How to Build a DIY wood Hightop on a Van - Hightop Campervan Part 1/2

[@allangee]

Just a tip for anyone trying the same thing. Before you remove the top panel, put in some temporary cross pieces to hold the opening/top edge in the exact same position as before the cut. Will eliminate any flex and ensure all the window gaskets stay in their original position.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Are they still traveling around doing video's?

[@benjaminrush4443]

Ambitious and Functional ! Sweet. I'll bet it is a lot lighter than Fiberglass Tops & Cheaper with the Wood; less strength. Thanks. I just loved the music with the quick show.

[@hwalton211]

excellent video, a big inspiration to old guys like me who are tired of paying rent

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you!! Rent is horrible! ;)

[@Wanna.Wander]

Big Teddy Bear ent is no longer affordable. Thank goodness I no longer have to work three jobs to make rent... now I just use my rent money for gas to go and see new places. Much more affordable and all of us will be nomadic again with all the rules and ridiculously high costs of everything and anything💜 Get out there and live! Happy trails

[@zzsdadYY]

Eli, very interesting concept! At 7' plus, it is higher than many high roof factory vans, and considerably cheaper, no doubt. Some things to keep in mind if anyone wants to give this DIY a try: 1. Make sure to use stainless screws/washers/nuts for any surface exposed on the outside of the van. Also, as you're putting your fasteners through, it doesn't hurt to caulk the holes with silicone for an extra watertight layer. 2. This build has quite a bit of cross-support. Still, if anyone wants to build a high top (and especially if they plan on having buckled in passengers in the rear while the van is in motion, it might not hurt to weld in some type of roll cage or structural support in case God forbid your van flipped. Wood is fairly strong by itself, but can break (or the fasteners can sheer) if put under enough load/sudden impact. 3. The plexiglass roof looks amazing for letting in natural light during the day, and stargazing during the night sky. Might want to build some shades though for noontime sun, otherwise, it will be smoking hot in there! 4. Besides the silicone caulking, you may want to use a mastic 3M style tape between the wood surfaces and where they bond to the metal, as it gives you another layer of weatherproofing and sealing your water envelope. I'm really looking forward to part 2, keep up the great work! Subscribed!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks for yout comments! no people sitting in the back while driving this one. Good idea on the tape! Ill look into that. I have switched to just using a marine adhesive sealant after getting a leak. No issues after that

[@zzsdadYY]

@@EliPetersonjp Sounds great! Looking forward to future videos.

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I would think marine-grade structural plywood would make a better option than ACX, BCX or CDX plywood. Of course that's quite the premium $$ too

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

3.10 Buddy, you're one funny dude. Loving your can-do attitude. So much respect and admiration mate. God love ya! Des

[@klabeck1097]

Remarkable that you did this all by yourself! I'm enjoying your vids. You've got a good vibe. Looking forward to part two!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you!! Been working so much have no time to edit, but hopefully soon

[@klabeck1097]

@@EliPetersonjp I hear ya. But, better to be busy than bored! Ha! Good luck~K

[@Wanna.Wander]

K Labeck gonna watch it now💜

[@elvispresley2635]

Curiosity about whether the roof is still ok after all this time driving

[@robertrhu5181]

What did you use fir paint and weather resistant treatment? Seems the 5mil ply will get eaten up by the elements.

[@zeninabox9818]

Dicor rv roof sealant is your friend. Silicone is a no go on roofs. Dicor is made in 2 styles, leveling (puddles on horizontal level seams) and non self leveling for use on vertical-ish surfaces. Designed to stay pliable, and be stripped and replaced every several years or so.

[@fordfan3179]

Having spent most of my adult life as a mechanic, carpenter and RV enthusiast and do it yourselfer, I could write a thesis on all the stuff you did wrong but I give you high marks for perseverance and originality. I hope you get everything you want out of it.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks! I learned a lot from this build. And it is doing and serving me great

[@fordfan3179]

Eli, had I decided to do a van/camper conversion this would have been the way I went. It's super clean, easy and there's tons of options. Take a look! fiberine.com/GVMR/Full_Size_Van_Tops.html

[@listenlearnlovelinkup6253]

Hey Ford Van, can you share some of your insights for other DIYers?

[@fordfan3179]

What do you need?

[@OgdenM]

I love this idea but, I see one major issue with his build and I'm not a carpenter. The horizontal cross beam pieces really should have butted directly into the horizontal sides on both sides of the van; not gone into notches like he made it. They are replacing the ribs of the van, the ribs are VERY structural and keep it from crumpling inwards. The way he did it undermines that ability a lot.

[@brentgolbert2402]

I have heard living in a van down by the river by so many people. It must be a bigger dream than I thought. I know it's always been mine dream.

[@brentgolbert2402]

@Rod Loucks I knew it was Chris Farley Saturday Night Live 1975 died at the age of 33.RIP You ever heard of a joke?

[@brentgolbert2402]

@Rod Loucks seriously are you that dumb??

[@brentgolbert2402]

@Rod Loucks living in a van has been one of our favorite family jokes for about 40 years now.

[@brentgolbert2402]

@Rod Loucks that is great perhaps you can give me information mostly I'd like to know where to get that government cheese

[@tonygonzalez305]

That wood joinery was brilliant, you better hope IKEA doesn't sue you for stealing their idea

[@douglascampbell9809]

As a former furniture maker the dowl and tongue and grove stuff takes me back.

[@lisamontgomery99]

Wow Wow Wow! Nice carpentry, going watch your next installation video. Can't wait to see the finished van

[@jcblackmon]

Man, you are brillinat! I love the glass top....what a unique experience you will have campiong! I just found this build...will hunt around for some videos of you ttravels with it! Great work!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much jonathan!

[@brandonaustin1932]

I'm kind working on my own DIY with my Ford and I'm alone as well. Been a pain. But after watching this video im definitely get my ass in gear. Your an inspiration man, keep working at it!

[@josephleister9198]

Excellent craftsmanship, most don't practice today. Thanks

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Joseph!

[@Das801E]

Omg...I loved the ladt song...it totally went with your joyful happiness of completing the project....great work

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you!

[@eddyster56]

Dude I love the music!!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha me too

[@strikem1241]

The music of work lol

[@PeterJames143]

I like the carpentry. Dowel idea seems clever. Con la pasion tan fuerte! Love the roof. Dont understand why you didnt pmf the hightop

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I admire your ideas and carrying it out , yet I wanted to state my thought If you upgrade your jigsaw to a T Shank Blade one even one from Harbor Freight which are pretty inexpensive I believe 30 bucks last I checked you will find a much larger selection of blades available to use I did Woodworking professionally for over 20 years and although you Skil did the job there are many others that have more precision because of speed control and guide bushings for the blades I used Bosch brands for years and I’ve cut light steel , all types of composites and other non ferrous metals plus of course many species of woods By keeping a big assortment of blades on hand Only my suggestion not by any means a Hater hope you keep the videos coming as I enjoy them

[@maggiebrattoli383]

Love the song. I can’t wait for the finish product. Good luck.

[@lifeguard434343]

Very entertaining video! That was hysterical when you saw the bird with the rabbit in it’s mouth. Also liked the Mariachi music.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha glad you liked it!

[@micah_noel]

I’ve been thinking about doing this but I can’t decide if it really makes sense. I have an Astro that I’ve been living out of for 8 years. So of course I dream of having something bigger that I can stand up inside. But the fact is that my bed still takes up the majority of space in the back of my fan and raising the roof won’t change that.

[@Anne--Marie]

So happy that you showed us how to raise the roof. My beautiful Aztek should be afraid.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha good luck!

[@koaasst]

my e-150 has the formed fiberglass shell on it. i got lucky finding this old goat. cant wait to build it out but i gotta work on the 351W first and get it purring

[@ghostofreagan3181]

Eli, still at it. Good job.

[@EliPetersonjp]

than you!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Hey, I am sincerely impressed with your design and abilities. Hope you have years of fun with the hightop.

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much! it has been great

[@misdesixtysix8255]

Eli, you are one of the most creative people I watch. Happy to read all is going well at your summer job. Looking forward to the next video.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Misde!

[@Northwestprepper411]

Pretty awsome build. Love the wood joints.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you! Recently spent several months working part time as a carpenter in Japan so I drew a lot of inspiration from their work. Well built wood buildings can withstand things like earthquakes and vibrations better than some metal buildings

[@Arm2tron]

Hey , Nice Van roof straight from Asgard! looks pretty strong!

[@LivingInAVan]

Very impressive conversion!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you!!!

[@jh1859]

You don't want to drive around with the roof cut off? Sounds like a great idea to me! It's a van/convertible, man. Keep on having fun, dude.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha thanks man!

[@PaganWizard]

I loved your nod to John Candy. I hope you used marine grade plywood.

[@joshwatah]

Awesome build man! Inspired me to do a high top like this on my next van. The glass up top for natural light is pure brilliance

[@ReasonMakes]

It's plexiglass just to be clear.

[@theruddyone6443]

@@ReasonMakes i see what you did there lol

[@lancerevell5979]

The wood joinery with glue and dowels is a masterful idea! My '88 E150 Conversion van has a midtop, but I really want a hightop on it, as I am tall. Your build gives me great ideas. Thanks.

[@steventerrell2548]

I'm looking at doin the same with my van but the plexiglass was bomb on topart 2 good stuff

[@derrinpickett9948]

You should paint the top structure so it looks like a boat being carried on the roof upside down. Stealth baby!

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha i dont think anything will make this build stealth

[@rgthanx7]

That's a great job real cool and different, you gave me a good idea, cuz it's really expensive having done at a shop, when you going show the inside the the finished product, really like you on the inside, Cool Dude 😎

[@Zenchanics]

I like the wooden peg idea, I'm not experienced in this at all, but would lag bolts do the same thing? Or is the wooden peg to fasten superior for some reason? Thanks, just uneducated in this area but am looking into a diy hi top.

[@clarkgriswold5903]

Very smart using the dowels, nice work on the van, me likey!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks! glad you like it!

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

Stainless steel screws and washers work great.

[@ReasonMakes]

Great video @Eli Peterson Question: 2.5 years later, have you had any water issues with using deck paint? I'm sure the plexiglass top has probably helped tons with waterproofing the top, so I wonder if it would be enough to just use deck paint for a version of this without plexiglass. My girlfriend and I are converting a van ourselves at the moment and are worried about this. Probably going to bite the bullet and get some liquid rubber/flex seal to be safe.

[@rickstir7144]

"If you want to live in a van down by the river" 😂😂 seriously though, great advice

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha it’s not as easy as some people say

[@punkalex14]

Awesome work! Ethan Hawke is your doppelganger.

[@jasonsmith6408]

I did almkst the same thing with a truck camper on my dually utility body except I used a rubber roof. Will make a video and download it. Great job!

[@jh1859]

Next time maybe go with some snap-down canvas so you can keep the convertible aspect. Thumbs up.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha that would be fun

[@danamccarty4542]

I'd like to know what kind of wood and how much do you cut the wood? I really like how you did it and I want to do the same

[@gwensutheran1812]

Quality Tune dude , excellent build ...blessings from the uk

[@Troy_KC-2-PH]

Great job! I love the music too!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks !

[@deathhamster_2213]

Hey! Not expecting an answer but how has this held up a few years later? Any leaks etc?

[@tacticalant3841]

Too late now, but if you cut a shallow spiral on the outside of your dowels, it gives a place for the glue to go. That way the dowel doesnt hydro-lock in the hole and not seat all the way. Also aids in spreading the glue throughout the entire depth of the dowel joint. The dowel idea was an excellent choice! Well done!

[@EliPetersonjp]

That’s a really good idea, I will remember that

[@onenationunderduress8994]

“Hey Hun, you have to see this! Our neighbor is cutting his roof off! Hahaha! What an idiot.” Next month: “Hey hun, you have to see this! Jimmy turned his van into a camper! That’s one smart dude.”

[@-St3alth-]

Did the addition of the roof decrease gas mileage because of how much of an angle the front end is?

[@EmpressIntuitions-jg1ee]

How long did it actually take you to complete this??? You did a great job! Was it like months? Weeks? Days???

[@johnnysteigenberger5703]

How is it holding up after two years?

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

*lol the neighbors think you crazy 😂, that's how most masterpieces start you got to be a little crazy to think outside the box*

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much!

[@helookalikaman79]

our outside the van

[@kerrischneider7693]

When I moved into this house over 14 years ago, my neighbors were retired and always home. It didn't take long for them to realize if I'm outside doing something.... grab a drink and a snack and enjoy the show. I'm an over thinker but tend to wing it with off the wall ideas like a pro. Fastest way to learn anything is to try it and fail... tadaaa. They were great people but sadly they have both passed away and I have new neighbors now. Took them about a month but now they're wise to my entertainment factor. Haha. Blessed to have good neighbors and if they don't think I'm certifiably crazy ... then I would worry about their mental state.

[@bahamasking2063]

Kerri Schneider Lol, that’s funny. What type of stuff you do?

[@sethmomateo8940]

@@EliPetersonjp i replied on your comments can you call me [phone]

[@jtodduno]

Does this hold up 4 years later?

[@alexandrakoecher6835]

Hi DIY Eli, missunderstanding... i liked what u did... just meant at the beginning, when u just cut the roof and than realized that u forgot something and drove by your gar without the roof. .. best regards from Germany

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha no worries! Haha yeah I understand, love from America

[@aslan4298]

Why does it look so exciting?

[@SurferKenTV3]

Why not use hollow square metal tubing, sheet metal, and welder?

[@dbjdi]

Probably would be better. Lighter, stronger, and leaves more space.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha because I still have not tought myself how to weld haha. next time

[@APar-yx1wl]

Wow you are talented..great job

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you

[@thomasackerman3995]

Anyone wishing to replicate this I suggest putting at least a temporary wooden rib to replace the steel ones he cuts out or steel. I see the wood he runs lengthwise and that's a big save for his project. Just think of a giant house of cards collapsing if you don't. When we used to add fiberglass for laptops we used to roll out caulking material bolt it down and then use sikaflex urethane to seal it.

[@salemluna8328]

Do you mind sharing your total roof cost? Minus labor of course

[@JohnDoe-fu4qd]

how did you reinforce the tortional rigidity?

[@emilyroane8340]

do you have an estimate of how much the project costed you as far as the high top?

[@xochitlgarcia1126]

Did you use fiber glass after the wood ??

[@ZanDaFisherMan]

You could flex seal it maybe, I think it would keep the wood safe and a can isn’t expensive

[@EliPetersonjp]

Mabye, I didnt look into flex seal much, just waterproof paint and roofing paint

[@MustangWriter]

Dude... I was gonna give you heck, but dayam… that's tight. Looking forward to pt 2

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much!

[@caelgrayheavens1234]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating: fiberglass metal or wooden highroof❔

[@murphmurph2124]

Now that takes balls! fine job!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you!

[@RoyandBeckysTravels]

That is freaking cool!!!!! Off to part 2 now.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks!

[@janellescotie983]

Does this help with the extreme heat?

[@right2it146]

Awesome! How's it's holding up?

[@Sig721Tau]

Kudos to you for this DIY build. However, I wouldn't have gone so tall or used wood framing. Why not use aluminum?

[@EliPetersonjp]

I have not learned how to weld alluminum well yet haha

[@rickkern5785]

Awesome job and attention to detail.

[@jipsiemune]

Wow , so cool ! Wish i had the guts and know how to do that to my camper , you are amazing !

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much!

[@rjbkrb]

You shoulda did a pre video of applying for a building permit.

[@benadventure4144]

8:02 Lol. This diy videoed project is awesome and appreciated.

[@jorgen5501]

How long did it take you to complete the whole high top? Looks amazing!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

nice! I feel like you could have gone a lot lighter with the framing materials, I have built a couple of travel trailers and have found that the inner and outer "skin" is what really gives it overall strength. this could have been done with 1x2's and a some 2x2's around the base of it and across the roof. not being critical though just sharing my personal experiance for the hell of it.top heaviness makes driving on the highway uncomfortable so the lighter the better but yeah I think you did a very nice job on this.

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you, i learned a lot from this build

[@charlesatwell9976]

`Thanks for sharing. How did you create those ''natural curves to prevent water from sitting'' in the cross pieces ?

[@EliPetersonjp]

i just bought peieces that were already bent and used them all bent upwards

[@Tiempolibrex]

Después de ver tu vídeo estoy convencido de hacer mi VW combi T2 a motorhome

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you

[@RETRO-RANEYS-RESTORATIONS]

Musica bueno mi amigo, great carpentry work as well

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks amigo!

[@TheRebelutionary1]

Excellent video. I would use a rotary tool and disc to cut the metal though.

[@EliPetersonjp]

I find that that creats a mess of lots of tiny metal shards

[@stefanypagoaga1205]

Hi there! I was wondering how it's the roof now? Any issues you came across? Or if anyone out there done this as well, how it's working for you? I live in a van full time, I would greatly appreciate the information. Thank you!

[@hybriddyneguy]

Hows life in the solar cooker?

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha i got insulation panels to block the sun

[@judeepton8913]

does anyone know if there are any legal issues with doing this? im looking to use a hard top off a convertible as a roof raise for my minibus, im in the UK and obviously this is US but just wonder if anyone knows about requirements to be road legal thanks?!

[@jeffparkinson5005]

You did a great job young man, if I was going to raise the roof on my mini van, I'd be totally comfortable hiring you to do it, and your Mexican music with attitude made me lol. Please share with me the name of the song/songs and the bands with me if you'd be so kind. Don't pay no attention to those saying you should've used different materials or methods, you did an excellent job and got excellent results. Have a great day!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you Jeff! Ahh I wish I knew what music I used. KZbin has a bunch of free music to used and I just used the first one that sounded mexian haha! Mexicans sure know how to work hard!

[@mikephillips8406]

I clicked on this because I thought it would be one of those hilarious "hold my beer, watch this," sort of videos but I was wrong. That is a great build! You've got some solid skills there. That cut with the jigsaw was one of the straightest I've seen, and using pegs to assemble the joints? I never would have thought of that for that application but it was the way to go!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha thanks so much Mike!

[@shortieaustin5211]

Wow he went all out. I just used a pick up truck topper for a 8ft bed i found free on Craigslist. Then painted it to match. Took about 3 hrs lol

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha i would love to see your van! That sounds awesome!!! I did a similar thing to build my first truck camper

[@timkahn2813]

a question how dose it feel to drive ??

[@lilynguyen2204]

Is it possible to make this taller?

[@paulaboynton8299]

Does your state require annual vehicle inspection? Will these changes pass inspection? Hope so!

[@EliPetersonjp]

we just do emission testing

[@moonolyth]

$75 bucks is a steal for that table saw. The make light saws now but also light-duty.. crap. great joinery!

[@sallypickering6223]

Curious as to how much weight this added to the van.

[@michaelrose1927]

prolly as much as 2 or 3 chubby ex wives

[@sallypickering6223]

@@michaelrose1927 lol

[@victoramezquita5332]

How was it attached to the roof??

[@douglas136]

Great video and great music!!!

[@aaroncatolico7550]

*In total, how much did this Hightop build cost you?*

[@momsberettas9576]

Can you buy roof extensions?

[@WillBrownart]

Great job ! Looks amazing !

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks!

[@charlesk4831]

structural rigidity?

[@EliPetersonjp]

been super great so far!