Date:         Mon, 16 Jun 1997 11:57 -0600 (MDT)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         BLAINE_BACHMAN%PL-01M3@ccmail.plk.af.mil
Subject:      Skylight (Westfalia) replacement questions

     All-
     
     First, I've been over to the archive, and an answer to the upcoming 
     question was not readily apparent.
     
     My '91 has had the skylight replaced with a 14" square RV roof vent 
     that sticks up at least 3-4" above the roof line.  In order to do 
     this, the pop top has obviously had surgery.  Consequently, there's 
     little if any hope of ever making it "right" again (although I can cut 
     the section out of a rolled  Westfallia at the wrecking yard for $20, 
     I'd still have to replace the $100+ cover, and who wants to do all 
     that fiberglas work?).
     
     I've fantasized that I might be able to find a suitably-sized flush 
     mount aftermarket sunroof, but the best I can do is a 14"X 24" or 18"x 
     22" unit, both at somewhat over $100.
     
     Has anyone seen a small square unit of this type?
     
     Barring that, does anyone have any *practical* experience in a 
     conversion of this type?  I'm sure it's techically doable (as long as 
     the curvature of the roof can be maintained).  Big question is, would 
     a 14-by-whatever hole in the poptop be a serious compromise in the 
     durability/reliability of the roof as a whole?  Even with the sunroof 
     securely in place?
     
     (What I'm looking for is someone who, with the authority of experience 
     or good science, will stand up and wail, "Oh my god, don't do it!")
     
     TIA
     
     -Blaine (hoping someday to park "it" in the garage)
     
     BTW-If I go this route, there will be a good velcro-attached skylight 
     screen/cover available, but don't be tempted to tell me a fib just to 
     get it.