For the experts: Roof differences 1992 SWB vs. 2003 (Ext)

[Herbie]

Hey all. In my ongoing quest to put a T.Low inspired pop-top on my 2003 Astro, I've got a question I can't seem to answer with google.

Anybody know the actual difference in length of the ROOF of a Gen1 Std van vs. the Gen2 vans (Extended)?

I found this document: http://www.gmupfitter.com/publicat/2004 ... _MLVan.pdf which has isometric drawings and dimensions for the Gen2 van. Just need to find something similar for the Gen1....

Wikipedia lists the length of the Std Vans as 176.8" or 177.9" (cargo only?) and the Gen2 vans as 189.8".
Comparing the vans, it seems that at least a small part of that difference is in bumpers, etc.
(For comparison, the length of the Gen1 extended vans is 186.8" or 187.9")

Can I assume, then, that the "extended" adds just 10" of roof, even on the newer vans? I know the Gen2 vans also have the "bump" in the back for the 3rd brake light, but otherwise the roof lines at least LOOK very similar.

Basically, I'm trying to figure out how much difference there would be between a molded pop-top shell for a Gen1 STD vs. one for a Gen1 Ext or Gen2...

Thanks!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

The difference is just 10" like you found. Most of the body panels are the same from the early vans to the latest. Seems GM didn't need to change the dies at all. About the only major body upgrade GM did was the addition of the EXT's in 1990 and the new, longer front end in 1995.