Date:         Wed, 6 Jul 2005 14:55:54 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Vickers <jeff@VICKERSDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Vickers <jeff@VICKERSDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Sunroof Alternative
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

I thought I'd share my sunroof alternative to that cranky OEM unit that
drove me nuts.

http://vickersdesign.com/vanagon/sunroof_all.jpg

The opening measures 18"x32". The brand name is SUNMATE. I got it about
4 years ago through a local shop that installs sunroofs and interiors.
It was about $135 back then. It came with a template for cutting and I
installed it with Sikkaflex although I don't recall which # Sikkaflex
it was. Sikkaflex is very permanent, messy, black and gooey stuff to
mount sunroofs with---take your time when using it.

The upper left shot shows the glass removed and resting on the
roof--from the picture it looks like it opens that way, but in fact I
just removed it and set it down next to the opening. To remove the
glass, you just release a button on the latch and remove the glass.
Makes a nice way to inspect your roof from time to time or check on the
contents of your luggage rack or just stick your head up there while
your wife is driving along to annoy her. Watch for low bridges.

I've yet to make a screen for it but what I plan to do is find one of
those pop-open window sunshades for cars (made from screen, not
reflective material) that is large enough to rest against the inside
frame of the sunroof. Sunshades usually come with a suction cup in the
middle and are flexible enough that I could stick the suction cup to
the sunroof glass (from the inside) with the sunroof in its most open
position. The screen on most sunshades is much closer to no see-um
netting than the VW stuff.

The only (small) issue I've had with this sunroof is that you need to
keep the seal free of debris. Sometimes leaves and small stuff will
settle on the seal when you park with it open so you just gotta check
it once in a while or the glass won't meet the seal properly. Easy
enough to do since its removable.

Jeff / 87 Syncro Westy