My Vanagon pop-top is getting hard to lift, will this basic GoWesty Lift Assist kit help?

Absolutely! The Pop-Top Lift Assist (Basic Kit) is designed precisely for this situation. It uses gas struts to give your pop-top a helping hand, making it much easier to lift and lower, especially when the original springs have lost their strength. It’s a great solution for making your pop-top more user-friendly without any complicated modifications.

I've heard there are different kits. What's the difference between the 'Basic Kit' and the 'Heavy Duty Kit' for the Vanagon pop-top?

That’s a great question because it helps you choose the right fit. The Basic Kit is perfect for when your pop-top is unloaded or only carries very light items. It’s designed for straightforward assistance. If you plan to put significant weight on your pop-top, like a roof rack or a kayak, you'll want to look at our Heavy Duty Kit, which is built for those heavier loads. This Basic Kit won't require drilling into your van's body.

Do I need to drill holes in my Vanagon to install this pop-top Lift Assist?

No, you don't! A key advantage of the Pop-Top Lift Assist (Basic Kit) is that it's designed for installation without drilling through your Vanagon's body panels. The kit comes complete with all the necessary mounting brackets and hardware, along with clear instructions, making the installation process much simpler and less invasive.

Will this lift assist kit fit my specific Vanagon model (e.g., Westfalia, 1988, 2WD)?

Yes, the GoWesty Pop-Top Lift Assist (Basic Kit) is designed to be compatible with all Vanagon models manufactured between 1980 and 1991. This includes both 2WD and 4WD variants, as well as automatic and manual transmissions, and popular trims like the Westfalia camper and Multivan. You should have no issues fitting it to your Vanagon to make lifting the pop-top a breeze.

Pop-Top Lift Assist (Basic Kit) [Vanagon]

Thumbnail of Pop-Top Lift Assist (Basic Kit) [Vanagon]

Pop-Top Lift Assist (Basic Kit) [Vanagon]

Product:	GW-V-POPTOP-LIFT
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Restock ETA:
Availability:
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$80.00 - $90.00

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Proposition 65: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

The original lifting gear for these tops included an internal spring assist, but many of these have lost their "oomph," and lifting even an unloaded top can be difficult.

For a number of years, GoWesty has provided load-assist kits to help raise the pop-top on heavily loaded Vanagon Westfalia camper tops. By popular request, we have created a simpler kit to gently assist the raising and lowering of unloaded or lightly loaded pop-tops. This design does not require drilling through the body, and features two gas-charged struts positioned at the rear hinge points. Popping your top has never felt so good, or been so easy!

Kit includes:
• (2) Gas struts - 40-pound (Light Load/Unloaded) or 100-pound (Heavy Load)
• (4) Mounting brackets
• Complete mounting hardware and instructions

Want to carry more weight? If you plan on carrying heavy loads on your pop-top, please see our Heavy Duty Pop Top Load Assist Kit.