Hey folks,

I have a 09 1LT with out a sunroof and i think a sunroof would really liven up my interior. Is it safe to put in an aftermarket sunroof into a car? Will it affect stability and or safety? Anyone have any experience with this modification?

Thanks

 

There are major differences between factory sunroofs and aftermarket ones. Factory units are integrated into the roof which is stamped to accept them, aftermarket units are popped into a hole. You may have water leak issues, rust issues, creaks and groans, added wind noise, and it can damage resale value. As for safety and stability, well you're cutting a big hole in the roof and not adding structure to compensate. Not to come over as totally negative about your idea, but this is a modification that needs to be well thought out and professionally done. If you have an installer in your area ask lots of questions before going ahead, look at some installs they've already done and speak to the owners.

 

Don't do it.

It WILL leak eventually.

It WILL kill the resale value.

It will NOT follow the curve of the roof properly.

You WILL hear things like "Hey, the 80's called...."

I've done several sunroof installs back in the day, and the all cause the same problems. Even grafting in a factory sunroof causes structural problems. The only vehicles I've ever seen get a trouble free (no more problems than stock) sunroof were old VW beetles where the entire roof section from a sunroof car was used.

 

I have an aftermarket sunroof. Does it look good, no. Am I happy with it, Nope.

If I were to do it all over again, I would just have the factory roof and leave it alone. My HHR is less than a year old. I got an aftermarket moonroof installed by a good company that had plenty of experience.

I have already had two headliners replaced because they keep falling. In my experience, unless you go factory, you will regret it!

 

That has been my experience, at least with people I know that had them done aftermarket. I know about 4 or 5 that had sun/moon roofs put in aftermarket in one of their cars at one point or another and everyone of them had a bad experience. Not something I would recommend.

 

guess i got my answer. thats too bad.


thanks guys!

 

x2.

also, my 04 Mini cooper could be done, as the roof can be removed and a new one with a sunroof factory installed can be placed on the car.

 

Hmmm, did not know that about the Mini.

I imagine the Fiero could be converted the same way, but I've never seen it done.

 

Fieros are relatively easy to do. All Fiero roofs have a recess for a sunroof. I have one with a factory sunroof and two without. Some Fieros were notorious for leaking (mine doesn't). There are drain holes that are supposed to take away water. The holes can rust. I have a friend who had a leaky sunroof, and they replaced that top with a non sunroof version top as the frame where the old sunroof was was completely gone from rust.

Pros for a sunroof: nice ventilation when cracked open offering a bit more head room (at least in a Fiero). Down side in Florida with a sunnroof open cooks your head when open and broils your head when closed unless the sun shade is in place.

When I bought my HHR, one requirement was no sunroof.

 

I echo 84's comments.

Factory moon roof's are fine.

Aftermarket, not so much.