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backyard_cnc Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2012 Posts: 385 Location: MANITOBA CANADA
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 3:45 pm Post subject: New Design custom WESTFALIA Skylight Screen NLA |
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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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Last edited by backyard_cnc on Thu Jun 12, 2014 12:04 am; edited 3 times in total |
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LemonCove Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2010 Posts: 324 Location: Henderson, NV
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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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 _________________ '88 Bostig Westy |
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photogdave Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004 Posts: 3039 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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backyard_cnc Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2012 Posts: 385 Location: MANITOBA CANADA
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:41 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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NxNWesty Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2012 Posts: 34 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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I am interested, cost dependent, like everyone else! _________________ 1985 Westfalia '92 EJ22 KEP Adapter |
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Memphalia Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2010 Posts: 87 Location: Memphis, TN
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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Same here... _________________ 1989 Westfalia (Wolfram Gray)(Mona)
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4
2005 Volvo V70 |
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realfstkid Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013 Posts: 65 Location: British Columbia
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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I would be interested in one at the right price. _________________ 1987 Westy - "Vivian van Fuego" |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:53 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, with the shade piece _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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HoustonPhotog Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2013 Posts: 1514 Location: Houston, TX
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backyard_cnc Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2012 Posts: 385 Location: MANITOBA CANADA
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:11 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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backyard_cnc Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2012 Posts: 385 Location: MANITOBA CANADA
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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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
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realfstkid Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013 Posts: 65 Location: British Columbia
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:21 pm Post subject: |
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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... _________________ 1987 Westy - "Vivian van Fuego" |
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photogdave Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004 Posts: 3039 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:23 pm Post subject: |
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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! _________________ 89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX/WBXaustSS
My Westy Movies:
photogdave On Vimeo
photogdave On YouTube
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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backyard_cnc Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2012 Posts: 385 Location: MANITOBA CANADA
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:51 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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LeftCoastKiteboarding Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2013 Posts: 123 Location: Left Coast
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:57 pm Post subject: |
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I'm in for grey! |
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kourt Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013 Posts: 1922 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:57 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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FNGRUVN Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2007 Posts: 2237 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:12 am Post subject: |
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Tire money??? _________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16474 Location: Brookeville, MD
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:53 am Post subject: |
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Grey _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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HoustonPhotog Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2013 Posts: 1514 Location: Houston, TX
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