I went to a convertible/sunroof shop and purchased a 30" removable
sunroof about 4 years ago for 1 $130. It fit perfectly between the
indentations in the poptop and with a little careful cutting, fit where
the existing hole was. The new sunroof has 3 open positions and can be
removed entirely which I like --- best of all sits really flat on the
roof (3/8" height). My Syncro has less than 3/4" clearance when I drive
into my garage. I installed it with Sikkaflex and it has never leaked.
The glass has a 'screen' printed on it to reduce UV and the interior
trim plastic made a good base for a simple bug screen. It has black
trim and looks OEM. The rattling of my stock unit drove me nuts.

Jeff / 87 Syncro Westy

On Jun 27, 2005, at 10:18 AM, Automatic digest processor wrote:

> Date:    Mon, 27 Jun 2005 09:57:29 -0700
> From:    Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
> Subject: Re: Skylight Alternatives ...
>
> I have to disagree. I put a skylight (mechanism from junkyard, plexi
> part from Trevor the Skylight Guy) in my '82. It doesn't leak (when
> seal put in right) and it does provide good ventilation. Before
> installation I'd get condensation on interior of pop top that would
> drip on my head, a wake up method I could do without :)
>
> Alistair
> '82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
> http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/
>
> On 27-Jun-05, at 9:28 AM, Christopher Gronski wrote:
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> When I had my 1980 westy, I too lusted after a skylight and was warned
> by several list members that they are prone to leaks, etc. So I moved
> it from my "must have" to my "wish list" and never ended up getting
> around to installing one before I sold my van and bought an 1986
> syncro westy.
>
> Having now lived with the syncro for two years I can tell you that the
> warings on the list were right and if I ever replace my fiberglass pop
> top I will be looking to obtain one from an early westy that comes
> sans skylight cutout (assuming that is possible with the way canvas is
> secured on the two differing models). The list was right, they leak,
> they don't add much ventalation, etc.
>
> So, my advice to you is don't do it. That said, if you have your heart
> set on it www.gowesty.com sells complete retrofit kits. Thier print
> catalogue lists them as:
>
> Aftermarket Kit GVW-255-745 $225.95
> OEM Kit 255-070-740 $299.95
>
> Thanks,
> Chris