Installing a moonroof (or sunroof or whatever)

[Banana]

Anyone know anything about 'aftermarket' moonrooves? I didn't even know this was possible until recently. My concerns are
-Reliable? Leaks?
-Resale value? Would YOU buy a car with an aftermarket moonroof?
-Structural strength of car?
-Effect on insurance?

I'm thinking of adding a 'panorama' moonroof that extends the whole length of the roof.

 

[theNEOone]

there's no substitute for buying the car w/ the moonroof already installed. even the slightest bit of a leak could cause enough damage to total the car if left unattended, especially for me (miami weather is not fun during the hurricane season.)


=|

 

[sniperruff]

don't do it.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Resale? Could swing very slightly either way, definitely would not count on it being positive.

Reliable? Depends greatly upon the company. ASC is very well thought of and even does a lot of OE sunroof designs. If I were going aftermarket, I wouldn't consider anyone else.

Structural? Should make no measureable difference if done properly.

Insurance? Shouldn't change a thing.

ZV

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: theNEOone
there's no substitute for buying the car w/ the moonroof already installed. even the slightest bit of a leak could cause enough damage to total the car if left unattended, especially for me (miami weather is not fun during the hurricane season.)


=|

I've bought cars with factory moonroofs that leak under pressure washing.

You cut a hole in the roof of your car and you risk leaks. Convertibles are even worse.

 

[Cattlegod]

bad idea. it will prob be fine in the short term, but those edges that get cut will be very prone to rust. they will be without the ecoat from the factory and will just be bare metal under paint.

 

[axelfox]

Pics when you bust out the saw.

 

[summit]

all moonroofs will leak maybe not now but maybe 5 - 10 years down the road...

resale value on after market parts (even radios and pimp my ride tv's) are ZERO... wouldnt buy it cause someone who doesnt know how to install it probably installed it


its a 1 foot by 2 foot sheet of glass its not gonna make your top less stable... no effect on insurance...

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: Banana
Anyone know anything about 'aftermarket' moonrooves? I didn't even know this was possible until recently. My concerns are
-Reliable? Leaks?
-Resale value? Would YOU buy a car with an aftermarket moonroof?
-Structural strength of car?
-Effect on insurance?

I'm thinking of adding a 'panorama' moonroof that extends the whole length of the roof.

If you can do it yourself, I envy you.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I own a business that repairs water leaks, windnoises, and sun/moon roofs in cars.

I don't install them, but I do repair them.

I can say, without any hesitation, that aftermarket sunroofs are crap. If the car isn't designed for a sunroof, then an aftermarket one will never be as good as a factory one will.

Plus, they are hard to find parts for after they are older.

 

[Grey]

Don't do it, sure it may be ok at first. five years down the road when the gaskets start aging you will never get the moldy smell out of the inside of your car.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: summit
all moonroofs will leak maybe not now but maybe 5 - 10 years down the road...

All moonroofs leak from day one. They don't seal all the water out, ever.

That's why they have a trough all the way around the glass that has channels leading to drain tubes on all 4 corners.

If the drain tubes get clogged up, THAT'S what causes your leak.

edited: spelling

 

[Banana]

Thanks for the feedback. Consensus seems to be that it's a bad idea. No moonroof for me until my next ride.

Originally posted by: axelfox
Pics when you bust out the saw.

That would be fun, but unfortunately, I wouldn't do it myself 🙂

 

[MasterAndCommander]

Best to stick with the factory moonroof/sunroof option.

BTW - Factory moonroof on my Camry 12 years old = 0 leaks :thumbsup:

 

[Banana]

Originally posted by: MasterAndCommander
Best to stick with the factory moonroof/sunroof option.

BTW - Factory moonroof on my Camry 12 years old = 0 leaks :thumbsup:

Yah, that's what I'm gonna do--for my next car. So what's the difference between a moonroof and sunroof, if any?