Hi guys,
I've started converting a 2008 SWB, mid-high roof Ford Transit and am looking for some advice before I start insulating & cladding.
The 4 roof struts that sit at the top of the supporting columns are an awkward shape and I'm considering removing them. As I've already put a 1x1.6m solar panel on the roof, I'm not going to have a roof rack, so the roof won't be loaded with anything heavy.
Without these struts, I'll be able to run a straight line of panelling up to the top of the columns and have a small recess before the panelled ceiling, keeping them means the panelling will be a much more difficult job.
A friend took a look and said the struts (pictured) weren't doing very much structurally and could easily be removed by cutting the 4 weld points circled in red.
I'd appreciate your views, has anyone removed the before? Have you still got a roof? (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/28af4ad21810c2b99e7d77c645e0f30f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/1603ace6322ac20f39793f8fc7adf68c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/2e46ef0c0d4f3c197133f82f0d2c9469.jpg)
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Those are there for structural support and safety. Removing them would be a VERY poor choice!
Building over them will give you a much nicer curve to work with than removing them. Just do furring strips edge to edge starting at the top of the wall and ending above the brackets where it meets the roof ribs.
Option 2 is to build up the inside of the roof until it comes out and mates up with the interior walls.
Hey John. I have the same van more a less that I'm currently converting.
I wouldn't remove them, the structure of the roof sits of those supports. I've attached directly into the metal.
See below photo, still a WIP. I'll post a more up-to-date image soon.
(https://www.onevantwodogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/unnamed-7.jpg)
I'll be releasing a post soon on https://onevantwodogs.com regarding frame work.
Do not remove, the roof struts are not roof struts, they are struts... removing them might weaken the sides and set up resonance vibration, be like driving around in an ubalanced washing machine in it's spin cycle.
Ok guys, thanks for your advice, reckon I'll just need to work around them. ;)
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Hey there,
Sorry for reviving a old thread, did'nt feel like this would be important enough for it's own one haha.
I was wondering about these ol struts... did you end up removing them?
I have the same van but a Jumbo Hi-top.
I need to remove the middle of just one of these as it runs right over the part of the roof that's designed to be a cutaway for a sky-light...
There are 6 in total so will one make a difference?
Surely removing one of these or the middle section covering this wouldn't be an issue?
(https://i.imgur.com/AYCu1qB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/E73Dfaz.jpg)
Quote from: Jordan92 on March 11, 2018, 09:23:46 AM
Hey there,
Sorry for reviving a old thread, did'nt feel like this would be important enough for it's own one haha.
I was wondering about these ol struts... did you end up removing them?
I have the same van but a Jumbo Hi-top.
I need to remove the middle of just one of these as it runs right over the part of the roof that's designed to be a cutaway for a sky-light...
There are 6 in total so will one make a difference?
Surely removing one of these or the middle section covering this wouldn't be an issue?
(https://i.imgur.com/AYCu1qB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/E73Dfaz.jpg)
No, I've kept the struts - haven't lined it yet but am going to bring the wooden studwork up to the edge of where the struts come out.
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