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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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 Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 9:46 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| Corwyn wrote: |
When I reupholstered my top, I made my own bug screen. it really isnt that difficult. 1/8" marine plywood, a roll of narrow VHB tape and some nylon screen. Viola!
I used some bent-open rubber-coated P-clips for the front retainers.
Cost - under $20 |
Looks good! Why did you reupholster your top and what did you use? Can you provide more photos of it? Enquiring minds want to know! Thanks!
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3478
Location: Bozeman MT
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| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
Thanks! I agree that a bug screen may not be needed in the long run, so I'll still, for now, clean off the Velcro and crap and leave it be. |
Why not just use an adhesive of your choice to reaffix the Velcro and call it good? Might take a couple experiments to find the right stuff to hold, but still may maintain the functionality of the screen for cheap. Heck, a couple drips of Super Glue could be the answer.
FWIW, most places my wife and I camp get cold enough at night that bugs aren’t an issue at night. We just leave the front screen on the tent and the vent wide open until we go to bed then we zip up the window. That allows misguided bugs to escape rather than be trapped inside when we eventually do go to bed and does a pretty good job of keep them out in the morning.
I know that won’t work everywhere but it’s a strategy to consider in some places.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 6:44 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SCM wrote: |
| SoquelDude wrote: |
Thanks! I agree that a bug screen may not be needed in the long run, so I'll still, for now, clean off the Velcro and crap and leave it be. |
Why not just use an adhesive of your choice to reaffix the Velcro and call it good? Might take a couple experiments to find the right stuff to hold, but still may maintain the functionality of the screen for cheap. Heck, a couple drips of Super Glue could be the answer.
FWIW, most places my wife and I camp get cold enough at night that bugs aren’t an issue at night. We just leave the front screen on the tent and the vent wide open until we go to bed then we zip up the window. That allows misguided bugs to escape rather than be trapped inside when we eventually do go to bed and does a pretty good job of keep them out in the morning.
I know that won’t work everywhere but it’s a strategy to consider in some places. |
The PO didn't leave the old bug screen and cover, so if I decide to go with another Velcro-style kit, I'll probably want to remove the old Velcro anyway. So, removing that now lets me be proactive for the first time in my life.
But, it looks like the crank in my old skylight isn't working as well as it should. So, the bug screen is no longer a top priority. Since the damn thing leaks anyway, and I've replaced the seal, I'm thinking about going with new OEM skylight kits (i.e., not GW). I like Dr. Bjorn but the 40% tariff increase puts me off. However, if/when I do order that kit, I want to seal the hell out of the bolts.
What sealants do folks suggest?
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3478
Location: Bozeman MT
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| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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I hadn’t heard of Dr Bjorn until now but their skylight ad seems exactly like the one I bought mine off of over 10 years ago. I assume they’re selling product from the same manufacturer (or at least the same molds) and mine has been flawless.
Where exactly does your skylight leak from? The window of fasteners?
I used some generic silicone gel sealant from my hardware store to seal the nuts and bolts. I also cleaned all the glop that my PO applied around the area where the window hits the pop top. Mine never leaked while I owned it but the window was cracked. It doesn’t leak now either.
My suggestion is to not over tighten bolts, clean mating surfaces well, and see if anything leaks after that. Then go from there.
_________________
'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 10:09 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SCM wrote: |
| Where exactly does your skylight leak from? The window of fasteners? |
From the rear (opposite end away from the knob). Tightened the bolts buts no luck.
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2025 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
| SCM wrote: |
| Where exactly does your skylight leak from? The window of fasteners? |
From the rear (opposite end away from the knob). Tightened the bolts buts no luck. |
what kind of sealant do you have under the bolt heads?
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2025 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| vanis13 wrote: |
| SoquelDude wrote: |
| SCM wrote: |
| Where exactly does your skylight leak from? The window of fasteners? |
From the rear (opposite end away from the knob). Tightened the bolts buts no luck. |
what kind of sealant do you have under the bolt heads? |
I used RTV sealant. I've heard the 3M strip-calk is good, so I'll try that but still going through info n Samba. What do you use?
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2025 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
| vanis13 wrote: |
| SoquelDude wrote: |
| SCM wrote: |
| Where exactly does your skylight leak from? The window of fasteners? |
From the rear (opposite end away from the knob). Tightened the bolts buts no luck. |
what kind of sealant do you have under the bolt heads? |
I used RTV sealant. I've heard the 3M strip-calk is good, so I'll try that but still going through info n Samba. What do you use? |
Mine don't leak.... And if I was to redo it, I'd use Butyl tape. On the sailboat it is better than the fandagled stuff
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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