Pop up sunroofs cannot slide open. Instead, the back of the sunroof pops up with a hinge on the front. Some sunroofs can be slide backward by hand without having to purchase an expensive electronic sunroof. Electronic sunroofs use motors to open and close and can be purchased to slide open, pop open, or both.
While it is possible to mount a sunroof that extends into the curved area of the roof, it would require custom bodywork to accomplish. Write down the dimensions of the flat area of you roof to help you choose a sunroof kit that would fit.
You can find sunroof kits for most vehicle applications at www. Webasto. com, www. TGautomotive. com or www. summitracing. com Look for a complete kit that includes weather proofing, template, and wiring if you purchase an electronic sunroof.
Painters tape will also work for this purpose. Do not use duct tape or any other strong adhesive tape or it may leave a residue or damage the paint when removed.
Use a tape measure to ensure the template is equal distance from each side of the car. Depending on the size and style of your vehicle, you may want the sunroof closer to the front than the rear of the roof.
If you press through the tape into the roof, be very careful not to make any mistakes that will damage the paint that will remain after the sunroof install. Tracing with a blade instead of a pen will create a groove that will make it easier to cut along the line.
Drill these holes very careful to ensure they are on the line and not to either side of it. Remember that drilling holes through the roof is the point of no return. Once you drill the holes, the roof will leak unless you complete the installation of the sunroof.
If your kit did not come with a supplied probe, use a sharp object to pierce the cloth of the headliner. Be careful to pierce the headliner instead of tearing it.
If you tear the headliner, it will have to be replaced. You may need to use a razor blade to cut any sound proofing or insulation above the headliner as well.
Use the nibbler tool to assess how large you will need to make the hole in order to fit it in. Do not drill or file past the traced outline of the sunroof.
Cut very slowly to ensure you stay along the traced line. The lines must be straight in order for the sunroof to mount properly. Take breaks if you need to in order to ensure you are able to continue to cut slowly and carefully.
If there are any small portions of metal left inside the traced area, use the nibbler tool to trim them off now. Be very careful when trimming the edges not to cut into the roof beyond the outline.
File the edges until the hole’s lines are all straight and free from burrs or jagged bits of metal sticking out. Be careful not to damage the paint on the roof of the vehicle now that the masking tape is removed.
The primer and clear coat will not be visible once the sunroof is installed, but it will prevent rust from forming beneath it. Check the label on the primer and clear coat to know how long to let each dry before moving on to the next step.
If the weather seal came attached to the frame, simple drop the frame into place. Be careful not to move the frame around once in place or it may damage the paint on the roof. Electronic sunroofs may contain the sunroof itself as a part of the outer frame.
If you need to run wires above the headliner, you will likely need to remove it completely. You will need to purchase and install a new headliner. Once you’ve run the wiring down through the A-pillar of your car, wire it into the fuse box the same way you would wire in a car stereo.
Be careful when applying the adhesive strips. They are not intended to be applied and removed again, so take your time. Trying to pull the headliner from the strips once it is in place will likely tear the headliner.
This finishing trim does not increase the seal, but rather just makes the edges of the sunroof look good from inside the vehicle. Be careful if applying the trim with adhesive, as it is not designed to be removed again once in place.
Ensure the hinges stay connected and are engaged once the sunroof is in place, otherwise it will not be able to open properly. Make sure the glass fits properly in the frame and does not leave any gaps.
Test a manual latch by opening it. The back of the sunroof should pop up. Start the vehicle and test the buttons on the frame to ensure electronic sunroofs are powered properly.
