Search results
Apr 15, 2024 · Learn about different types of sunroofs, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to install them in your vehicle. Find out the average costs, warranty implications, and insurance considerations for sunroof installation.
- Overview
- Fitting a Sunroof to Your Vehicle
- Cutting Space for Your Sunroof
- Installing the Sunroof
Installing a sunroof in your vehicle can increase its value and make the driving experience that much more pleasant. However, installing an aftermarket sunroof is an in depth and extensive job that requires specialized skills and tools, so it may not be a viable option for most hobby mechanics. Remember that cutting a hole in your roof may result in leaks that can cause damage to the interior of your vehicle. Installing an aftermarket sunroof will also void any warranty you may have on the vehicle.
Choose a sunroof kit based on your budget and needs. Possible options include pop-up sunroofs, sliding sunroofs, and electronic sunroofs.
Use a razor blade to trace your sunroof’s template onto your roof. Then, use specialized tools such as a drill and a nibbler to cut the hole.
Apply a primer and clear coat to the newly exposed metal. Then, apply weather sealing to the frame and install the sunroof.
Choose a type of sunroof to install.
There are a number of different options in aftermarket sunroofs. You will need to decide on a type of sunroof in order to establish the dimensions you want and the budget you have to work with. Pop up sunroofs are often the least expensive, while fully automatic sunroofs usually cost the most.
Pop up sunroofs cannot slide open. Instead, the back of the sunroof pops up with a hinge on the front.
Some sunroofs can be slide backward by hand without having to purchase an expensive electronic sunroof.
Electronic sunroofs use motors to open and close and can be purchased to slide open, pop open, or both.
Measure the flat part of the roof of your vehicle.
Use a razor blade to trace the template.
With the rubber template in place, use a razor blade or exacto-knife to trace the template into the masking tape on your roof. Trace it slowly and carefully to ensure you create an exact outline of the template in the tape. You do not need to press the blade down hard enough to penetrate the paint through the tape.
If you press through the tape into the roof, be very careful not to make any mistakes that will damage the paint that will remain after the sunroof install.
Tracing with a blade instead of a pen will create a groove that will make it easier to cut along the line.
Drill four holes in the roof.
Use a 4 millimeter drill bit to drill four holes into the top of the roof. Make each hole about five inches from the corner of the sunroof outline along the traced line you already cut with the razor blade. Be careful not to get the drill caught in the cloth headliner inside the vehicle.
Remove the masking tape and file down any rough edges.
With the cutting complete, you can now remove all of the masking tape you layered onto the roof of the car. Once done, inspect the hole you cut and use a metal file to file down any jagged edges sticking out as a result of the cutting. Be careful not to damage the remaining paint with the file.
File the edges until the hole’s lines are all straight and free from burrs or jagged bits of metal sticking out.
Be careful not to damage the paint on the roof of the vehicle now that the masking tape is removed.
Apply primer and clear coat to the newly exposed metal.
The metal surrounding the hole you cut in the roof will be susceptible to rust without any form of protection. Purchase a small bottle of primer and apply it to any visible metal in and around the hole. Allow the primer to dry completely, then do the same with the clear coat.
Watch this if you’re thinking about installing a custom, universal sunroof in your car! This video applies to anyone looking to install a sunroof in their ca...
- 13 min
- 77.6K
- Wagon Works
The average cost of installing a sunroof on a car that doesn’t have one varies from $699 to $2,299 for aftermarket parts and labor. DIY installation costs between $315 and $430 on average, for a simple pop-up sunroof.
Learn how to choose the right replacement glass, prepare the frame, and install it with precision. AIS Windshield Experts offers professional sunroof glass replacement services with quality parts, warranty, and compliance.
ASC offers expert sunroof installation services for various types and models of sunroofs. Whether you want a power inbuilt, power spoiler, or manual sunroof, ASC has you covered with certified installations and quality products.
Sunroof Repair Singapore - ECV Car Service Singapore. In need of sunroof repair? The sunroof brings added joy to driving, letting the beautiful sunrays enter as you coast along the roads. Various car makers have created different variations of the sunroof. There are fixed ones, as well as the sliding type.
