This is not an April Fools joke, and no, they're not made of cardboard.  I
have one shipment coming in a week, and another the next week if demand is
what I think it will be; then, no more.

These are aftermarket units.  They look virtually identical to the original
units, but are definately heavier duty (thicker plastic, more
"substantial").  They also have a single rather than two layers of plastic
in the center extruded area.  The designer, an automotive engineer,
explained to me that after examining the original, he determined that the
second layer was probably added more as a "brace" to prevent flexing
(because the original one was so thin), rather than to provide better
insulation, given the material's good insulation characteristics in the
first place.  So, considering the original unit's tendancy to crack, he
opted for a single layered design utylizing thicker plastic throughout,
instead of a thin unit with a dual-layered center.

Another difference, which is not an advantage, is that the holes for the
hinge screws are more like slots, rather than just screw-holes like on the
factory skylight.  This means that when installing the skylight, you'll
have to slide it back and forth and position it correctly before fully
tightening the hinge screws, to ensure that it seats properly when closed.
The slots are covered by the hinges once installed (and also could easily
be siliconed, etc. if you wanted to be reallly safe) so this is not a
source of leakage; it only means that a little adjustment may be needed
when first installed.  The manufacturer will be using round holes instead
of slots on full-priced units, making them easier to install; hence my
purchase of these at the bargain-basement price.  I figured that for 2/3
off, most of you wouldn't mind fiddling with it for a few minutes when
installing it.

The price is $39.95 plus shipping, while they last.  Since we all know the
factory skylights crack, this would be a good time to pick up a spare. I'm
stockpiling a couple for my '89 myself.

-Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com