Wanted: wanted - lifting mechanism for compact jr pop-up

[KCan]

Hello! Anyone know where to get the lifting mechanism for a Compact Jr pop-up?? Any ideas what I can use as a replacement instead?

[dunebuggyluau]

I too am interested in finding out where/how to get repacement parts or a new/used lifting mechanism for my 1974 Hunter I (aka Compact Jr) pop-top as one of the cross member arms broke last weekend. Any leads or suggestions?

[KCan]

I'm still on the hunt! I've found some generic supply stores but stupidly didn't bookmark them. I need to find some in the next few weeks - I'll keep you posted and please do the same for me!
here are some interesting examples:
camperize.com: Pop-tops

[Tim 972]

Here is what I used, all purchased from Lowes

[KCan]

Wow! Thanks Tim! I hear the tension of the fabric makes the mechanism lock into place when open. I don't think I'm that good of a sewer. I should be able to create some sort of a pin to lock each one so they don't fall. I'm winging it over here!

[Tim 972]

Kris, I'll be doing a dry fit of four of these tomorrow so I'll let you know how it works. I haven't nailed down a plan for my canvas yet but defiantly a DIY so I'm sure I will need to uses some form of locking pins also.

[Bobbie Mayer]

Is there any reason you can't use a Campster-type lift? The parts for those are still available through VW poptop part dealers. They have springs that hold them in place, the whole mechanism is outside of the fabric.

[Tim 972]

For me I've tried finding the Campster-type lift in the U.S.without any sucess for under $150 each, and with the roof being almost nine feet in length would I need to go with either two toward the front and one at the rear or four of them, one on each corner? Please I'm open to any suggestions!

[Bob Miller]

Did anyone contact Sportsmobile about buying parts from their many different styles of pop-ups?
But the idea of using drawer slides looks good. BTW: The top on my Compact II is locked UP by a short vertical bar that runs between the pivot on the "X" brace and a wing screw located between the two sliders.

[Tim 972]

I did a test fit of the drawer glides for the pop top today. Had to go with 20" glides on all four corners so they would extend far enough in the down position. All four corners uprights go past perpendicular and are cut so no locking pins needed.

Still a long way from camping, my goal is late winter early spring 2013

[KCan]

Thank you Tim! I'm copying you.

[dunebuggyluau]

KCan, Sorry for the delayed response as I've been out of town. I found some "canopy lifters" aka sissor type lifters at this web site. has some other useful pop top parts too. Caravan Pop-Top Roof Parts | Shop Online CaravansPlus

[Tim 972]

Kris the above mentioned website is out of Australia and doesn't do international shipping.
http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/shipping.php

[KCan]

Hey Tim! You posted that you ended up using 20" drawer pulls. Did you keep the lift bars at 17"? I've got all the materials in my garage waiting to be cut to size! Thanks for posting those photos.