Sunroof as a side window

[Arne]

Can anyone tell me if all sunroofs have a slight roof-curve built in, or can they be bought to fit a flat surface.... I was giving some thought to using one as a side window.. They are usually tinted, and it could be opened from the bottom even when raining....

Even a slight curve would be ok (hello, mr. silicone)... but haven't seen an aftermarket sun roof in so long, can't remember how big the curve is..

[goldcoop]

Hey Arne-

Planning number 2 eh?

Check out these cool little 17" square sunroofs, dont look like they have much, if any curvature:

http://www.crlaurence.com/adv/catalogs/CRL43/455.pdf

And mill around their web site, these guys have alot of sunroofs, etc.!

http://www.crlaurence.com

Cheers,

Coop

[cshane]

arne,
Just a thought have you checked on RV emergency exit windows.
I bought one at a RV salvage yard it is flat and is roughly 24"x36" and
it opens from the bottom and also comes with a screen.

[Arne]

No, but the screen would be nice.... with the door in the side already, will have to see how big a hole I can put in without affecting the integrity of the wall.... I'd just like to have more of a view back where I sleep.... all good ideas, though.. thank you.

[Laredo]

could you put it in the front wall to give you an alternate escape/view?

[Arne]

I was originally going to put a window in the front, but during construction had trouble keeping a flat area available (non-cooperative ply) so gave up on it...... as it turns out, that is where all the shelves are anyway. And there is the potential 'missle' problem while driving down the road.

[Laredo]

Yep, there is that.

Hmm. Maybe a shutter to cover it on the road?

[cshane]

arne,
That was just the size i picked out for the driver side window (one door tear, I like to crawl over the wife and she doesn't mind either! ) but the also have smaller & bigger ones than that, bad thing is not on the web .

[mbader]

I thought this was a great idea.
I ordered 2 of the 17"X17" from CL Laurance.
They came in today, I'll install them tomorrow and post pictures on Monday.

[Guest]

Malcom,
Just curious.... What was the cost?

[Arne]

Malcom, did you use them as door windows?

I'd like 2 on one side, but would like at least one to have a screen, and want them to match.... I used Lil Bear crank outs and like them, but they are spartan looking and not sure 2 of them on a wall would look good....

I think I'm working my way to a winter project here.... should be fun in a one bay garage....

[mbader]

I'm going to put one in each door.
They don't come with a screen but it looks like I can make one.
There is a recess on the inside that a sreen could fit into but there will have
to be a cutout in the screen to clear the opening lever. I don't know yet how tight a fit I can make there.

As for price, I found them on the internet for $188 each.
I own an automotive business so I signed by for an account at CL Laurance.
I got them for the warehouse distributor price of $120 each.
That's still a lot more than camper windows but the quality looks like it's
worth it.

[mbader]

As promised here are a couple of pictures of the sunroof windows.
The sunroof is designed for a 1 5/8" thick roof and that is exactly
the thickness of my doors so installation went well.

[mbader]

Sorry, typo on imgage URL.

As promised here are a couple of pictures of the sunroof windows.
The sunroof is designed for a 1 5/8" thick roof and that is exactly
the thickness of my doors so installation went well.

[Chris C]

Really nice looking windows, Malcom. Worked great, I think.