Aftermarket sunroofs?

FearoftheNight

Diamond Member
Feb 19, 2003
5,101
0
71
I really want a sunroof on my car. A lot of people including some guys I met who work at a body shop that installs sunroofs tell me the aftermarket ones are prone to leakage? Is this really the case?
 

andylawcc

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
18,183
3
81
i have one from my car's previous owner. It was a pretty decent job done by ASC (American Sunroof Company in Torrance, Los Angeles). No leaks or anything. But the motor that drives the sunroof is now broken, so the roof cannot be closed completely and there's a 1/2 inch gap. Luckily, there's a visor thingie that prevents water from pouring in.
 

Journer

Banned
Jun 30, 2005
4,355
0
0
they leak...dont do it...thers no point...just get a car w/ sunroof on ur next car purchase
 

Aimster

Lifer
Jan 5, 2003
16,129
2
0
what kind of car?

sunroofs are now kind of old. Most cars are coming with pano-sunroof (goes to the rear for passengers)
 

dxkj

Lifer
Feb 17, 2001
11,772
2
81
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
I really want a sunroof on my car. A lot of people including some guys I met who work at a body shop that installs sunroofs tell me the aftermarket ones are prone to leakage? Is this really the case?

Some do some don't
 

radioouman

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 2002
8,632
0
0
We have an aftermarket sunroof that the dealer had installed. (We wanted a particular model car, and they added a bunch of options to the last two remaining to boost their profits.... arrrg) Anyway, it came with a lifetime warranty, and we've never had any problems with it. Bought the car brand new in 2002. No leaks, no problems with the motor, nothing!
It is Webasto by the way.
 

DurocShark

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
15,708
5
56
It depends on the sunroof you get and who installs it.

Remember that a precisely shaped hole needs to be cut out of your car. If they screw up you end up with leaks. If they use a poor quality seal on the sunroof you get leaks after a year or two.

I think you should forget all that and get a ragtop! http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/sunconkit.html

;)
 

FearoftheNight

Diamond Member
Feb 19, 2003
5,101
0
71
the replies in this thread make it seem unappealing if i have to deal with the potential hassle, can anyone recommend any alternatives?
 

acemcmac

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
13,712
1
0
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
the replies in this thread make it seem unappealing if i have to deal with the potential hassle, can anyone recommend any alternatives?

Buy a car with a sunroof/moonroof from the factory like everyone else says?
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
the replies in this thread make it seem unappealing if i have to deal with the potential hassle, can anyone recommend any alternatives?

Wire the biggest bulb you can find into the overhead lamp, and then wire it to stay on when the igition is set to ON.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Factory sunroofs have the same tendency/possibility to leak over time - don't forget, most aftermarket sunroof solutions are made by the same companies who do the sunroof installations on factory cars. Webasto is one of the most well known, and they supply everyone from GM to Mazda to Ford.

Have the sunroof installed by a certified professional, and you'll be fine.
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: Ryan
Factory sunroofs have the same tendency/possibility to leak over time - don't forget, most aftermarket sunroof solutions are made by the same companies who do the sunroof installations on factory cars. Webasto is one of the most well known, and they supply everyone from GM to Mazda to Ford.

Have the sunroof installed by a certified professional, and you'll be fine.
This is correct. A high quality, properly-installed aftermarket sunroof/moonroof is every bit as good a factory one, and might even be the exact same. ASC is also a good choice -- they invented the moonroof.
 

Garet Jax

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2000
6,369
0
71
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
I really want a sunroof on my car. A lot of people including some guys I met who work at a body shop that installs sunroofs tell me the aftermarket ones are prone to leakage? Is this really the case?

I had one and it would only leak when driving highway speeds in the rain.
 

FearoftheNight

Diamond Member
Feb 19, 2003
5,101
0
71
Originally posted by: acemcmac
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
the replies in this thread make it seem unappealing if i have to deal with the potential hassle, can anyone recommend any alternatives?

Buy a car with a sunroof/moonroof from the factory like everyone else says?

The problem is that I already have an 2005 Honda Accord. I dont want to buy a new car just for the roof but I really want one. How would I go about finding a good place to get one installed that is good quality and warranty?
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
Originally posted by: acemcmac
Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
the replies in this thread make it seem unappealing if i have to deal with the potential hassle, can anyone recommend any alternatives?

Buy a car with a sunroof/moonroof from the factory like everyone else says?

The problem is that I already have an 2005 Honda Accord. I dont want to buy a new car just for the roof but I really want one. How would I go about finding a good place to get one installed that is good quality and warranty?

http://www.webasto.us/home/en/homepage.html - Look for authorized installers.
 

state 08

Platinum Member
Jun 6, 2005
2,009
0
0
Sunroofs are overrated. It was cool for the first month or two, but you won't care later.
 

FearoftheNight

Diamond Member
Feb 19, 2003
5,101
0
71
Originally posted by: state 08
Sunroofs are overrated. It was cool for the first month or two, but you won't care later.

Negative, I was driving around another car with sunroof and I was using it day/night summer/winter. Best thing ever...