Sunroof where Luggage Rack Is.. (pic)

[boulderdrop]

I almost never use the luggage-rack area above the driver and in removing it to clean and install filter-screens for the drain whole... I thought it would be sweet to have a sunroof, but I don't think I'd like the profile-look of the van without the white-fiberglass luggage-rack.

So, I wonder..

Q: Anyone ever seen the bottom cut out of the luggage-rack and a sunroof installed for the cab, above the driver/passenger in the spot exposed from the cut?

Q: Got a better idea?

84-westy-4sp-bostig here..

[motelvw]

I've seen pics somewhere. Can't remember if it's here or elsewhere on the web. I think the guy put some metal mesh on the bottom so the rack was still usable.

[Steelhead]

Funny you mention it. I have non-westy and put a sunroof right there and have been crowing about how it would be cool to do what you're thinking about with a westy, but combine it with Jackbombay's effort to fill the luggage rack to reduce turbulance, etc.
Basically he fiberglassed over the entire luggage rack, which might be the first thing I would do. Then I would put the sunroof in that (so its not counter-sunk at the bottom of the luggage rack). Several advantages to this approach:
1. more headroom (creates a light tunnel up through the roof to the top of the luggage rack). Don't understimate how nice this would be.
2. Optimize the size of the sunroof (vs. finding one that fits inside the recessed luggage area). And optimize the size of your light tunnel/headroom space.
3. Could create a little cubby/storage shelf around the perimeter of the "tunnel" leading up to the sunroof (for sunglasses, etc).
4. Cleans up the luggage rack turbulance issue.

Challenges:
1. Requires some creativity.
_________________
'77 Bay Window / '89 Caratsburg (aka. the Stormtrooper)

[simonslp]

dig it...

http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/sunroof.htm

[Steelhead]

[boulderdrop]

@steelhead: I like the tunnel idea! The head-room would be freaking sweet too.

@Simonslp: Dude, nice find! That's exactly the idea I was thinking.

http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/sunroof.htm

[snowesty]

yup, yup. On my list as well. But I am considering it of the non-opening variety, and then putting some clear lexan at the top. So it would let more light in, AND help with the 'wind catch' that is the current rack.
_________________
Fritz - '86 Syncro Tintop, Camper interior
Toaster - '91 Multivan Westy, 4sp.

[nemobuscaptain]