Are Junkyard Sunroofs a good idea?

[Safety Guy]

In my first spring JY foray yesterday, I found a Festiva with a simple pop-up glass sunroof. In another yard, there was the same type of simple sunroof in a DSM car which looked the right size, but the inside installation screws were covered by the headliner (I felt them).

I plan to put a sunroof in Luxstiva, so I want it to look halfway decent. What's the prognosis for my being able to successfully "transplant" one from the 'yard to my car?

Again, nothing "power" is involved. It's just a glass tilt-up-at-the-back manual 'roof that I want. The one in the Festiva looked like I could take it out easily enough but the rubber moulding was kinda ratty. The one in the DSM looked better, but I'd have to mutilate the headliner (I doubt I'd have the patience to carefully remove the whole thang) or get the 'yard folks to pull it for me...

Then there is the little matter of cutting a big hole in something that is otherwise doing a good job of keeping me dry! I'll probably have a good air compressor by the time I do this (before summer ends, I hope). I'd use a "side angle cutoff wheel," right?

Or am I better off getting a new kit?

Or is this something I really don't want to mess with and I should have a shop put in a new one?

I could also pull the 'roof from the 'yard and have a shop put that in, if I can find one to do "used" installations.

Any thoughts? As I'm sure ya'll can understand, I only paid $600 for the car, so "cheapness" is generally SOP! Last time I checked (more than a few years ago) cheap sunroofs ran around $200 installed (IIRC). I'm hoping for more like "under $100."

Spring is sprung and I want fresh breezes & sunshine,

Karl

[SimonTuffGuy]

My ragtop was used and I picked up a used sunroof from a Festiva that was just put into my dads 93 GL (along with my old spoiler).

Leaks will come in mainly at 2 places. Between the frame and between the top seal and the glass. As long as the frame isn't bent when it's removed, a junkyard sunroof isn't a bad idea. The only main problem is removing the sealer junk that's left behind. Just make sure that when you put it in, use enough sealer and let it set.

I would suggest having a local bodyshop do it. I wouldn't say you would need a new sunroof, but sometimes shops will only install sunroofs bought from them (most of the times you get a lifetime warrenty against leaks and everything with these too). If you want to do it yourself, a cutoff wheel, template and a steady hand will help (remember... this is your ROOF. You don't want to replace the entire thing if you slip).

I can get you some pictures of my dads that they just installed and I have pictures of my old sunroof in my 2nd Pimptiva if that'll help for location, measurements, etc.

[Safety Guy]

Thanks Simon.

I'll see what the 'roofs are running at the two places. If it's cheap enough, I may try it later this summer. Hell, if I can get two cheap enough, I may practice on the Mutt first to improve my method. Hell, that's what the Mutt's for: a "testbed."

As for your pics, you could bring them to our Summit meet if you don't want to post them here.

Karl

[SimonTuffGuy]

I need to make sure that I'm still on for the meet. Things are getting hectic and crazy with work (this my replies on the thread have been less and less)

I picked up my sunroof that my dad has put in his car for $15.00 from the yard, that was for everything including a nice piece of glass with minimal scratches.

[aithanmier]

a sun roof is on my list, but i think i wanna get a huge electric job. heh i like the idea of a huge hole in the roof, it'll save me from popping some hail damage

[Safety Guy]

I hope you make it Simon!

Hell, I hope I make it!

I'll be there if I have to borrow my friend's Taurus or even rent something. And I'll have the cold pop and pictures of my Festivas at least!

Karl

[25Horseplay]

I had an electric sunroof put in my car it was on sale $50 more than pop up roof, its a nice install and looks good. It opens up on the outside of the car. The total cost was $299 plus tax. As a bonus they also put a new dome light with map lights. Had the windows tinted at the same time.

[Safety Guy]

Sounds like a good deal, Brian.

Karl

[25Horseplay]

Karl
If you were to get a JY sunroof I'd take along a big piece of poster board and trace out the hole in the old car to use as a template.

[Safety Guy]

That's a damn good idea!


Let's see, the first step in putting it on my car would be to remove my headliner, right? Or do I just cut through it when I do the hole?

I think I'll remove the headliner. That way I'll see the structure of the roof bracing and perhaps be able to adjust the position of the sunroof more to my liking, if I wish.

If I do this, I'll also weight the sunroof parts and the cut out roof section just to see what the weight penalty is. My guess is probably only two to three pounds. Still, it's not something I'd want on all my cars, or on something I want to go "faster." Strictly a "luxury" item.

Which is why I want one for "Lux"stiva. Though I might do one on the Mutt first for practice and to see how it goes.

Karl