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Fixing a snapped sunroof bracket, and avoiding those cheap stick on wind deflectors

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Old Aug 26, 2013 | 12:12 PM
  #1  
DaytonaBlueMetallic's Avatar
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Joined: 06-17-2012
Posts: 161
From: Wisconsin
Fixing a snapped sunroof bracket, and avoiding those cheap stick on wind deflectors

I've read the thread where people have said it takes hours to fix this if you want it back to factory stock.

There is no need to spend hours removing the headliner. These steps can all be done with everything still in place. All of this is done on the top of the sunroof frame.

There's no need to put a (cheap looking, in my opinion) stick on, aftermarket deflector.

Parts:

-Parts are readily available at a Chevy dealer (I paid $12.00 for both left and right sides)

-Get a long shaft Cobalt bit (if you can find a bit that will stop at 1/8th of an inch, all the better. This will avoid drill contact with the paint)

-Drill with variable speed and torque setting

-Appropriate diameter 1/8th inch length (Stainless steel) self drilling screws)

Steps for removing wind deflector:

(note how the spring mechanism sits under removing the deflector arm)

1. Unscrew netting from sunroof frame (two small, black hex head screws)

2: Pull deflector arm out of remaining bracket hook.

3. Set deflector assembly and screws aside. There is no need to replace any of this part of the assembly.

Bracket replacement steps:

1: Drill out small pilot hole in rivet with small cobalt bit (start off with high torque and low speed) (do not put high pressure on the bit, it will do the job on its own.

2: Bore out rivet completely using self threading screw. (this will ensure that the self drilling screw will fit properly

3: Remove self threading screws

4: Remove old bracket, clean area of all metal shavings. (I recommend greasing the track as well)

5. Using the old brackets as a guide, mark the spot where the holes will need to be bored on the new part.

6: Use self threading screws to create new holes (do this with the new brackets in place) and drill until screws are properly seated.

Steps for reinstalling deflector:

1. Slide catches into new retaining brackets

2. Ensure spring mechanisms are properly placed under deflector arm.

3. Hold arm down far enough that you can screw the netting back into their stock holes.

4. Release arm, and ensure smooth motion.

5. clear sunroof area of debris and tools

6. Open and close sunroof a few times to ensure proper function

Last edited by DaytonaBlueMetallic; Aug 28, 2013 at 12:40 PM.
Old Jun 21, 2016 | 08:07 AM
  #2  
jtfrog's Avatar
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Joined: 07-10-2010
Posts: 24
From: Sacramento CA
Little confused, drill with 1/8th bit, and what size screws?
Old Jun 21, 2016 | 11:40 AM
  #3  
donbrew's Avatar
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,523
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I don't see that in the directions. I see a reference to 1/8 length screw (self-tapping). Which would make it a stainless steel sheet metal screw.

I don't think I've seen a self-drilling screw that short, usually that's the length of the drill end of the screw.

From the repair manual:
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Old Jun 23, 2016 | 02:47 AM
  #4  
jtfrog's Avatar
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Joined: 07-10-2010
Posts: 24
From: Sacramento CA
Finding a screw in that length has been difficult.
Old Jun 24, 2016 | 07:59 AM
  #5  
Beachbum1's Avatar
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Joined: 03-31-2010
Posts: 154
From: Bradenton, Florida
I had the same problem and I removed all and placed a "stick-on" in place. It's been on for 3 years now, been thru many carwashes. Bought it from one of the advertisers on this forum .

Good luck on trying to repair the original.
Old Mar 30, 2021 | 07:49 PM
  #6  
Ronnie's Avatar
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Joined: 02-23-2020
Posts: 518
From: Kansas
Mine snapped this morning.

I guess after work in the morning I will head to the dealership. I think I have a few recalls that need to be addressed anyway.

I swear...It's always something.
Old Mar 31, 2021 | 02:33 PM
  #7  
Ronnie's Avatar
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Joined: 02-23-2020
Posts: 518
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by DaytonaBlueMetallic
Parts are readily available at a Chevy dealer (I paid $12.00 for both left and right sides)
This thread may be a bit old...but my Chevy dealership says they don't sell just the brackets and want $120 for the whole assembly.



Gonna find some elsewhere.
Old Mar 31, 2021 | 07:15 PM
  #8  
Oldblue's Avatar
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Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,069
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Wrecking yard.....
Old Mar 31, 2021 | 11:05 PM
  #9  
Ronnie's Avatar
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Joined: 02-23-2020
Posts: 518
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by Oldblue
Wrecking yard.....
I took two apart yesterday...neither had the brackets that I needed.

Last edited by Ronnie; Apr 1, 2021 at 07:51 AM.
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