What is the difference between single layered and double layered skylights?

The OEM came as a double layered unit, intended for strength, flexibility and insulation. The double layer skylight consists of the outer shell, and the glued-in transparent piece. The "After Market" manufacturers have started selling single layers in order to cut costs. This skylight consists only of the outer shell. Following suit, we also make our our skylights available as single layered unit as well.

You offer a great variety of skylights. What is the difference between an A stock and a B stock?

Our A stock skylights meet our highest expectations in gluing, forming,
trimming and drilling. We sell these most often to dealerships, other
Westfalia retail vendors and our fussiest customers.     

B stock (when available) are the skylights that have slight imperfections and have
been marked down accordingly. The structural integrity is still
excellent; the difference is an aesthetic one. There may be glue smears,
or a nick out of the side, or a fluff caught between the layers. They
are still covered by the warranty. And our customers have been very
satisfied. Most have commented on how our B stock was better than their
OEM skylight (retail value $370.00 CDN).

The main difference is a cost savings of 10 dollars.

 

How do I know if I need a skylight?

1. There is more duct tape than plexiglass

2. You get more rain inside your Westy than you would if you were outside. This is not good for many reasons. The whole idea of getting your Westy in the first place is being dry when the world is out there setting up tents, etc. in the rain. It also damages the heck out of your Westy. This results in more repairs, more parts, more money. Save yourself a lot of anxiety and buy one today!

3. You notice a strange smell in your Westy and can't seem to find it.
Have you noticed a funny smell in your van and can't quite place it? Ten to one it is your old skylight. When the skylight breaks down and cracks, moisture and
condensation gets in between the two layers, which become moldy. Also, the breakdown of the material also releases a smelly gas. If you have let your skylight leak for awhile, you could be facing moldy carpets, apolstry and poptop.

4. You drove with your skylight up and now it's broken. We recommend that when you drive your Westy, you drive with the skylight closed for a few reasons:  1) Underground parking lots, low slung signs and other external hazards are notorious for damaging skylights; and 2) The constant vibrations when open can cause cracking around the fasteners, thus leading to leakage.

5. UV Breakdown had given your skylight a hazed, cracked look. If you live in a particularly sunny climate, you are definitely a candidate for a replacement more often than a person that doesn't. Proper care and attention is needed to prolong the life of your skylight.

6. You used acetone or Windex on your skylight and now it's warping. Check out our cleaning page- NEVER use windex on plexi-glass (now they tell me!)

7. You bought your Westy and the skylight seemed to be fine... A common defective item when you buy your Westy is the skylight. Why people in the past did not replace it because until I came around, the skylight cost up to $170.00 US. Now I have slashed that price in third for you. You can easily get a new one now!

8. When your Westy deserves the best...

The little round rollers have fallen off the the flex arms or lifting mechanism. Do I need another mechanism? What do you suggest?

There is a simple solution to the worn away lifting rollers. You cancrazy glue a small button of a similar size and diameter onto the spot (after a light sanding). You can also clamp a split washer of the same dimensions onto the spot. To replace the entire mechanism would cost you about 40 or so bucks - and then eventually the nylon rollers will wear away again. It is a common problem and many of my customers have had success with one of these two methods.

How do I know if I need a seal?

       Check to see if it is snugly fit and there are no spaces between the seal
        and the fiberglass poptop.
       Check to see if the spongy edge is dry and brittle and flat. There is
        supposed to be a spongy texture which creates a snug seal.
       Check for pieces missing or large cracks (due to weather conditions and UV
        breakdown) which allow water leakage.
       Check to see if there was any over spray from a paint job to your poptop
        that got onto your seal. Paints and strong solvents can damage the seal.

Do you have a warranty?

Yes, we have a one year limited warrany. It is imperative for the warranty to be valid that you have followed the the installation and cleaning instructions. Clouding from improper cleaning materials and stress fractures from overtightening the hardware onto the skylight or driving with your skylight open will not be covered by the warranty. Also, breakage due to the driver's own error will not be covered.

What color would you suggest?

We have many 8, count 'em, 8 different colors available. Of course the color you choose is determined by your need and your personal preferences:

1. Popular choice...the old stand by

The most popular choice by far is the copper coloured, as it was the OEM. Also available as an OEM has been the clear and the grey.   These are are top three sellers and they look good on every van. The aqua is also a popular seller as it is almost clear, almost having a polarizing effect (like sunglasses).

2. The color of your van.

The colour of your van can help you narrow your preference. The blue looks good on the blue, the amber or yellow on the orange, the aqua on the green, the pink on the burgundy.

3. Your personality

Of course your personality has a lot to do with your choice. If you are more conservative, or would like to go with the more traditional look, go with the popular choices. If you are one who likes to walk on the wild side, then we have our Skylight Guy Wild Side Collection: Blue, pink, amber, yellow and amber. Out of these, the blue and amber are the best sellers. Not too many takers on our pink! So if you want your Westy to stick out in the crowd, take a walk on the wild side and order one today!

Do you make these skylights yourself?

Yes, I do. If you would like to get a brief bio, you can check out my Meet the Skylight Guy. I started making these because the guy I got to paint my poptop painted the skylight as well. Faced with having to cough up $370.00 for a new one, I decided I could make one myself. Well, after thousands of $ and many missed fishing trips, I was able to perfect the skylight and make it an affordable option to Westy owners today.

Will you be offering other products soon?

Yes I will. The hinges are almost done....these are better than ever. I have made them with stainless steel and they will be cheaper than the other alternative. This next year things are going to happen. Also, the lift kit will be coming online soon. I was really encouraged at the VW show in Coquitlam as I met many of my customers and fellow Westfalians!