Chevy & GMC Vans

Ive put this off for years but finally cut that big hole in the roof..

I searched for any tips but found nothing so I thought I would post up some tips for those considering one.

while looking at different options including small pop-up sunroofs I decided to go with this unit I got from a friend in the RV business. it has a flat metal lid instead of the common plastic dome type, also has a screen.

these are also available with remote controlled hatch and fans and can get on up there in price.

too bad it only came in galvanized finish. I had to paint it so I used aplliance expoxy for durability as Ive had great results in the past with it.






if you try to keep it centered on the raised section the factory put in the roof just for these vents you will be cutting into the rear support bracket. I wanted to mis it but somehow I was off a half of an inch but I dont think it will be an issue.



I also didnt like the idea of using drill screws and smearing caulk all over the outside so I used hex pan head machine screws and metal flatwashers that have rubber on one side then I made this frame out of flat stock for the underside and threaded each hole.

for sealing I used 3m double stick and silicone, I dont anticipate any issues but should I have any the threaded innerframe ring I made would make it easier to replace in the future if needed.



the trim piece is plastic and only came in white so I will be dying it tan next



here is the finished product fully open. I'll try to get a better photo soon but gives you an idea.


this turned out to be a pretty involved project as you can see. I couldnt bring myself to shooting drill crews in my roof, smearing caulk over them and calling it done but that is exactly what I would recommend if you just want to geterdone.

I wish these were made like sunroofs so you could run the screws from the inside but I couldnt find one.

Im testing it this weekend, camping and theres a chance of rain.

Not too shaby batmo, I don't re-call ever seeing this done ( on our forum ) before, let us know how you like it and thanks for takin the time to post it up.

that doesn't look half bad good job

Thanks for the pics and run through... =D>

Zam,....TLow put one in his.

Nice work!
Thanks for sharing...

Great write up! Been wanting to do this myself!
I'm looking for a small popup sunroof type,like you mentioned with the screws mounted from the inside. Haven't seen exactly what I'm looking for yet!

Nice job..You did good.

dunedog wrote:Thanks for the pics and run through... =D>

Zam,....TLow put one in his.

I did one aswell in my 89 cargo.
I did a basic write up & pics on the "old forum",but do
you think I could find it #-o

Batmo-excellent job,it takes allot of guts to cut up
a roof & do it right.

dunedog wrote: Zam,....TLow put one in his.

O.K I stand corrected... batmo, you're the 2nd dude to do this on this forum,lol

astrozam wrote:

dunedog wrote: Zam,....TLow put one in his.

O.K I stand corrected... batmo, you're the 2nd dude to do this on this forum,lol

search didnt turn up anything on "this" forum. not much more than brief mentions of roof vents so I thought this might be helpful.

I was suprised to find so few vans had them considering the factory sheet metal suggest it.

I left it cracked open all day today and when I got in arround lunch time the interior was noticable cooler than usual so thats nice. Ive got ventshades on the rolldowns so I have allways left them cracked open slightly and still noticably cooler w/ roof vent.

I was worried it would look hideous but its not bad, to bad the moulding/seal is white.. mabey I'll find something in black for that also.

BTW I was almost went with a pop-up sunroof, the smoother look was apealing but then I considered how usefull that would be while raining.

.

Nice job batmo.

You do great work!!!!

.

Great looking install!!!

I'm thinking of something like this for my AWD since it has dutch doors and the A/C isn't working. I'm wondering if there is a good draft created when driving, and if it has the quieting effect on the wind that the open rear tip out windows create.

I know that the tip out rear windows create a nice draft and really quiet the roar from the open front windows. Anyone who has them will understand. The lack of ventilation is the only thing I don't like about dutch doors.

Have you driven with your new vent open?

rlsllc wrote:The lack of ventilation is the only thing I don't like about dutch doors.

What? The lift gate is a huge vent. During the summer I drive around with it open all the time.

I miss the switch my '94 had on the dash to release it. Roll up to a light, throw the van in park, hit the switch, back into gear, quick throttle blip on green, lift gate opens, and a nice breeze is enjoyed.

Nice job! Thanks for the write up and pics.

that does look really nice!

how much does one of those vents cost?