Show us your best effort at installing a G body sunroof

[87BlazeLS]

I know I know, We have talked about this being somewhat taboo here. The old saying- if it ain't broke don't fix it- comes to mind here. Well i'm sure a few of you guys have sat on the fence with me on this one. Here's my plan ....

I drive a very dark black car w/ no air conditioning. That's my choice. My 87 LS has rather large heavy doors with big windows. Roll those puppy's down and you get big time wind. I used to own a killer drop top Miata and really want the feeling
that a convertible has to offer. Now I have heard of cutting the top off of a T top and welding it in place. Thats cool too.
But out of my budget and way more time consuming. I really like the idea of a removable sun roof , But would like to design
one that is leak free. I hear yas now saying - He's crazy can't be done ! Fogetabout it! The aerodynamics is really the key.
And expansion and contraction. I think my simple design will work with some messaging.

If you have a home grown version of a sunroof installed in a Gbody hard top please post some comments or photos.

thanks

jake 87BlazeLS

 

[87BlazeLS]

I guess nobody here has done this mod. Well I have some thoughts that might shed some light on a leak free design.

Gears are turning !!!! Stay with me here....


blaze

 

[565bbchevy]

I have installed dozens of aftermarket sunroofs in gbodies with numerous styles and sizes and my Monte has an ASC factory sunroof all of these have been leakfree.
I not sure what you are trying to do as far as a sunroof but with the different styles and sizes available why not buy one of those instead of attempting make something.
I thinking you might be talking about something like the hack job "targa tops" I seen people do which never turns out well besides destroying the structural integrity of the car.

 

[87BlazeLS]

I have been looking at the after market roofs. No targa top going on my car!
I like the removable type where you can pull the glass all the way out.

You can answer my question here then > How much distance is there between the roof sheet metal
and the headliner ? Does it vary or stay consistent across the arc of the roof line?

I was looking at a sun roof about 16" to 20" deep and 30" wide...

If you can offer some suggestions as to some good vendors that would help to .

thanks 565BBC

jake

 

[81Regal]

It stays pretty consistant with the roof line, you only have 4-5 inches max between the top of the roof and the side of the headliner you see.

 

[565bbchevy]

I have been looking at the after market roofs. No targa top going on my car!
I like the removable type where you can pull the glass all the way out.

You can answer my question here then > How much distance is there between the roof sheet metal
and the headliner ? Does it vary or stay consistent across the arc of the roof line?

I was looking at a sun roof about 16" to 20" deep and 30" wide...

If you can offer some suggestions as to some good vendors that would help to .

thanks 565BBC

jake

The place I used to deal with went under years ago but when I was doing those I would look for a sunroof with a single contour for the length when doing a large one. The flat smaller sunroofs (under 30") will work to a point, stay away from any dual contoured sunroofs they have too much of a curve and won't fit.
The sunroofs should come with some sort of trim ring (I've had soft rubber to hard plastic) for the headliner and with the right sunroof and proper installation the sunroof will sit flush and all gaps will be even.
I'm sure it is much harder now to find one that fits our cars since most newer vehicles have a much more contoured roof line compared to our simple and nearly flat one.

 

[87BlazeLS]

That sounds like I'm on my own as far as picking something That will not get an "I told you so" from the G body gallery!

I will ask about what you said ( dual contour ) prior to purchase. I guess from what your saying is I want something that has straight edges on the front and back not curved like a 15 degree arc across the roof line...


True the roof is near flat !!

jake