How 'tough' are our transporters?

[Dubsintheblood]

It withstood a tad bit of off roading tonight with my lad, still in one bit ;-)

 

[chriscroft]

More than likely they have the same type of frame that takes the hinge etc.. This is also engineered to replace the structural stiffness that has been removed by the large sunroof opening, vw have a specific cut area allowed apparently, and abroad the systems have to meet TUV etc..

BTW I'm jig, panel & paint qualified, and also able to assess vehicles.. And if needs write them off. To name but one area of my varied skill sets..

So is a properly fitted TUV pop top just as stiff in a crash as a Cali?

 

[T6 Dave]

So is a properly fitted TUV pop top just as stiff in a crash as a Cali?

It has to have conformed, and not have weakened the vehicle structure below that of designed afaik, or give issues for its fitments in an accident leading to injury.

 

[chriscroft]

It has to have conformed, and not have weakened the vehicle structure below that of designed afaik, or give issues for its fitments in an accident leading to injury.

So I guess a TUV pop two is tested to the same standards as a Cali; but the risk is, did the installer follow the manufactures instructions to letter, so that what you have is the same as that which was tested.
for example if the TUV test product was fitted with a Sika bond; can you be sure your installer did the same?, and didn't use a product for 1/4 of the cost which you will never know about?

 

[T6 Dave]

So I guess a TUV pop two is tested to the same standards as a Cali; but the risk is, did the installer follow the manufactures instructions to letter, so that what you have is the same as that which was tested.
for example if the TUV test product was fitted with a Sika bond; can you be sure your installer did the same?, and didn't use a product for 1/4 of the cost which you will never know about?

This is why Europe want to enforce the no mods stuff, in Germany to fit a set of side bars, first they have to have a tuv cert, then you fit them, and have to get a conformity of fitting cert to say they have been installed as per required using correct nuts bolt washers etc etc... Which was why we have the sva test, due to self built kit car etc etc, and why I was banging on about @Pauly led light kit.. And wheels etc etc... If you don't do things right, them in authority will put the German system into place..

 

[chriscroft]

This is why Europe want to enforce the no mods stuff, in Germany to fit a set of side bars, first they have to have a tuv cert, then you fit them, and have to get a conformity of fitting cert to say they have been installed as per required using correct nuts bolt washers etc etc... Which was why we have the sva test, due to self built kit car etc etc, and why I was banging on about @Pauly led light kit.. And wheels etc etc... If you don't do things right, them in authority will put the German system into place..

I fully accept your case. There are a lot of people who take the "It'll be OK", without any understanding of what they are doing. One huge issue is competitive pricing. Many people will take the view "lowest cost = best value". When there is absolutely no QA in place to assure that the Manufactures Detailed instructions have been followed in full.
I was chatting to a body shop not long ago. He told me he can pay between £30 - £300 per litre for lacquer, there will be a big difference in the long run regarding longevity, but most customers will not have a clue at the point when he pays the bill.......... A bloody mind-field!!!!

 

[T6 Dave]

I fully accept your case. There are a lot of people who take the "It'll be OK", without any understanding of what they are doing. One huge issue is competitive pricing. Many people will take the view "lowest cost = best value". When there is absolutely no QA in place to assure that the Manufactures Detailed instructions have been followed in full.
I was chatting to a body shop not long ago. He told me he can pay between £30 - £300 per litre for lacquer, there will be a big difference in the long run regarding longevity, but most customers will not have a clue at the point when he pays the bill.......... A bloody mind-field!!!!

Yeah, but I've used the lower budget 2k as well as top spec, its normally about the clarity of the lacquer, and ease of application, I've had stuff of mine last 20yr without issue, so prep is mainly the key, but you and he are right.. It comes down to trust and ethics..

 

[Buggirl]

Thanks for the clarity @t6Dave

 

[T6 Dave]

Thanks for the clarity @t6Dave

Your welcome, it's a very interesting subject, one that has many angles and dangles to it, and is continually evolving.

 

[kieran]

Mine was not that tough at all.!! Porsche mecan Hit me whilst stationary and shunted me into the front car. The floor , roof and side were rippled , writ the van off but no one was hurt badly so thats a good thing . The van did seam to soak up the impact well