Sunroof

[axelr8]

Ok so my 260z has a sunroof but I really want that hardtop look and not the typical pop-up sunroof look on my car.. theres too much work involved in taking the roof skin off and putting a new one on so ive decided to install a steel sunroof system... which means that im going to have to make a large piece of metal or fibreglass and shape it to contour the roof curve, the only thing thats visible will be a thin rubber weather seal around the sunroof. The sunroof will most likely be electronic. So my question is.. what do you guys think of this idea? And has anyone done it before on a Z?

[sblake01]

Sunroofs on series one Zs aren't really my cup of tea but since there is already one present on your car, your modification is much more preferable to what is already there. It could actually be pretty nice if done right.

[EScanlon]

You have the money for an electric sunroof with a metal panel to be installed but don't have the money to repair the roof to it's original status?

Doesn't add up.

The sunroof will still set you back possibly a hundred or two from a boneyard. Then you have to get someone to adapt it to a roof line that it wasn't made for. Lastly, you need to wire it into an electrical system that is sensitive to additional currents being applied to it. All of this calls for an experienced body man, which means several hundred dollars. Now you've allocated 500+ dollars to the job. Surely you can get someone to weld in a roof for less than that.

OR

Maybe you have the experience, but if you do, why not just weld a patch back into the sunroof hole.

Enrique

[axelr8]

I was quoted $1100aud for an electric sunroof installed on my car with no drama a little less if I supply the steel cover. It is alot for a sunroof, but you get what you pay for I guess.

The only problem I see is.. how am I going to find a new roof for my z? 2 seater z's are pretty expensive... even bad condition ones, around here.

If I can find a roof and someone that will weld it on properly then ill go with this option.

[EScanlon]

Why do you think that ONLY a 2+2 Z roof will do?

Think outside the box.

What you are looking for is a piece of sheet metal with the same side to side and front to rear curvature that matches your car's.

The reason most (if not all) body shops require the part to be from an identical model vehicle is to avoid problems in getting it to fit. In fact, if you check, these folks go so far as to measure where the hole would be in the donor roof and then cutting that piece of metal.

The main reason behind this is that they don't have the time, nor the resources to go pick and choose amongst cars to find a match. And they are right, it is the easiest, cheapest and most logical way of getting a donor piece.

However, your situation is different.

You are searching for a RARE car AND an even RARER model.

So now you have to get creative. That is, if you are willing to expend a bit of thought energy and physical work in order to achieve your goal (a hardtop look) and at the same time save yourself some money.

Using some stiff construction paper, or some cardboard make some templates that match the side to side curve and the front to rear curve as well. If necessary, make a side to side template of the roof just in front of the opening. Then another one just behind. Matching these with a pair of each of the front to back templates on either side of the hole and you can now assemble a curve finder.

If you take care you can cut corresponding slits in the pieces and slide them together just like the cardboard used to separate bottles in a box.

Now, go to a local boneyard. and using your cardboard template, lay it on the roofs of potential donors. You're now looking for vehicles whose roofline MATCHES your template and NOT the same car / model. Although this may seem time consuming, you may be surprised to find that there are many cars out there whose curvature is actually the same as yours. Remember auto designers use curves that appeal to the human mind. Those curves are surprisingly similar. Doubt it? Take a look at the mind-numbing similarity of cars lately.

Another alternative for that is to contact a CUSTOM body shop who can in fact FABRICATE curves out of flat sheet metal. These shops typically will have an English Wheel Press on the premises. They'll have the experience to measure and match the curve you need and fabricate it with relative ease. You might even ask them how much it would be for them to fix it.

The key here is to not impose restrictions on your repairing the car.

Hope this helps.

Enrique Scanlon

[Rusty1]

Axelr8

One big problem with your plan is that sliding electric sunroofs normally mount above the roof lining. I have a couple of 2+2's, the roof lining is stuck to the metal roof, leaving no room for the sunroof mechanicals.

EScanlon's idea is much better, any decent panel beater should be able to fabricate a new roof, you will also have the advantage of a car with a much better re-sale value.

Good luck

Rusty

[axelr8]

Rusty1 would you happen to know what something like this would cost to get done by the pros?

[pressedsteel]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10076&item=2466894136

I realize shipping may not be cheap...especially overseas but I saw this on ebay today and thought of this thread. My '71 has a sunroof too that I would enjoy a lot more if it didn't leak so bad!! Anyway, check out the auction link.

[seerex]

I had my roof replaced because of the same situation and it wasn't that bad bit it was 10 years ago and then it was like 1500 all done and repainted