Will the GoWesty Skylight Kit fit my Vanagon Westfalia, and do I need to do any modifications for early models?

The GoWesty Skylight Kit is designed to fit all 1980-91 Vanagon Westfalia models equipped with the factory skylight. If your Vanagon doesn’t currently have a skylight (common on some early models), additional roof cutting and fabrication are required to install this kit. We recommend reviewing GoWesty’s install video and consulting with a qualified installer before beginning any significant modifications.

What’s included in the Vanagon Skylight Kit, and will I need any extra hardware or instructions for installation?

The Skylight Kit comes complete with the skylight lens (choose Translucent Bronze or Opaque Black), new hinges, hardware, gaskets, and installation instructions. Most customers find everything needed for standard replacement is included. You won't need extra hardware unless your Vanagon is missing key components from a factory skylight. GoWesty provides detailed instructions and an easy-to-follow install video, which we highly recommend watching before you start.

How do I choose between the Translucent Bronze and Opaque Black skylight lens options, and what’s the impact on interior lighting and privacy?

Translucent Bronze allows natural light into your Vanagon’s interior, keeping it bright while still offering some UV protection. Opaque Black blocks sunlight entirely, maximizing privacy and reducing heat gain. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a well-lit cabin or enhanced privacy. Both lenses are designed to fit perfectly with the Skylight Kit for Vanagon Westfalia models.

Skylight Kit [Vanagon]

Name: Opaque Black Lens Skylight Kit [Vanagon]
SKU: GVW-255-745-BK-T
Price: 164.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Bronze acrylic van window kit with metal brackets, seals, screws, and hardware laid out

Skylight Kit [Vanagon]

Product:	GVW-255-745
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Good Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$164.95

Does this part fit your vehicle? Log in to your account & update your profile!

This kit includes all the primary parts you need to replace the worn-out components of your Westfalia skylight assembly.*

Fits: All 1980-91 Vanagon Westfalia - Early Westfalias that did not come equipped with a skylight from the factory will require cutting and drilling to fit these parts. Instructions not included.

Kit contents:
• Translucent Bronze Skylight Lens, or Opaque Black Skylight Lens
• Skylight Lens Seal
• Mounting parts: Hinge(x2), Flex Arm, Guide, Support Bracket, and Stainless Hardware Kit

*The Operator Housing, Knob, and Sunshade/Bug Screen are sold separately.

Installation Note: When you are installing this skylight be careful not to over-tighten the hardware. The nuts that connect to the skylight only need to be snug. Torquing nuts past this point can lead to cracking around the mounting holes. No instructions included. Installation is essentially the reverse of removal. Watch the GoWesty Install Tips video! The Bentley guide has instructions, as well.

5 stars: 18 (82%)
4 stars: 3 (14%)
3 stars: 1 (5%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

No explanation of which bolts (of various sizes) go where, the skylight is only single walled compared to the original so likely to be less insulated, and the fit is only ok. Not up to the usual gowesty standard in my opinion.

Hi there, thank you for sharing your feedback. Check out the great installation video on the product page. Also, there are some diagrams in the image slider that show where all the hardware goes. Both should be really helpful. On the single-pane design versus the original dual-pane, you are correct in that it doesn't insulate as well, but it is much stronger. Keep in mind all your windows and pop-top are single-pane, too! We're confident you'll find the installation and performance up to our high standards. Cheers! GW

Echoing the earlier comment about insufficient instructions. You are left to guess which carriage bolts the video is referring to. Not a deal breaker, but definitely an impediment to completing the job. GoWesty needs to have the instructions reviewed by someone unfamiliar with the installation process.

very nice parts

A great replacement for old one, which was starting to let the rain in.

Always happy with my go Westy purchases

Fixed old leaking one. Perfect

Easy install

Nice product, easily installed on the van and works great.

easy install

Had no issues installing and was more or less straight forward. The GoWesty videos really help

So glad I got this skylight!

It truly elevated my van adding this skylight addition.

Could use a little more info

The kit came with different length carriage bolts but it wasn’t necessarily clear when to use specific lengths

The hinges suck

Most everything is great, but the replacement hinges have these wide slots that require a larger carriage bolt. The 5mm bolts provided just spin. I ended up cleaning and reusing the original hinges.

Vanagon skylight kit

My original Skylight was cracked and leaking after heavy rains but Westy's replacement fit perfectly and stopped the problem. Parts arrived quickly and were reasonably priced considering vehicle age (1984 Vanagon)

Leaky skylight be gone!

The one-stop shop for most things wesfalia.

Does the trick

Great replacement

Amen

Saved my leaking pop top. Does take a bit to install. Be patient. It rewarding when done

Another fine bit O' kit from Gowesty

I've not fitted this fine Skylight kit yet but from my previous purchases from Gowesty I know it will be good quality and work well.
Its just a shame I get screwed by customs charges which outweighs any savings when I have your fine merchandise shipped into Blighty :-(

How to videos are great!

I installed my skylight kit yesterday. Took about an hour and a half. Everything fit perfectly and no surprises.
A second person to help would make it a touch easier holding screws in place outside the roof while attaching interior parts.

Easy to install

Great product, no more rain in the van!

sky light order

Haven't installed its yet but will let you know how it goes.

Great Service

So far so good. The best thing about GW is that they are fast and they address any issues proactively.

THANKS

Skylight Install

The YouTube video was very handy. It would have been great to have paper instructions as well. Wear gloves when installing final metal bars into guides otherwise tiny paper cuts. Looks great

much better then oem

my old Skylight I couldn't even see out of as it did let light in but looking out of it, everything was completely brown and couldn't make out if I was looking at a tree or what.
they also haven't melted in the sunlight as of yet here in Arizona but I am hopeful so far that it wont any time soon.