Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:04:59 -0700
Reply-To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 1991 Vanagon Camper: skylight / roof vent leak
In-Reply-To: <CAMjSMWv4u-H2XX2DJn2dKksEQqYAmVLmXjAmXYWybKevXsJZuQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
I got a skylight replacement kit from one of the online vendors when I got
my van in 2008. Unfortunately, I do not remember, and though I have every
receipt for everything I've ever done to the van, it would take a while to
find it in the huge file in no particular order (and I am a trained and
experienced scientist!). Also unfortunately, the first kit I got did not
fit properly. It failed to mate with the frame, and so leaked. I got
another, from a different vendor, and again I'd have to search for the
receipt to remember which vendor. That one worked properly but the gasket
failed in just a couple of years. Eventually, after going through several
iterations of gaskets, both from our online vendors and from aftermarket
local suppliers of generic materials (body shop suppliers), I just gave up,
and sealed it semipermanently with silicone and forgot it. It doesn't
leak, but it doesn't open.
On Wed, Aug 23, 2023 at 1:49 PM Ryan Cresawn <jrcresawn@gmail.com> wrote:
> My skylight / roof vent in the fiberglass top has developed a small leak.
> The previous owner repaired cracks in the plastic frame that houses the
> gear and lifting mechanism and used a gasket sealant around parts of it. I
> have considered replacing the skylight seal alone or replacing the entire
> skylight. I see two options online:
>
> GoWesty: Complete Skylight Kit [Vanagon]
>
> https://gowesty.com/products/complete-skylight-kit?_pos=1&_sid=4bc890776&_ss=r&variant=41252837228709
>
> The Bus Depot: Complete Poptop Skylight Replacement Kit
> https://www.busdepot.com/255070740kit
>
> Both of these kits look nice and would be very likely to eliminate the
> leak, but neither is an upgrade from the original skylight. I have long
> desired a roof fan to actively pull air in through the screens on the side
> windows and exhaust it through the roof. There is some discussion about
> roof fans on The Samba which mention Fan-Tastic and MaxxFan options, but I
> have not seen any mention of specific models—and I believe there are many.
>
> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9682500
>
> Also worth noting is that the Vanagon will fit in my garage without any
> changes to the garage door, but I don't have much room to spare. Adding a
> vent fan that adds height to Vanagon is not something I want to do. I'd
> appreciate any feedback and ideas.
>
> Ryan
>
| 
