Add a window / portal to roof

[TheDrunk]

Hi there,

this is a strange one and I don't really know where to start...


I have a SWB 120 1994 transit (See here: http://www.fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16955) and I want to look at putting a sky light into the roof at the back of the van.

The idea is that the sky light will provide natural light and will be openable for ventilation, instead of having windows in the bulkhead or the backdoors (security).

Has anyone here done this type of modification before? Can you buy a suitible sky light off the shelf, cut a hole and seal it in place?

It needs to be reasonaly slimline to fit under BT ladder racks.

TIA.

[custom]

have you tried a caravan one mate my old mans caraven has a sky light thet opens up for ventillation

[TheDrunk]

Yeah, I've found these:

http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/erol.html# ... CcountryGB

http://www.obrienscamping.co.uk/Heki.htm


so far.

Guess I need to find out how thick the roof is and also how level it is (believe corrigated).

[MarkM]

On the model you have there isn't anywhere that is flat enough to fit a window or anything like that without lots of sealer. Worry about the rot you haven't had done before making deliberate holes in the van.

[OxtonyxO]

On the model you have there isn't anywhere that is flat enough to fit a window or anything like that without lots of sealer. Worry about the rot you haven't had done before making deliberate holes in the van.

your so funny

[Luke]

Guess I need to find out how thick the roof is and also how level it is (believe corrigated).

yes it is thats the main problem with fitting sunroofs aswell - it has been done tho but ones ive seen have had varying levels of quality

tbh this was one of the main reasons i didnt fit a sunroof in mine, would be easy(er) if the roof was flat

[TheDrunk]

Yes,

I will be dealing with the rot before I go cutting any holes in the roof.

Once I've done the oil/timing belt and cooling system, topped up the rear axle and transmission oil, that will complete the work on the engine.

Next I need to fix the bonnet release catch. (Anyone can sell me a unit?)

Then I'll start working from the back - under the chassis - forward to the front, slowly but surely.

If I can get all the underfloor and chassis treated, then the engine compartment (around the front wings, battery tray etc). Then the footwells in the cab, think I'll take the seats and floor out in the cab.

Finally I'll do the existing panels which just have the odd spots of rust. Rub it down and fill / paint.

Learn as I go, tackling the worst and most critical areas first.

[rover]

Yes,

I will be dealing with the rot before I go cutting any holes in the roof.

Once I've done the oil/timing belt and cooling system, topped up the rear axle and transmission oil, that will complete the work on the engine.

Next I need to fix the bonnet release catch. (Anyone can sell me a unit?)

Then I'll start working from the back - under the chassis - forward to the front, slowly but surely.

If I can get all the underfloor and chassis treated, then the engine compartment (around the front wings, battery tray etc). Then the footwells in the cab, think I'll take the seats and floor out in the cab.

Finally I'll do the existing panels which just have the odd spots of rust. Rub it down and fill / paint.

Learn as I go, tackling the worst and most critical areas first.

All sounds like a good plan to me

Rover.

[stevew]

Hmmm,
I don't know about the SWB but on my LWB there are two square flat sections of roof about 2/3 the way back. I fitted my solar panel to one of them, maybe 12" square.

Steve

[rover]

On a SWB the 'ribs' are approx 9-10 inch apart all the way back

Rover.

[gemini]

both roofs are completely different, on lwb the ribs run across the roof

[stevew]

both roofs are completely different, on lwb the ribs run across the roof

You'll have to get a roof from a LWB and cut it down to fit!

Steve

[djswampy]

I am sure someone on here fitted a sunroof to a van, it had a solar powered fan as well fitted to it. I think the van was red. I can't remember who it was now but I have an idea.

[TheDrunk]

It looks like sheet metal.

I'm wondering If I can get the hole cut square in the centre of the roof between the ridges.

That just leaves the bumps on two edges as a problem.

For those bumbs, perhaps taper them so they are flat on the edge where the window meets. (Squash the required area totally flat.)