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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4661
Location: Now - ABQ NM USA...Base ABQ, NM USA
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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
_________________
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: 390
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?
_________________
'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4661
Location: Now - ABQ NM USA...Base ABQ, NM USA
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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?
_________________
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: 390
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.
_________________
'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3487
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: 390
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: 3487
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.
_________________
'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: 390
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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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 390
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 9:44 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| DanHoug wrote: |
living in the land of 10,000 Swamps, i'm no stranger to mosquitos. surprisingly, i rarely use the vent screen. it's my impression that mosquitos aren't hunting much above 9 feet off the ground. sure, on a warm humid night they'll seek CO2 from any opening but by and large, i'll see skeeters clustered against the window screens yet can have the vent open.
what seems really effective is to have a box fan in the screened slider window and the top vent open. positive pressure forcing air out the top. the Cat's Meow would be a tightly sealing vent fan with a screen aka every other RV ever made. still waiting for the perfect 3D printed fan frame with integral screen for the vent...... i'd pay $100 for a good one. $250-$300 for the whole kit including full dimension fan and frame that replaces the skylight vent. |
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.
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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Corwyn 
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2009
Posts: 2453
Location: Olympia, Washington
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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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
_________________
'90 White Westy ("White Lightning")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja
"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~ |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 6018
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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living in the land of 10,000 Swamps, i'm no stranger to mosquitos. surprisingly, i rarely use the vent screen. it's my impression that mosquitos aren't hunting much above 9 feet off the ground. sure, on a warm humid night they'll seek CO2 from any opening but by and large, i'll see skeeters clustered against the window screens yet can have the vent open.
what seems really effective is to have a box fan in the screened slider window and the top vent open. positive pressure forcing air out the top. the Cat's Meow would be a tightly sealing vent fan with a screen aka every other RV ever made. still waiting for the perfect 3D printed fan frame with integral screen for the vent...... i'd pay $100 for a good one. $250-$300 for the whole kit including full dimension fan and frame that replaces the skylight vent.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4719
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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I used Goo Gone on the remaining glue, and replaced it all. I think I included enough dimensions in my thread that you could at least make yourself a screen.
-bobby
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 390
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
I did a topic on taking the stock one apart, and re-sewing it with new velcro and screen... I was dumb tho, and used the adhesive type on the fabric and screen, since I couldn't find non adhesive stuff at the big box place, 'cuz I'm thick, and can't see very well.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=686654&highlight=
-bobby |
Thanks! Unfortunately, the PO left the Velcro around the skylight but didn't have the screen + cover. Just as well, since (like you) I'm just as thick and can't see worth shit!
Since I've been living without the screen for the 5 years I've had my rig, I think I'll remove the remaining Velcro and clean the hell out of the area around the skylight to remove the crud. If the discoloration (e.g. Velcro scars) starts to bug me, then I'll revisit this thread and do something to add the screen+cover.
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4719
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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I did a topic on taking the stock one apart, and re-sewing it with new velcro and screen... I was dumb tho, and used the adhesive type on the fabric and screen, since I couldn't find non adhesive stuff at the big box place, 'cuz I'm thick, and can't see very well.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=686654&highlight=
-bobby
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 390
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| SoquelDude wrote: |
I agree, the only 2 options that seem to be used out there are either the Velcro types or the plastic types bolted in from the back and shimmed under the housing cover.
To be honest, neither approach seems like it will keep the screen in place. Velcro strips will peel, and the plastic ones seem like it can lead to breaking the housing cover that holds it in place. So, option #3 is to peel the Velcro off and clean the residue and live with it. |
More snark incoming...
A third, non-Velcro, non-plastic option was posted by me way up there in the second reply, but it involves a sewing machine, not a trick 3D printer, so I guess it doesn't count.  |
Look, I forgot about your option, OK? Sorry to have hurt your feelings, but back off with the snark!
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8623
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
I agree, the only 2 options that seem to be used out there are either the Velcro types or the plastic types bolted in from the back and shimmed under the housing cover.
To be honest, neither approach seems like it will keep the screen in place. Velcro strips will peel, and the plastic ones seem like it can lead to breaking the housing cover that holds it in place. So, option #3 is to peel the Velcro off and clean the residue and live with it. |
More snark incoming...
A third, non-Velcro, non-plastic option was posted by me way up there in the second reply, but it involves a sewing machine, not a trick 3D printer, so I guess it doesn't count.
_________________
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 390
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 12:54 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| vanis13 wrote: |
no new holes - uses the same existing bolts/bolt holes already there for the front hinges.
the magnets are not for the screen, they are for a black-out additional insert. those magnets are REALLY strong and I would expect them to hold the blackout insert in place over bumpy surfaces unless the blackout insert is made from something really heavy like a clay tile. |
Thanks, that clears things up.
| Quote: |
----really it seems like you can't see alternate solutions possibly from being fixated on the solution you are envisioning - I have no solution for such a state.
SO, what other options do you envision being out there you might see? |
A bit snarky, but I am not envisioning any particular solution since I don't know what other folks have done. I agree, the only 2 options that seem to be used out there are either the Velcro types or the plastic types bolted in from the back and shimmed under the housing cover.
To be honest, neither approach seems like it will keep the screen in place. Velcro strips will peel, and the plastic ones seem like it can lead to breaking the housing cover that holds it in place. So, option #3 is to peel the Velcro off and clean the residue and live with it.
_________________
'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4661
Location: Now - ABQ NM USA...Base ABQ, NM USA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
| bobbyblack wrote: |
| Cool, but the thingiverse one does not seem to have magnet locations? |
Looks like it's held in place by brackets that are screwed into the roof.
Since I'd like to avoid screwing anything into the roof, are the magnets that some designs use strong enough to hold the piece in place, or is this a thing that should only be put on when the van is stopped at the campsite?
| vanis13 wrote: |
| Heck, for you, if someone gets me a finalized design, I'll print it for you for free if you pay shipping to you. |
Thanks, but still looking around for options. Great offer, though. I appreciate it! |
no new holes - uses the same existing bolts/bolt holes already there for the front hinges
the magnets are not for the screen, they are for a black-out additional insert. those magnets are REALLY strong and I would expect them to hold the blackout insert in place over bumpy surfaces unless the blackout insert is made from something really heavy like a clay tile.
----really it seems like you can't see alternate solutions possibly from being fixated on the solution you are envisioning - I have no solution for such a state.
SO, what other options do you envision being out there you might see?
_________________
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: 390
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
| Cool, but the thingiverse one does not seem to have magnet locations? |
Looks like it's held in place by brackets that are screwed into the roof.
Since I'd like to avoid screwing anything into the roof, are the magnets that some designs use strong enough to hold the piece in place, or is this a thing that should only be put on when the van is stopped at the campsite?
| vanis13 wrote: |
| Heck, for you, if someone gets me a finalized design, I'll print it for you for free if you pay shipping to you. |
Thanks, but still looking around for options. Great offer, though. I appreciate it!
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4719
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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Cool, but the thingiverse one does not seem to have magnet locations?
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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