Panoramic canvas upgrade

[The fat controller]

Hello all.

Inspired in part by @Webbah having posted about the hess open sky canvas, I am exploring options for upgrading the roof canvas in my MP in order to better enjoy the view when the roof is up and get more of a sense of being outdoors. This is, in my opinion, one of the key advantages available with the california over the MP and I would love it if an improvement could be made.

I've had a search around and can't find any fitters or manufacturers offering this as an off the shelf option - I know webbah mentions Hess but can't see any info on their website... And Switzerland is a bit far for me! There are a few companies I've found who may be able to offer a bespoke solution although I've yet to hear back (attwools and proudtopop so far) as far as feasibility and of course cost go!

So my question for you is this... Is this a great, or a terrible idea?!

I'm intending to keep the vehicle for 10 years or so, so I'm not overly concerned about resale, but I don't want to do anything that will cause problems in use... I'm thinking leaks, mainly. Not necessarily from the replacement canvas, but once it's been changed, will it ever be the same again? Has anyone changed a canvas separately from the roof, either with stock or custom?

Any and all input is welcome.

Thanks

Phil

 

[Tee]

see this, part way down….

Mercedes-Benz at the Caravan Salon 2021 with ‘big’ and ‘small’ highlights | Automotive World

At the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, Mercedes-Benz will once again be present with an exhibition stand in hall 16 from 28 August to 5 September

www.automotiveworld.com

 

[Webbah]

Hello all.

Inspired in part by @Webbah having posted about the hess open sky canvas, I am exploring options for upgrading the roof canvas in my MP in order to better enjoy the view when the roof is up and get more of a sense of being outdoors. This is, in my opinion, one of the key advantages available with the california over the MP and I would love it if an improvement could be made.

I've had a search around and can't find any fitters or manufacturers offering this as an off the shelf option - I know webbah mentions Hess but can't see any info on their website... And Switzerland is a bit far for me! There are a few companies I've found who may be able to offer a bespoke solution although I've yet to hear back (attwools and proudtopop so far) as far as feasibility and of course cost go!

So my question for you is this... Is this a great, or a terrible idea?!

I'm intending to keep the vehicle for 10 years or so, so I'm not overly concerned about resale, but I don't want to do anything that will cause problems in use... I'm thinking leaks, mainly. Not necessarily from the replacement canvas, but once it's been changed, will it ever be the same again? Has anyone changed a canvas separately from the roof, either with stock or custom?

Any and all input is welcome.

Thanks

Phil

It would be interesting to contact Westphalia directly (perhaps via Mercedes Service?) as their Kepler One (VW) and Club City (Mercedes) models have a fully panoramic roof canvas which opens all the way around so you basically have a convertible MP. Maybe that top can be retrofitted?

 

[Webbah]

It would be interesting to contact Westphalia directly (perhaps via Mercedes Service?) as their Kepler One (VW) and Club City (Mercedes) models have a fully panoramic roof canvas which opens all the way around so you basically have a convertible MP. Maybe that top can be retrofitted?

Retract that idea. Probably won't work as the Kepler and the City Joker both have pop up roofs that open backwards (compared to OEM)

 

[The fat controller]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

The art venture special edition does indeed mention a front opening canvas as an option although I can't see any images of it. I guess if that's confirmed that would be a relatively easy swap as it's oem equipment. If it's just a front window though I wouldn't bother... It's the fully open type I'm after, don't think it'd be worth spending the money for a halfway house. The hilo roofs come with a great example of this, I'll find a link...

 

[The fat controller]

Www.hiloroofs.co.uk

Of course they don't do a roof for the MP but that example on the nugget just looks great to me.

 

[Webbah]

Www.hiloroofs.co.uk

Of course they don't do a roof for the MP but that example on the nugget just looks great to me.

I would love it if there was a roof available like this for the MP:

Knaus panoramic pop-top blows up big camper van views and space for 7

Knaus Tabbert is adding some serious pop to its 202 "caravan utility vehicle" (CUV) camper vans. Its new pop-up roof combines clean ambient lighting, smart features like wireless induction charging and a panoramic window into the best room in the house. It's an Instagram-primed penthouse just…

newatlas.com

 

[The fat controller]

That's absolutely lovely. I feel like in a couple of years this type of canvas will be standard. It's such a big improvement for relatively little cost (if installed originally!). Hopefully this will translate into more options for retrofitting too.

 

[Webbah]

That's absolutely lovely. I feel like in a couple of years this type of canvas will be standard. It's such a big improvement for relatively little cost (if installed originally!). Hopefully this will translate into more options for retrofitting too.

I'm checking with Reimo to see if this is possible as a retrofit at all:

Aufpreis Open Sky Vito Ea

www.reimo.com

Also, Hess is looking into making this as well as they have a lot of interest from MP owners here in Switzerland. Hopefully I'll find something soon!

 

[The fat controller]

Yes me too! Only joy so far from a custom manufacturer who usually fits to T2s.... They seemed happy enough to take it on but are far from me and I think I'd rather find someone who usually does this kind of thing ideally.

 

[Webbah]

So I just got back from Mercedes Service and they did a second attempt to align the roof and eliminate the squeaking noise. A specialist came this time and unfortunately he confirmed that my roof is slightly warped and they will need to replace it, but this can take around 2 months to receive a new one. Not a big deal, as in the discussion I mentioned that as they need to remove the roof and replace it anyway could they order one with the newer canvas that has the window in front? They said yes! Bad luck turns to good luck I guess.

 

[The fat controller]

Wow that is a good result! My squeaking has subsided... Which I though was good news but now I'm less sure!

Please do post pics when the work is done, and if you have the part number for the new canvas then that would be a really useful thing to know!

 

[Webbah]

Wow that is a good result! My squeaking has subsided... Which I though was good news but now I'm less sure!

Please do post pics when the work is done, and if you have the part number for the new canvas then that would be a really useful thing to know!

For sure! I'll share whatever I can, but I've been warned it will take time. Fortunately the alignment alone they did solved a good portion of the squeaking. They told me another customer also needs a new top and they ordered for him on July 11th and he's still waiting. I suspect I won't be using it much anyway as winter is around the corner and here in Lucerne it will be below freezing soon enough so I'll be sleeping downstairs when I go snowboarding. At least the squeaking seems to be gone as that was what was really driving me mental! Once you hear that it's nearly impossible to unhear it. ;-)