Your opinion: Sunroof
10-15-2002, 02:36 PM
#1
Big thirst, Sore Thumbs
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Napoleon
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Your opinion: Sunroof
We all know the weakness of the electro-mechanical sunroof assy. Mine was about 95% shot when I got it from the PO. It's now 100% shot.
Among it's weaknesses is the cost of the replacement parts. Since I never use the "Tilt the back up" option. I'm looking to use manual clamps.
The best I've found to date: <a href="http://steelsmith.com/cat1/sscat03.htm" target="_blank">http://steelsmith.com/cat1/sscat03.htm</a> The PA- 2056 type option.
I know this makes the whole car non-original and all that.
But Question is.
1: Any opinions on how to install and so forth.
2: Anyone know a source for a better style clamp.
I may modify it (twist the handle 90 degrees to lay flat.) And luckily I have a machiine shop connection to see about getting it anodized so at least it matches somewhat color wise.
Among it's weaknesses is the cost of the replacement parts. Since I never use the "Tilt the back up" option. I'm looking to use manual clamps.
The best I've found to date: <a href="http://steelsmith.com/cat1/sscat03.htm" target="_blank">http://steelsmith.com/cat1/sscat03.htm</a> The PA- 2056 type option.
I know this makes the whole car non-original and all that.
But Question is.
1: Any opinions on how to install and so forth.
2: Anyone know a source for a better style clamp.
I may modify it (twist the handle 90 degrees to lay flat.) And luckily I have a machiine shop connection to see about getting it anodized so at least it matches somewhat color wise.
10-15-2002, 02:43 PM
#2
Race Director
I have an idea that includes the original roof mounts and wire but instead of using the electric motor use some sort of hand powered device.
Or maybe I'll just change to a roof section without the sunroof. Haven't realy understood the whole deal with adding so much weight on the highest point of the car.
Or maybe I'll just change to a roof section without the sunroof. Haven't realy understood the whole deal with adding so much weight on the highest point of the car.
10-15-2002, 02:47 PM
#3
Big thirst, Sore Thumbs
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Napoleon
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I'm thinking of mounting the clamp on the sunroof, and the "hook" on the B-pillar. And pulling out all the other stuff.
As to weight the sunroof panel is fiberglass, and the clamps only weigh a couple of pounds.
My car is for driving, not so much racing so the sunroof is nice.
In Sweeden maybe not so much so.
As to weight the sunroof panel is fiberglass, and the clamps only weigh a couple of pounds.
My car is for driving, not so much racing so the sunroof is nice.
In Sweeden maybe not so much so.
10-15-2002, 03:35 PM
#4
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I'm condsidering converting to the pre 85 manual roof. I don't know if the latches will bolt on without modification or not. If anyone has tried it, please post details.
10-15-2002, 03:35 PM
#5
If you're interested, I have a good manual roof panel from an 80 924, charcoal w/ brown interior panel, with rear clamps in place, but missing the front clamps. I believe it is a direct swap for my 83 944, which is also manual.
I also have 2 roof bags, 1 in brown, 1 in black.
I also have 2 roof bags, 1 in brown, 1 in black.
10-15-2002, 03:37 PM
#6
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I asked George at 944 Ecology about that, and he said it would entail cutting the roof, and not worth the effort.
Talked me out of it in short order and I was hot on doing that.
Turbopop: You wouldn't be able to measure the dimensions of your panel would you?
Talked me out of it in short order and I was hot on doing that.
Turbopop: You wouldn't be able to measure the dimensions of your panel would you?
10-15-2002, 09:05 PM
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Yeah, that SR is pretty damn heavy for what its worth- one of the most irritating parts of the car IMO <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> I like having SR's, and I like that the 951's is slightly large, BUT, why did they have to make a ridiculously complicated power SR just so the rear will lift up 3"? Can you say "Porsche's Nuckin futs?" I'd prefer manual since the elec is so damn complicated when it fu**s up. Also, the manual lids are slightly lighter- I mean DAMN 
19lbs for a fu**ing SR lid? WTF? Even hte manual 16 - 17 is heavy- I just wish it were a normal MR (moonroof) tinted see through- Lexan or plastic of some sort w/a cheap price for readily replaceable lids maybe, some type of glass- nice thin lightweight composite glass or something. Most important, when I say normal, I mean SLIDE-BACK not pop-up OR pull-out- Now I'm not against pulling out, but...oh nevermind 
And don't say it couldn't slide back- there are many cars out there w/SR's that slide back on the outside of the car, so our's could still do it, and if designed right, somewhat tastefully too. I would also rather it be manual, as I have used both Audi and VW manuals- the cranks are so simple- lighter, w/less to break, and less cost IF somethng DOES break...
Seriously- the little boxes that hold the gears, the SR motor, the tubes and other garbage that run to the SR, etc all add up- w/the 19lb lid, I'd bet you have a total of over 30lbs worth of total SR crap w/>22lbs at the highest point of the car! Rifu**ingdiculous! I would REALLY like to find someone to make a carbon fibre lid, finished for a streetable car- maybe CF on inside and painted on outside(?). I picked up a bolt-in CF lid that weighed under 1lb, so a finished, even painted, w/some sound deadening, and extra CF layer, etc would STILL be well <5lbs. ~15lbs right off the top... Easier to deal w/too... Saratoga's are a hair lighter too, but not more than ~2lbs...
I am hoping to find a 924 or earlier 944 manual lid and convert it to electric, in order to remove all the elec stuff and save ~2lbs up top, plus the weight of the boxes, etc, so maybe ~4lbs off the top, maybe 7 or 8lbs total...
Better yet, someone can make a NICE, well-sealed, well finished carbon fibre lid and have it made for manual- not sure I want to go through the trouble of the conversion- I will probably do it when the manual really messes up- maybe timing will hit just right and someone will be making NICE CF lids for ~$250 or so at the exact same time I'll hold my breath...
19lbs for a fu**ing SR lid? WTF? Even hte manual 16 - 17 is heavy- I just wish it were a normal MR (moonroof) tinted see through- Lexan or plastic of some sort w/a cheap price for readily replaceable lids maybe, some type of glass- nice thin lightweight composite glass or something. Most important, when I say normal, I mean SLIDE-BACK not pop-up OR pull-out- Now I'm not against pulling out, but...oh nevermind And don't say it couldn't slide back- there are many cars out there w/SR's that slide back on the outside of the car, so our's could still do it, and if designed right, somewhat tastefully too. I would also rather it be manual, as I have used both Audi and VW manuals- the cranks are so simple- lighter, w/less to break, and less cost IF somethng DOES break...Seriously- the little boxes that hold the gears, the SR motor, the tubes and other garbage that run to the SR, etc all add up- w/the 19lb lid, I'd bet you have a total of over 30lbs worth of total SR crap w/>22lbs at the highest point of the car! Rifu**ingdiculous! I would REALLY like to find someone to make a carbon fibre lid, finished for a streetable car- maybe CF on inside and painted on outside(?). I picked up a bolt-in CF lid that weighed under 1lb, so a finished, even painted, w/some sound deadening, and extra CF layer, etc would STILL be well <5lbs. ~15lbs right off the top... Easier to deal w/too... Saratoga's are a hair lighter too, but not more than ~2lbs...
I am hoping to find a 924 or earlier 944 manual lid and convert it to electric, in order to remove all the elec stuff and save ~2lbs up top, plus the weight of the boxes, etc, so maybe ~4lbs off the top, maybe 7 or 8lbs total...
Better yet, someone can make a NICE, well-sealed, well finished carbon fibre lid
and have it made for manual- not sure I want to go through the trouble of the conversion- I will probably do it when the manual really messes up- maybe timing will hit just right and someone will be making NICE CF lids for ~$250 or so at the exact same time I'll hold my breath...
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10-15-2002, 09:24 PM
#8
Sid,
The dimensions for the 924 manual top are 23.75" X 38.75" with a 3/8" lip. That is measuring the fiberglass, across the top, without any of the trim or seals.
If you are not familiar with it, here is a pic of the latch mechanism.
The dimensions for the 924 manual top are 23.75" X 38.75" with a 3/8" lip. That is measuring the fiberglass, across the top, without any of the trim or seals.
If you are not familiar with it, here is a pic of the latch mechanism.
10-15-2002, 10:34 PM
#9
Big thirst, Sore Thumbs
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Napoleon
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I'll measure mine tommorow.
That mechanisim looks infinitely more reasonable.
I can see what George means about cutting into the roof now. More for the latch mechanisim than the sunroof itself probably.
That mechanisim looks infinitely more reasonable.
I can see what George means about cutting into the roof now. More for the latch mechanisim than the sunroof itself probably.