First - Huge thanks to Go Westy for manufacturing the replacement push bar. I don't know what I would have done without it now that I know how bad my original had become.

I finished the installation yesterday - about 6 hours to complete the job. If I were to do it again I could do it in probably 2 hours. MOST IMPORTANT - Watch the instructional video several times and follow it precisely - it's great and so important.

The replacement bar fit perfectly but one factor got in the way till I figured out a simple remedy. The issue is the new bar has a very good paint finish, but the finish is too thick for the bar to be able to fit into the "sleeve". I solved the problem by using a wire brush wheel on my bench grinder and removed all of the paint. With a bit of additional rat tail file work on the sleeve I was able to get the bar to slide through the sleeve assembly and secure into final position with the thru screw.

Before I did the final assembly, I sprayed a thin layer of rust prevention primer on the exposed metal that I had created with the wire brush, allowed it to cure, and then lubricated the entire assembly (all contact surfaces) with white lithium grease.

Upon final installation of the rebuilt H-Bar assembly, I was amazed at how easily the Pop-Top operated - like butter. Also - I now know how the Pop-Top H-bar actually works, instead of being a black box with no clue of how it worked. It's actually a pretty unique design.

Best regards to Go Westy - Brent

Up until the final steps of replacing my h-bar everything was going fine, with the exception that it took a bit of grease (literally and figuratively) and a bit of heat to get the replacement bar to fit, but once the bar was back in place. I then got the screws and first pins in and I was feeling really good about the replacement/install...

As per the instructional video, I then moved on to recompressing the unit so it could be reinstalled in my van, and this is where everything went terribly wrong! When compressing the unit and installing the zap-straps (as per the video) to hold it in the compressed position, the cable on the mechanism snapped and the spring shot out of the mechanism. I don't believe I over-compressed it (if that is even possible) as I had compressed it less than they do in the instructional video at that point. I think the cable was just too old.

Thankfully, I was not in front of the spring when the cable snapped as that likely could have caused a fairly nasty injury (or even death). Our wall and light switch didn't fair as well though (see pic below)...

Anyway, beyond being a cautionary tale for anyone else doing the h-bar replacement. This is also a plea for help as I now need to replace or repair the pivoting bar that has the broken and missing cable/spring, and I don't see a kit for that :(

Great if you need help to Pop, Lock and Drop your Pop-Top

Easy to follow instructions and much stronger than the original. I only wish they had a brown one.

The bar is well made and fit perfectly, unfortunately when I folded the left spring loaded, the cable snapped and that was the end of my project. I think the right person could put a new cable in, but it is not something I have a desire to do. I wish I could have purchased a complete unit.

More thicker for the better

Replaced an existing push bar with this. If you haven't checked the state of your push bar, it's fairly simple to do and this Gowesty version makes a world of difference. Highly recommended.

Solid construction, thicker than original but same size as original on the outside. Tough paint coating. GoWesty video on the shopping page gives perfect instructions for replacement.