TheSamba.com :: View topic - New Design custom WESTFALIA Skylight Screen NLA

Tue Jun 10, 2014 3:45 pm

MODERATOR EDIT: August 2, 2021
Until further notice THIS PRODUCT IS OUT OF PRODUCTION

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I recently installed a brand new complete skylight kit into my 1981 Westfalia which was never equipped and while I was very pleased to have it, I was disappointed by the lack of a built in screen and the idea of trying to get Velcro to stick and stay stuck to my poptop was not appealing. I decided to make a custom fit screen frame and hardware to mount onto the existing hinge screws. It has a thin foam seal around the backside and it seals nicely against the poptop and looks pretty sweet as well if I do say so myself. Sure pays to have a CNC router and lathe in the workshop!

Comments? Orders?? :)

Gerald

I display pictures for reference only and retain any and all rights to this design and unique original concept. This is NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN. If you want to make a one off personal use copy I am ok with that but if you have commercial interest in this product please contact me privately to discuss terms.

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Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:07 pm

Gerald-

Looks good, nice workmanship. Definitely preferable to the other options I've seen.

You could sell these, but how many depends on price vs. other options.

So what would they go for ($)?

Jed

Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:34 pm

Sweet! I'll take one.
Where do I send my Canadian Tire money? :D

Seriously, I'll buy one if the price is right. How easy would it be to add a sun-blocking cover like the original? More pics!

Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:41 pm

Thanks for the quick replies. Still figuring out what it will cost to produce and yes I plan to have a snap on shade. Beauty here is the screen is easily replaceable, if need be, as it goes in with a plastic beading just like a screen door or window screen at your home. Any shade design would likely snap onto or into the black PVC frame but I am looking at other options on how to do it. I can also cut it in white but I think the black looks better

As it sits right now I am looking at the $60~70 range plus postage costs possibly slightly higher with a detachable shade. So a little more money than the currently available option but NO VELCRO or glue on the poptop and no new holes to drill!

Gerald

:) :) and yes I will cheerfully accept Canadian tire money at face value less 10% handling fees to offset the fact that when I go to crappy tire to spend it I will likely have to add in my own cash as I always spend more than I planned. :shock:

Tue Jun 10, 2014 6:44 pm

I am interested, cost dependent, like everyone else!

Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:02 pm

Same here...

Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:03 pm

I would be interested in one at the right price.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:53 pm

Yes, with the shade piece

Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:08 pm

definitely interested with a shade panel as i've been looking around for a new one.

ps. jealous of your cnc and lathe. ugh. i have some tidbits i want made and no shops will touch it because my projects are small time. hehe

Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:11 pm

well the neatest and most affordable way for me to add shade is to attach a small latch at the front and reuse the center panel that was cut out for the screened area. This would be the optimal useage of material and save on end cost however since it is initially cut out with a 1/8" bit there would be a 1/8" seam all the way around when its installed. Of course even if I cut a new full sized insert panel, it still needs clearance for easy insertion so figure at least 1/16", either way it would allow minimal light in. When not in use the rigid shade panel could be stored away in the cupboard or closet.

Gerald

Wed Jun 11, 2014 10:34 pm

Ok so I made a simple dual slide toggle arrangement to hold a shade panel into place. They will mount on the the same 2 hinge bolts as the screen itself but this means I need to remake the hardware for the extra length thus the pics show it unmounted as I didn't get time today to work on the lathe. Will work out nicely when I make the longer hardware.
When not in use during the day or when travelling the shade panel can be easily stored away. I also reworked the screen design slightly from my prototype to change the size and shape very slightly for a better fit. Also ovalled out the mounts screw holes to allow some tolerance between westy's. The frame is PVC so is easily tweaked with a simple file if need be to allow for slight manufacturing tolerances in where the screws are. The photos show the arrangement

I was toying with the idea of doing an initial offering of these as a kickstarter project and I wonder what the thoughts might be on that. Always wanted to try a kickerstarter project and maybe this could be it?

Gerald

Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:21 pm

Wow, that's sweet! Nice work! I would definitely be interested if you are going to do a limited production run.

Is that plastic available in a grey color to match the 87-91 vanagon models... :wink:

Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:23 pm

With Kickstarter you need to reach your target goal or you can't keep any of the funds...last time I checked.
I think if you did an initial preorder offering at a slight discount over what the final retail price will be, you'll secure enough funding to start production.
Then start distributing with our favorite vendors ie: The Skylight Guy et al and watch the $$ roll in! :D

Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:51 pm

I have to check with my supplier but I think in this 6mm thickness the PVC material is available in white or black from their warehouse and grey may be available on special order but at extra cost. The white is very white and might be less desireable than the black which should match any interior color. I will inquire tomorrow about the grey but would likely need to get a number of orders to justify as I use white and black for other projects and have it here most of the time but grey not so much and would likely need 6~8 orders for grey to offset the additional costs

Could be

Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:57 pm

I'm in for grey!

Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:57 am

As I type this, I am doing the "replace the skylight velcro" job. Yes, I would love a more permanent, bolt-on screen system. Count me in. Black or gray.

kourt

Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:12 am

Tire money???

Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:26 am

I'd be in for grey, even if it was white and then painted grey before the screen was added.

Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:53 am

Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:56 am

black or grey.. im fine with either. whichever is easiest