So...I'm Calling Around About Sunroofs

[ChromaticGrey]

My acura cl had a sunroof. It was a 2001 I was driving until this last weekend. Never had any issue with it, though i did read of others drain tubes clogging. I also never used it, just left the slide part open. It was basically a sunlight. I don't miss it.

It would rob the mustang of headroom. To be honest I do like the look of the roof lines would not want to give that up for a sunroof. My buddies girlfriend pointed out how the lines of the hood continue over the roof which i honestly hadn't noticed. But it's a nice touch.

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[trojannemo]

In all seriousness, I think sunroofs make more sense on sedans and larger vehicles, not coupes. I had it on my Nissan Maxima SL back in the day. I have it now on my Infiniti SUV (plus a panoramic roof, which is nice). Never personally owned a coupe that had a sunroof.

 

[99Zeus99]

Sportsroof, convertible or GTFO You know how many Fox bodies were ruined in the 80's because of crappy pop up sunroofs?

 

[Nagare]

This!
Seriously.... after working at a Ford Dealership for several years.... I will never own a car with a sunroof/moonroof or a convertible.
Way too many issues over time.
But to each their own...

Pfft, my coupe is leaking right now anyways!

 

[DavisCustoms]

Pfft, my coupe is leaking right now anyways!

you do know your supposed to roll the windows UP when it rains... right??? <Sarcasm>

 

[teetoppz28]

T-tops...

 

[ZX3ST]

This!
Seriously.... after working at a Ford Dealership for several years.... I will never own a car with a sunroof/moonroof or a convertible.
Way too many issues over time.
But to each their own...

I've heard the same complaint from several people over the years, but I've never had an issue with it on my personal vehicles.
I think it depends on how the car is used and where the car is parked. Isn't the issue normally the drains getting clogged?

Similar complaints in the Miata community. I never had a problem with mine.

I'm of the opposite opinion - If the car is available with a sun (moon?) roof, I'm definitely checking that box. Having said that, I will NEVER install an aftermarket roof. Either the car gets one from the factory, or it doesn't get one at all!

 

[ZX3ST]

This is the right answer. Can't get any more sun than on a convertible.

That setup looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Boston23]

Not a fan of sun roofs but I get the appeal for those that do. You could always go this route.

 

[DavisCustoms]

I've heard the same complaint from several people over the years, but I've never had an issue with it on my personal vehicles.
I think it depends on how the car is used and where the car is parked. Isn't the issue normally the drains getting clogged?

Correct, most issues are from people parking around trees and the drains get clogged with leaves dirt and no one ever cleans them out and the rubber seals are never being conditioned correctly and they dry out/wear out and allow water in. (long pipe cleaners used in the drains and a quick wipe of the seals with Armour-All or equivalent every other car wash does wonders to prevent this.)
Also, on convertible cars the top usually wears out in the creases were the top folds.

 

[Kermitz]

One of my top requirements - NO sunroof

I agree. I've never seen a sunroof that didn't leak or quit functioning after a few years.

 

[Kermitz]

Not a fan of sun roofs but I get the appeal for those that do. You could always go this route.

That there looks sweet. Most likely would leak as well after a few years.

 

[Nagare]

Correct, most issues are from people parking around trees and the drains get clogged with leaves dirt and no one ever cleans them out and the rubber seals are never being conditioned correctly and they dry out/wear out and allow water in. (long pipe cleaners used in the drains and a quick wipe of the seals with Armour-All or equivalent every other car wash does wonders to prevent this.)
Also, on convertible cars the top usually wears out in the creases were the top folds.

Where are those on the S550? Always see it referenced for S197s.

 

[DavisCustoms]

Where are those on the S550? Always see it referenced for S197s.

I left Ford not too long after the S197s came out. S550's never had sunroofs so no drains...but the pipe cleaners work for almost all other sunroofs out there regardless of make/model. Most sunroofs usually have 2 front drains that empty into the door jamb area at the base of the a-pillar and some have two more in the rear of the sunroof that empty somewhere ahead of the rear tire wheelwell.

 

[66Bronc1]

Don't ever do a sun roof on a car- even if you can or there is room, etc. Get a car with one installed from the factory if you must have one.

Why? I love sunroofs too. I bought a brand new Mazdaspeed 3 back in 2011. The car did not come with a sunroof, so I had one professionally added. They cut a hole in the roof, it was electric and looked good at first. Over time- I mean 3 years or so I noticed the roof started sagging on one of the front corners of the sunroof. The sunroof did not leak and still worked but I could visibly see the "sinking". After 5 years the sinking seemed to be increasing but it still operated fine and did not leak. Right after that the car was totaled so I will never know the outcome and whether or not the sunroof kept sinking or collapsing to the point that it would not work or started leaking. That car was manufactured to be light weight- the roof was thin and did not have the infrastructure to support the sunroof is what I suspect. Based on this experience I will never again add a sunroof to a car that does not have one.

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