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Topic: Skylight Cover Replacement on MB (Read 161 times) previous topic - next topic
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Skylight Cover Replacement on MB
Hi Everyone,

I thought I would do a little write up about replacing the skylight cover on a MB. My mid bath is a 1999. In my case I decided to do it at the same time as the bathroom vent fan. I don't know it can be done without removing the bathroom vent fan; the gap between the two frames is less than 1 inch. Perhaps it can be done by just removing the vent cover.

Process:
1. Remove the vent fan. Using an oscillating tool with a scraping tool makes short work off this. However I have am not a huge fan of how the paint gets scraped up with the sealant. For my bathroom fab I decided to use a non-marring scraper from harbor freight. It allowed me to scrap up the sealant to the edge of the frame without sacrificing the paint.
2. Remove the old sealant. I found that WD40 does a pretty excellent job of breaking down bothe butyl rubber and the factory sealant, leaving a fairly clean surface. Be sure to let the WD40 soak on the sealants to do it work. Just make sure to have plenty of cloths or paper towels handy.
3. Wipe away the WD40 residue with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to do this several times and allow it to dry.

Skylight Cover Removal
The new cover from Todd is pricey and worth every penny! It's beefy and I highly recommend. It also comes with very detailed instructions.

4. With unobstructed access to the self tapping screw holding the skylight, remove the old screws, the old cover, and the gasket that sits on the aluminum frame.
5. Take the opportunity to clean the the inside of the skylight frame.
6. Place the new skylight cover onto the frame. The slots for the screw should be facing the front and rear, NOT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. The fit is very snug. Inspect that the rubber weather stripping has ~3/16 bulge inside of the frame.
7. Compress the new cover with your body weight and screw in the self tapping screw.
8. Once secured install the bathroom vent fan and seal the fan. ( I am planning to reseal the top end caps and tape them, that's why the sealant only goes around 3 sides of the skylight.)
9. After you have finished applying sealant remove the protective film on the skylight. I found it easiest to get the film toward the edge and VERY LIGHT run a small sharp razor blade around the edge.
10. Clean up, get off the roof, and Crack a cold one.

-Will
1999 MB, 7.3L PowerStroke
Re: Skylight Cover Replacement on MB
Reply #1 –
Nice clean job, Will. Appreciate the documentation and photos.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
 
Re: Skylight Cover Replacement on MB
Reply #2 –
Thanks Jor!
1999 MB, 7.3L PowerStroke