Lightweight Factory Sunroof Modification Attempt #1
03-02-2008, 07:05 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Lightweight Factory Sunroof Modification Attempt #1
I tried thinking of a way to make a lightweight sunroof, but the curvature and the means of attachment proved difficult. So I figured I'd work with what I had and attempt to lighten the factory sunroof.
I started with this factory sunroof with manual latches.
Pulled off the aluminum strengthening strips.
Trimmed off all the excess fiberglass ridges with a dremel tool. I retained the mounting points so I could still use the manual latches.
Sanded (not perfect, but no one will see it anyway), and painted.
It went from 18.5# to 9#, including the seal and latches. While not as light as the GT Racing fiberglass sunroof, it didn't cost $260 + shipping. In fact, it didn't cost anything but a little spray paint. Plus I didn't need to paint the topside, or figure out a method of mounting. I'm pretty happy with the results, and this mod dropped me below the 2500# mark (no lexan windows or fiberglass body panels)!
I started with this factory sunroof with manual latches.
Pulled off the aluminum strengthening strips.
Trimmed off all the excess fiberglass ridges with a dremel tool. I retained the mounting points so I could still use the manual latches.
Sanded (not perfect, but no one will see it anyway), and painted.
It went from 18.5# to 9#, including the seal and latches. While not as light as the GT Racing fiberglass sunroof, it didn't cost $260 + shipping. In fact, it didn't cost anything but a little spray paint. Plus I didn't need to paint the topside, or figure out a method of mounting. I'm pretty happy with the results, and this mod dropped me below the 2500# mark (no lexan windows or fiberglass body panels)!
Last edited by shiners780; 03-02-2008 at 07:47 PM.
03-02-2008, 08:06 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Looks good. Have you thought of permanently bolting it in place? Buddy of mine rolled his 951 at Nelson Ledges a couple years ago and the sunroof was popped into the car. Went just behind his head and landed in the backseat.
Are you still running a glass rear hatch?
Are you still running a glass rear hatch?
03-02-2008, 08:40 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
jim,
you've got to come clean...i thought you were running a fiberbglass rear bumper!
i've got some work to do to get mine lighter!
good work on the sunroof
greg
you've got to come clean...i thought you were running a fiberbglass rear bumper!
i've got some work to do to get mine lighter!
good work on the sunroof
greg
03-02-2008, 08:55 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yes, factory glass hatch. I'd like to go lexan, but swapping out the hatch frame sounds like a nightmare.
03-02-2008, 10:01 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
03-02-2008, 11:24 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
I think that front bumper is polyurathane, or something. It's durable and flexable, but it's heavy! If you're really looking to put the car on a diet, that's one place to look (plus you can reduce your polar moment by removing weight far away from the CG).
03-03-2008, 01:50 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
Hey thanks for the great idea. My ideal driving position w/ the factory sport seats puts my head thru the roof when I wear a helmet. So, I want to trim down a sunroof and run with that at the track. Great heads-up (no pun intended).
03-03-2008, 06:50 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
