some of wich..home made ! Oh and I can remeber those drills with plugs too 🤣 I also have one in my garage... its next to my battery charger,and spare battery 🤣🤣🤣👌😋 Also. . Can I have that lovely rivnut installation setter to complete a few jobs that some other Turkey started on my day van ??? I'd love to tackle a pop top myself conversion... maybe I will this summer while I'm away in germany working !?🤔🤔🤔

[@penfoldsadventures4506]

Nice shiny new van , very impressed with rachet lift. I am half way through my van , rivet set would be very useful 👍. Looking forward to seeing van build , Thanks for all your tips your videos have been well handy.. Regards Martin.

[@Christopherh28861]

Absolutely love your content I’m considering fitting a pop top to my t5 myself after watching it all.

[@colinhill6287]

Wish I had half the talent that you have Mr Beadle. If I had one of thoses Revnuts I’d use it for repairing my old Type 2 69 Devon👍

[@lomax40jd]

Everybody loves a Rivnut Karl! so many uses, I would use it in my ever evolving self build camper, it will surely be better that an assortment of self tappers. Love the channel, yours channel was the first one I found that shows a start to finish diy poptop! Thank you Sir!

[@simongreen28]

I think my bank ballance may regret me finding these van build videos.

[@smcdonnell22]

I've never been brave enough to do what you've just done but after watching your video I may just try. Keep the videos coming 👍

[@DanTheManIOM]

On an old vehicle, sure, but a BRAND NEW one ? IDK, I'd agree with you.

[@howardtennant5766]

Totally impressed with your thought process you've either learnt from previous problems or you've sat for hours thinking about solutions for up and coming problem's. Still very impressed 👍

[@KBeadle]

I think its 30 plus years of finding solutions to problems teaches you the art of problem solving. That and if you work for yourself for as long as I have then there's no one else to ask

[@glennclark762]

I loved watching you previous video installing the pop top, very clever way to do it. Thumbs up for the rivet tool 👍

[@tdlewington]

Great video, thanks Karl! Our camper conversion doesn't have a PopTop yet but having watched this I think we need to get on and install it!

[@justinroberts73]

Just finished my driveway T6 conversion. Always enjoy watching DIY builds. Keep up the good work, keep the content coming!

[@Silty78]

Just planning my 1st conversation and stumbled across this cracking video. After watching you fit that pop top I'm really tempted to give it a go. Any tools to make a conversation easier are always welcomed . Keep up the good work.

[@overlandvan]

Good to see another van being built on the drive! I'm in the process of converting a low roof 4x4 Sprinter and a rivnut tool is certainly on my list of must-haves to anchor furniture and fittings.

[@scottharvey9055]

Enjoyed your work Karl

[@MrCatacas]

Love the conversion projects! The rivnuts are really useful for all sorts of sheetmetal work. Thumbs up for giving one away!

[@christeece-millington1641]

You make it look so easy fitting your poptop no panicking when cutting roof out . Love watching your videos have just started converting my 2004 VWT5 so rivnut tool would come in handy. Look forward to your next videos. Stay safe Chris. 👍

[@dayneditiont5.163]

Another awesome video fella 👍 In the middle of our own conversion so we will be glued to this build. 🤟

[@djlouisb7560]

Brilliant videos looking forward to the next new episodes ! the Riv Nut gun looks very handy 😀

[@rich1jd]

Used my first rivnut tool many years ago on a mini door skin, back then they were very hard to get hold of, you needed this to mount the door mirror, great videos keep them coming

[@jimmy_jivefunk]

i've gone from a t4 to a jumbo transit, so this is no use to me. BUT the title drew me in, and your clear but fun and informal style kept me here! thanks dude, i really enjoyed that!

[@rovalle5967]

Love your simple yet effective solutions! editing on point as well! I'm gonna build my first camper van during 2021!

[@darrenparfitt1520]

Great video. Great to see your ingenious solution to a problem for anyone doing a camper self build. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Also, I’d love the riv nut gun 😀

[@jasonannesley5889]

Brilliant. What an engineer. Simple when you know how.

[@kevinleaver405]

I love the timber frame to lift and hold the pop top, great ingenuity! I’m looking to convert a T6 in the near future and the Rivnut tool would come in really handy if I were lucky enough to win. I’m looking forward to following you on this conversion journey. Kev

[@kristenconnery3221]

I love the acc on my caddy maxi, it's amazing. Another great video. The tool would be handy for tackling a few jobs on the caddy to be ready for when these restrictions get eased. 🤞 Look forward to the rest of the build.

[@jackmorton2878]

That’s it! I’m doing the pop top my self. Transit custom roof, I’m coming for you! Great video Karl 👍🏻👍🏻

[@hrve]

Another great video Karl. Superb as always. Love your logical thought process and solutions for everything. Hoping to start converting my van soon, so a rivnut gun would be helpful. I haven't decided whether to have a go at installing my own pop-top roof though, although you make us all feel confident enough to have a go. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@robertshelton630]

Another Great Video Karl- as a 21 year old newbie to the VW Conversion world, you are the inspiration to myself and ol' man. Caddy Maxi conversion is in full swing and I've definitely got the Rivnut on my list of tools to use for furniture and bulkhead lining! Keep up the good work I can't wait for the next video!

[@JaredBackstrom]

Absolutely love the videos Karl! Very informational and entertaining. Keep up the great craftsmanship!

[@evieread9319]

Looking forward to this build as I enjoyed the first one a lot very informative!!! Cheers

[@grumpywoodiam]

Just about to fit the main bed frame to my first conversion for 15 years, the rivit nut gun would be a great tool to add to my collection. Great informative videos. Thanks for posting

[@petnponycouk]

This is amazing, i watched your other van build series and now have my own t6.1 and funnily enough had the same handle issue as you! I would use the rivnut to install a eyebolt in the rear to attach one end of the hammock too when the tailgate is open. Great videos cant wait to watch whats coming 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@EdTurner.]

Nice one Karl, I see the portable gallows are in action again, I was going to get myself a rivnut tool for my birthday at the end of this month, I seem to have been volunteered to repair all the old fellas that my dad golfs with electric caddy carts,(seems they all have 2 broken ones each) I have to fit 2 rivnuts to each to accept the new motor controllers. Been winding them in with nuts and a bit of threaded rod until now ....like an animal. Ed

[@ashleygill5040]

Looking forward to this series, I hope to do a conversion myself and this would be very handy. Thanks.

[@yoki9743]

"I;d love to win the Rivnut Gun so that when I bave put my pop top on I can say... just like you......Thats the most challenging bit done...." love the channel... looking forward to this build just like the others.... Thanks Karl, good luck and stay safe....

[@truth5054]

The rivnut tool, is just what I need to start my project off. Keep up the good work buddy

[@Coco-Moll]

Hi there! I'm watching you from Transylvania! You do a great job! This RivNut will be the best to help me to do a box for keep the Dracula inside forever. JK. I will keep it like a thesaurus because it's from you. And you are the best. I'm thinking how you do, alone, all this great things and this make you a amazing guy! Keep doing!👏👍💪

[@silvermintstudios2251]

First time ever commenting on a KZbin video. Your first camper build series was excellent and I must confess I was wondering what you could add to it but so far (after two) it’s very different. 👏 Roll on number 3 🙂

[@anthonymimms91]

See your last pop top fitting, but now a new van! I would be crapping myself using a can opener on it. Great vids. I want your captive riv gun. Aint got a clue what for yet but as an avid tool collector (and user) I'll soon find a use. Keep up the great show👍

[@lioncrunch]

Great video, so calm cool and positive, great accents, I constantly worry about putting holes in my pristine 09 T5, I wish I had your confidence. Just like you I always work on my own, love your pop top cart, reminds me of the beam carts we had “it ‘t’ mill.” As for the Rivenut gun so much easier than my nut & bolt method, would give me extra confidence in my endeavours to convert my very expensive van. Not done bad though, fitted under van heater, didn’t have to drop tank, teed into auxiliary heater pick up pipe. Fitted leasure battery, sliding bed, etc etc.

[@roy391]

Always enjoy your van build content! A rivnut tool is definitely something I could be getting some use from. Cheers Roy

[@andyluckman102]

I would use this tool to add a cranked table leg to my old nail of a T4 project 😃

[@mattsgreen]

Your previous series helped inspire my self build conversion. I've gone overboard though and got myself a bright red LWB Boxer.....!

[@ingridshepherd2168]

Great video, just bought a Caddy last week, and conversion is in progress!

[@projectlife84]

Nice one mate. Waite ages for this upload since you said you was doing another conversion. Really making me want to do my own pop top now lol.

[@themekfrommars]

You're a brave man doing that outdoors! I would use the Rivnut gun to finally attach the ladder I've had in the garage for the last 3 years to the back of my Land Rover! I have never committed to buying the Rivnut tool I need for this job! But I have dithered extensively

[@phildown747]

Looking forward to following this build! I fitted a chinese diesel heater after watching your video on them!! 👍 That rivnut tool would have been handy for that job. Maybe it would come in handy on my next conversion?!?

[@carlpeterson1888]

Just stumbled and found your channel.... At first I thought it was Jason Plato.. Doing campers 😂 what a clever bloke you are loved you're pulley idea.... Just bought a caddy to convert would love you rivnut tool..... With three vw's now and a dog called jetta..... Me loves anything to do with Vw's..... Going look through your back catalogue

[@KBeadle]

Welcome to the channel

[@murraydl8149]

Excellent work my friend. T6 on its way to me for conversion. Now that tool would be a handy addition 😀

[@robbiemulholland8412]

So amazed what one man can achieve your an inspiration and I want one of those riveting tools as my T5 needs some little extras and that tool would be perfect as long as I can squeeze those handles!!!

[@paulmabley9697]

Amazing piece of kit I would use that to secure my shelving in my T6

[@cwoollett100]

Brave man fitting your own roof, nice work! I would use the rivnut gun to fit my tv mount to the b pillar of my t5.1 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@aboveandbeyondmini3pro]

Can’t wait to see this come together!! Something to look forward to!!

[@andycunnington2079]

Great vid I have a t6.1 arriving end of April so this tool would come in handy

[@TheDazorro]

Brilliant, Very brave , especially on brand new van 🙂👍

[@harezy]

Wow that was pretty dame cool. Brave man doing that but lovely job. Gonna be good viewing

[@peterlipponen2057]

Greetings from Finland 👋 Very nice job 👍🏻 Done outside without a garage, with some basic tools and some ingenuity 💪🏻

[@rph31015]

Hi Karl, we are planning to install a pop top in our Vivaro conversion so it was really helpful to see you fit yours 👍. The rivnut tool would be so useful for our build 😁

[@CoopTroop78]

Fantastic job. Ive been considering fitting a pop top for a while now, maybe I doing once the better weather comes.

[@HittheroadMax]

Great video! I have to make the exact same in France! Congrats, that makes me confident I can do it as well!

[@leeglaves6300]

I learnt from Karl how handy the rivnut tool is! I would love this for my van build

[@Hitchhiker_campers]

Top vids bro. I would use it for putting anchor points in my camper so can hang a hammock inside. Keep the content coming

[@OmarSayami]

Always funny and cool how you fit this challenges! Awesome work!

[@KBeadle]

I try

[@iancartwright40]

Nice job, like the way you had set up winch system for roof to make it a one man job👍 I would use the Rivnut tool for many DIY jobs saves a lot of time messing around with nuts and bolts especially in areas where it's hard to get to boths sides.

[@sublicenseable]

Nice work! You make it looks easy.

[@richardunderwood5265]

Initially I wasn't sure but the more I watch this chap the more grew to love him. Really original take filming wise, sort of raw and natural which certainly resonates with most DIYers as it's never a perfect environment like some 'how to' vids are put out. Really inspiring, would love to spend a couple of weeks learning from this chap. Only thing that gave me the shivers was sealing up the rivnuts with what looked like silicon sealer.....a complete no-no on autobody work as it degrades very quickly. I would have gone for tiger seal. I did 'temp' seal on my van with a silicon sealant...failed very quickly as it just can't cope with the UV and chemical environment of being on the road, washing etc. What do people think about this?

[@simonstork9404]

Having my bodywork tarted up on my 29 yr old t4 then I can finish the upgrades I started. You have made your jobs look easy, mine however have taken ages..I’m sure a rivnut tool would help speed up a thing or two so I will keep watching and learning something new every vlog..thanks

[@hughrooney9836]

Great job- you make it look easy!

[@marcussmith448]

I would use the rivet gun used for some holes made for a swing arm table in the camper. Top videos. Thanks Marcus.

[@neilfarrow9816]

Wow, great videos and content. Riv nut tool would be great for attaching cabinets in my future conversion.

[@joeysawyer7572]

Sweet another build. Heck yeah. Can't wait to see how this one ends up.

[@garethasher186]

Hello, another great video. I've started my t5 conversion because of you informative videos. I would love to win this ready for when I do my pop top. Thanks, looking forward to seeing the rest of the build 😀

[@jackg5147]

Glad you’re doing another van build. I would use the riv nut gun to mount my 12/240v electrics under the drivers seat.

[@DavidMFranks]

Love the slo-mo bits. I've got a lowly T5.1 and want to mount a TV bracket. Those RivNut gadgets look useful (hint hint)

[@172brv]

Loving the work. Would love the rivnut kit. I would use it for many projects but mainly my t5.1 dayvan/camper project

[@archstanton2729]

Great vids, looking to start my conversion on a Custom this summer.

[@NomaddUK]

Just found your channel and have liked and subbed. Can't wait to see how this develops.

[@robgreenhill1426]

Fabulous. I could do with one of those for my overland project

[@Andy5c]

Great video very informative. I must have nearly bought a transporter about 50 times now.... but the prices are crazy even before I have done the conversion (crying face)

[@kevinclark2653]

Love your videos so informative looking forward to this conversion. Never riveted or rive nutted !! before always been a bit of a mystery and a bit scary but need to face those fears and use one on my Peugeot Boxer L3 H2 campervan conversion

[@ianhemming1976]

Necessity is the mother of invention they say ! Great video thanks I’d use it to install multi points to fix and adjust a bed frame 👍

[@down4first774]

Another perfectly performed production of professionally performed perseverance and pop top pop ins. I would use it for riveting nuts of course, I’m not an animal 😂 would come in handy for my f45 wind out awning install. Great video Keith. Thanks

[@KBeadle]

😂

[@markthompson1479]

Brilliant That's one of the best and most entertaining cool videos I've seen...... and I've seen thousands

[@KevinSimpson_MTB]

Great Video Karl, I always admire your ingenuity. I'd use the rivnut gun in my kombi bed frame that I've just started making for my van. I'm just off out to start fitting my towbar 😬

[@carolineellis3713]

Looking forward to the next video. Informative, funny and love the ingenious approach to installations. Great timing as we’re hoping to start our journey of conversion once we find our van. Using the rivnut is defo the way to go 👍

[@KBeadle]

Hi Caroline you won! I have sent you a message

[@carolineellis3713]

@@KBeadle fantastic thank you so much. A bit new to this KZbin community so let me know how to get in touch. Thanks again and keep up the brilliant videos 👍

[@KBeadle]

@@carolineellis3713 you can email me [e-mail]

[@carolineellis3713]

@@KBeadle I’ve sent you an email with my address 👍

[@outwrite11]

Nice work Karl! Cutting up a brand new van must be a little nerve racking, but you know what you're doing eh!

[@teeth2k]

Looking forward to the build, I would use the rivnut gun for frame work on construction of man cave and garden features build

[@INSIDEHARDWARE]

Love the drones and now the conversion! I would love the riveter but live in Thailand (and USA). Would use for many odd end projects

[@richardbarry8399]

Liking ya lifting rig ;-) the riv-nut tool would come in very handy on my current project & then I’d have one for my Van when it finally arrives :-)

[@petermac79]

Excellent work, I'd add the riv nut gun to my meger tool collection which I'm trying to expand for my classic car jobs

[@oOLLOYDOSOo]

Looks a great project and will be following along 👍 would be a useful tool for a poptop for myself 😬

[@MrRobster55]

New to channel, at present looking for a vw to convert. You made that look less terrifying! I think the rivet gun might come in handy 😜👌

[@Pwilliamz]

cant wait to see the van progress into a camper and if iam lucky enough to win the RivNut i would firstly use it on the wifes gob to keep her quiet while i finish my conversion.

[@leytonpeterson3497]

You sir are a motivation to just try stuff, got on your channel from Furze, but I look forward to your humor and ingenuity at a level I can aspire to. Don't need the tool, thanks anyway, and Canada is a long ways away. I'm more of a woodworker. All the best to you!

[@KBeadle]

thanks

[@comfortablynumb8832]

@@KBeadle this guy should win the tool👍

[@jaxlemon9364]

Very informative watch, will definitely take a look through your previous projects. Would like to use riv-nuts in my own DIY van build. 👍

[@jaycracknell131]

Hi Karl, great videos by the way!! I would use the riv nut tool to put in some bike holding storage in my MTB van conversion 👍, keep up the great videos.

[@PaulFenton90]

First time tuning in, can't believe how good a video this was, I think I will have to check out all the others now. I would probably use it for my up coming camper I'm saving up for, but in the meantime just annoying the wife by riviting anything would do.