Sunroof removal
10-21-2009, 03:31 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
took about 50 pounds from TDC of my car. was pretty easy, top panel just riveted in, pops out and you can get metal replacement from Porsche, I went with an 8 pound CF piece and very happy.
10-21-2009, 03:58 PM
#17
King of Cool
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The right way to do this is, as already said, to drill out the rivets and replace the whole roof panel.
Geoffrey has done it (IIRC, the pics below are his) and also the "smurf 993" went through this with a shop in Orlando who's experienced.
Tom,
You C/F roof is glued in, correct?
Geoffrey has done it (IIRC, the pics below are his) and also the "smurf 993" went through this with a shop in Orlando who's experienced.
Tom,
You C/F roof is glued in, correct?
10-21-2009, 04:38 PM
#18
Drifting
I've got a carbon fiber roof panel (whole roof, not just sunroof) I'll be attaching with dzus fastners. My rules will require me to run a roof net or arm restraints though. Others have bonded and smoothed the same roof I have and it looks factory from the outside.
Replacing the sunroof with a composite panel or welding in a steel panel is another option. It takes some work to remove the inner sunroof structure but that is where the weight is so it has to go. Of these two options the composite panel would be lighter, wouldn't require as much filler (bondo), and you wouldn't have to worry about warping the roof sheetmetal due to heat from welding. Depending on rules you may need the restraints or net if you go composite though. Either way works but the steel is heavier and more work.
The welded steel roof like Geoffrey's above is probably the best choice for those who have rules requiring a factory roof, don't care for composites, or want it to look original.
Replacing the sunroof with a composite panel or welding in a steel panel is another option. It takes some work to remove the inner sunroof structure but that is where the weight is so it has to go. Of these two options the composite panel would be lighter, wouldn't require as much filler (bondo), and you wouldn't have to worry about warping the roof sheetmetal due to heat from welding. Depending on rules you may need the restraints or net if you go composite though. Either way works but the steel is heavier and more work.
The welded steel roof like Geoffrey's above is probably the best choice for those who have rules requiring a factory roof, don't care for composites, or want it to look original.
10-22-2009, 08:47 AM
#23
Drifting
Thread Starter
10-22-2009, 09:17 AM
#24
Rennlist Member
+1 for Mitch Piper's method. Easy/cheap, free's up headroom, eliminates weight, no need for paintwork, maintains stock sunroof panel (and this was officially blessed - in writing - by Donna Amico before I authorized Mitch to do this)
10-22-2009, 09:50 AM
#25
Mr. Excitement
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The chunk I cut off which was the roof from 2 inches in and the welded to it sunroof parts was 70 pounds. I replaced it with a Fiberglass skullcap that was something like 5 pounds but... I am not comfortable with a plastic hat and no cage X. I added in roll cage tubing so the result was not 70 savings but made for a stiffer cage I think. Pix added. Poor mans racer. Installed roof cap and rear 1/4s with stainless cap screws.
Last edited by kurt M; 07-26-2013 at 09:54 AM.
10-22-2009, 10:26 AM
#27
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One random sidenote. As GPS receivers get better and stronger they won't need to be mounted outside the car. However Carbon Fiber roof material is apparently one thing the GPS signal can barely penetrate.
