Date:         Mon, 27 Jun 2005 09:57:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Skylight Alternatives ...
Comments: To: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <11dcddf80506270928bdf8435@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

I have to disagree. I put a skylight (mechanism from junkyard, plexi
part from Trevor the Skylight Guy) in my '82. It doesn't leak (when
seal put in right) and it does provide good ventilation. Before
installation I'd get condensation on interior of pop top that would
drip on my head, a wake up method I could do without :)

Alistair
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/

On 27-Jun-05, at 9:28 AM, Christopher Gronski wrote:

Hi Bob,

When I had my 1980 westy, I too lusted after a skylight and was warned
by several list members that they are prone to leaks, etc. So I moved
it from my "must have" to my "wish list" and never ended up getting
around to installing one before I sold my van and bought an 1986
syncro westy.

Having now lived with the syncro for two years I can tell you that the
warings on the list were right and if I ever replace my fiberglass pop
top I will be looking to obtain one from an early westy that comes
sans skylight cutout (assuming that is possible with the way canvas is
secured on the two differing models). The list was right, they leak,
they don't add much ventalation, etc.

So, my advice to you is don't do it. That said, if you have your heart
set on it www.gowesty.com sells complete retrofit kits. Thier print
catalogue lists them as:

Aftermarket Kit GVW-255-745 $225.95
OEM Kit 255-070-740 $299.95

Thanks,
Chris