Sunroofs - What's Your Experience?

[jimbo]

Thinking of getting a sunroof in the VX.

I was originally considering just a small popup to let in some light and air, but after doing some searches I found that didn't seem to be a popular choice here. Most folks seem to be going with the electric models (ala Webasto). I also couldn't get much of an idea as to types/manufacturers available. It didn't seem like there were really that many choices of models (I thought there would be hundreds).

The maufacturer websites for Webasto/Inalfa kind-of suck in so far as showing closeup photos of the various products themselves. I couldn't even find a simple, inexpensive popup type detailed on either site.

Personally, I'm not big on automatic anything on cars/trucks (even windows - I wish we could all go back to simple manual cranks like my trusty Amigo) IMHO it's just something else that could/will break at some point, costing more money and creating extra headaches - and what's the big deal about opening something by hand ... but I'm very interested in other member's experiences with sunroofs/moonroofs of any type in the VX.

(the forum/gallery search didn't give me that much info)

Also, can anyone recommend a great trustworthy place to have it done in the Bucks/Mercer county or Philadelphia area of Pa/NJ?

Thanks! :)

[Gussie2000]

Thinking of getting a sunroof in the VX.

I was originally considering just a small popup to let in some light and air, but after doing some searches I found that didn't seem to be a popular choice here. Most folks seem to be going with the electric models (ala Webasto). I also couldn't get much of an idea as to types/manufacturers available. It didn't seem like there were really that many choices of models (I thought there would be hundreds).

The maufacturer websites for Webasto/Inalfa kind-of suck in so far as showing closeup photos of the various products themselves. I couldn't even find a simple, inexpensive popup type detailed on either site.

Personally, I'm not big on automatic anything on cars/trucks (even windows - I wish we could all go back to simple manual cranks like my trusty Amigo) IMHO it's just something else that could/will break at some point, costing more money and creating extra headaches - and what's the big deal about opening something by hand ... but I'm very interested in other member's experiences with sunroofs/moonroofs of any type in the VX.

(the forum/gallery search didn't give me that much info)

Also, can anyone recommend a great trustworthy place to have it done in the Bucks/Mercer county or Philadelphia area of Pa/NJ?

Thanks! :)

I agree with you about automatic sunroof, my sister's 2007 maxima came with that option.

Two years ago heavy rain begins to fall in FL & she had her Sunroof opened & when she went to close the damn thing guess what ........

Sunroof didn't wanna close at all,she had to race under a passage to avoid the water coming into the cabin & mess all the leather upholstery interior.
If she had the choice to have the manual one she wouldn't had that bad experience

You can't trust technology 100% at least i don't :cool:

The sunroof manufaturers decide to discontinue the manual sunroof to make more profit,after all,you still have to raise to arm & press the button to open the automatic one;To me it doesn't make any sense neither:rolleyes:

[circmand]

I want one but am not sure where roof braces are and what size/ where the sunroof could be put in. Did the search couldn't find the particulars.

[vt_maverick]

Get with JohnnyApollo if you haven't already. You can check out his website here. (http://www.wildtoys.com/vehicross/index.asp)

[crotchrocket]

I'm not a sunroof fan to be honest, my 300zx has glass targas and i keep the sun blinds on constantly when the roof is on, i like to be dark inside the cockpit, especially with tinted windows etc.

[Riff Raff]

My VX has the Webasto electric "Moonroof" with a dark limo tint and was professionally installed by the PO. I absolutely love it. It looks OEM factory and doesn't leak a single drop even in heavy Washington State down-pours. The replacement headliner looks OEM factory and has never sagged. It has illuminated control buttons; built-in sun-shade slider; built-in wind deflector that raises up upon opening, and the roof will automatically close when the iginition is turned off. I trust it more than I do the cheesy VX electric side-door windows.

Get one, it's awesome. I'm tall, so I already sit really high in the VX with very little headroom and the open roof gives me a feeling of more spaciousness. My only advice is to have it professionally installed by a Automotive Sunroof Shop that sells/installs that specific brand product and ask to see examples of their previous work or customer testimony before purchase.

Lastly, stay away from those cheap pop-top sunroofs that always leak-- if you're gonna cut a hole in your roof, then do it right with an electric moonroof or don't do it at all.

[circmand]

Hey I had a cheesy pop up in a Isuzu I-mark for years and never had any leaks. Also I would rather save a few bucks since it is no harder to lift your hand up to pop up or pop out the sunroof than press a button that could go bad costing a fortune to fix.

Not that there is anything wrong with electric. But remember if the VX had hand crank windows instead of electric we would have none of the window problems we have now and the VX could have been sold for 1-2 grand less.

[blacksambo]

Remember, those window problems could have been avoided with twice yearly applications of silicone to the channels. That's all.

[Gussie2000]

Leaking sunroof is all happening depending on how the installer did the job.
You can purchase the best/expensive kit out there,but if the installer don't know his job water & debries will get into the cabin any ways.

I looking foward to add a nice sun roof soon.

[BeeVenom]

I've had the Webasto power unit in my '01 for 6 years. Never a leak, works perfectly and still shuts automatically after you turn the VX off. Tilts up at the rear too if you like that. I do, especially in the rain. Like i said, no problems yet and if i did, the Webasto company in right in my town in Fenton, MI. I love it! Scott
HEY RIFF RAFF, You're right, they're the best!

[Riff Raff]

BeeVenom--- Yup, they are definately the best for sure!!! For those considering getting an electric Sunroof/Moonroof, the Webasto brand is the only way to go. Once you experience having a VX with an electric Sunroof/Moonroof, you'll wonder how the hell you ever lived without it!!!:yeso:

Don't forget: Stay away from the cheapo "Pop-Top"!!!

[Gussie2000]

Yesterday i drove by a sunroof shop.
I asked questions about options;The installer,after looking at the horse suggested me the spoiler sunroof style.
He told me that the slide in style running below the roof takes more head room then the spoiler style,plus the spoiler style blends with the VX's very sporty design
During the time talking with guy i had many VX moments with a good bunch of people surrunding my toy asking ??? about it.
Cost for the installation $ 1400

[vt_maverick]

I just worry about something hitting the glass if it's outside the body when open. Is that what you meant Gus?

[circmand]

Remember, those window problems could have been avoided with twice yearly applications of silicone to the channels. That's all.


Those of us who are original owners did not have the advanced notice of the issue to apply the silicon.

Depends on the installer, yeah but you find out how good they were months or years after install

I decided against it once I found out the headliner needs replaced. I only go with mods that do not need additional work to look original

[tom4bren]

VT,

I've put 100K on an Eclipse with that kind of sunroof. I've never had any problems with anything hitting the glass.

From an Engineering perspective - you're right. It is something that I'd be concerned about. In reality, it works great.

Tom

[johnnyapollo]

Over 100k miles and 7 years with mine without any issues whatsoever. Hollandia/Webasto Sun Roof w/Wind Deflector Model 43

-- John

[Gussie2000]

VT_maverick

I shared with the installer that same concern though.
He say that the sliding sunroof are the standard style,but is more for luxury cars then sport cars which in this case the VX falls in.
He explain me that spoiler style was designed precisely because sports cars ussually lacks lots of head room such as the honda prelude,mistsubishi eclipse or toyota celica.
I forgot to mention that the guy took a pic of the VX,dowloaded into the shop's computer which comes with a autocad or photoshop aplication & actually showed me how the VX looks with the spoiler & the sliding sunroof & guys i got to admit that the spoiler looks way more OEM then the sliding style on the VX.
He also suggested me to replace the head liner & the dash pillars in black color to match the interior.
I noticed that this guy is very passioned about his job,very detailled.
Whilst there the guy was over the two workers on every detail.
The only cons so far is the fact that the roof racks can get in the sun roof's way,but got to check the clearance.

[Riff Raff]

GUSSIE 2000--- I understand the installer guy is highly passionate about his work (as all good business owner's should be); however, I would highly recommend visiting a few more Pro-Sunroof shops for second opinions. Go to the official Webasto brand website and see who is an authorized Webasto dealer/installer in your area.

Hmmm, I've never seen any modified VX (including any on this forum) with the "slide-out/exposed" style sunroof, and I don't think it's a good idea.:noo: With the outer glass continuely exposed, it is a prime target for flying rocks from semi-trucks. Yes, you're probably right that the existing roof rails would also interfere in some manner. As far as "the look", I think it would appear kinda' funky and cheap looking and screams non-factory(IMHO).

From an installer point of view, the "slide-out/exposed" style sunroof is a lot easier and less complicated installation than an interior-slider version. Thereby, more profitability with less involved labor (perhaps that's the real reason why the shop owner was recommending that particular version-- more money, less work; "ka-ching sucka!!!"). In addition, the shop-owner probably recommended Black headliner color replacement because he had a bunch of it leftover in his stock-room (not because it matched the original seats, that's B.S.). If the headliner needs to be replaced, then the color should be matched as close to OEM factory as possible.

Most cars from the factory that have the exterior "slide-out/exposed" version also have a rear sloping/curved roof (fast-back style) which prevents an interior sleeve casing, like the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Conversly, most cars/trucks from the factory that have an extended flat roof line will have a hidden interior slider sleeve for the roof panel (Lincoln, Cadillac, Denali, BMW, Hummer, etc). Since the VX falls into the extended flat roof design catagory; I'd prefer an OEM factory stealth-looking interior-slider, than an odd aftermarket-looking "slide-out/exposed" exterior slider.

With the Webasto interior-slider within the headliner, it looks totally OEM factory and has a built-in pull-out sunshade for blinding Sun (like on an aircraft). I'm very tall, and the closed glass portion over the driver/front-passenger cockpit area does not decrease any headroom whatsoever. Where the glass portion slides into the headliner area over the rear seat; yes, some very minor headroom is lost-- but; who cares, since the back seat is removed.

At an investment of $1,200--$1,400 for a VX Sunroof/Moonroof modification, I'd want it done right with the most stealth/OEM factory looking installation that's available (not what's easier or more profitable for the installer). That my friend is the electric Webasto Interior-Slider Moonroof within the interior headliner!!!!!!!! Get the Best; Forget the Rest!!!:yes:

[Gussie2000]

GUSSIE 2000--- I understand the installer guy is highly passionate about his work (as all good business owner's should be); however, I would highly recommend visiting a few more Pro-Sunroof shops for second opinions. Go to the official Webasto brand website and see who is an authorized Webasto dealer/installer in your area.

Hmmm, I've never seen any modified VX (including any on this forum) with the "slide-out/exposed" style sunroof, and I don't think it's a good idea.:noo: With the outer glass continuely exposed, it is a prime target for flying rocks from semi-trucks. Yes, you're probably right that the existing roof rails would also interfere in some manner. As far as "the look", I think it would appear kinda' funky and cheap looking and screams non-factory(IMHO).

From an installer point of view, the "slide-out/exposed" style sunroof is a lot easier and less complicated installation than an interior-slider version. Thereby, more profitability with less involved labor (perhaps that's the real reason why the shop owner was recommending that particular version-- more money, less work; "ka-ching sucka!!!"). In addition, the shop-owner probably recommended Black headliner color replacement because he had a bunch of it leftover in his stock-room (not because it matched the original seats, that's B.S.). If the headliner needs to be replaced, then the color should be matched as close to OEM factory as possible.

Most cars from the factory that have the exterior "slide-out/exposed" version also have a rear sloping/curved roof (fast-back style) which prevents an interior sleeve casing, like the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Conversly, most cars/trucks from the factory that have an extended flat roof line will have a hidden interior slider sleeve for the roof panel (Lincoln, Cadillac, Denali, BMW, Hummer, etc). Since the VX falls into the extended flat roof design catagory; I'd prefer an OEM factory stealth-looking interior-slider, than an odd aftermarket-looking "slide-out/exposed" exterior slider.

With the Webasto interior-slider within the headliner, it looks totally OEM factory and has a built-in pull-out sunshade for blinding Sun (like on an aircraft). I'm very tall, and the closed glass portion over the driver/front-passenger cockpit area does not decrease any headroom whatsoever. Where the glass portion slides into the headliner area over the rear seat; yes, some very minor headroom is lost-- but; who cares, since the back seat is removed.

At an investment of $1,200--$1,400 for a VX Sunroof/Moonroof modification, I'd want it done right with the most stealth/OEM factory looking installation that's available (not what's easier or more profitable for the installer). That my friend is the electric Webasto Interior-Slider Moonroof within the interior headliner!!!!!!!! Get the Best; Forget the Rest!!!:yes:

You see none of us never did the spoiler sunroof so far on the VX so the idea freaks the .....t outter any one by just thinking about it.

About the head liner color i think is a nice mod though (was just a suggestion) for me to consider about. Again,the color is black,not red
He also show me the material to have the head liner mod done & isn't any left overs.
The $ 1400 cost for the installation is based on the best spoiler model he got in his shop ( 322 hollandia series ) with the advanced control options & comes with a 5 years/50.000 miles warranty but i can go for the cheapest one for just $ 900.
The shop is a webasto autorized dealer which registered in the BBB files.
However all this is not a deffinitive decision,yet still i got to carry the roof racks for measurements to verify the clearance for the spoiler once is open.

It's obvious that the shop wouldn't suggest the spoiler style if wasn't a good idea because they know they can be a in a lot of hell of trouble.

The way the shop is designed the customer can look at all the installation process from the beginning to the end of it thru big glasses such as the car wash shops whilst you wait watching ESPN :p

The shop can perform 4 installations at one time & they proudly display a good bunch of certifications & rewards for best customer service relations.


I don't think the spoiler style looks cheap,remember is a spoiler designed for sports cars,it would so cheapo on a BMW or mercedes benz AMG series,but on a non-luxury car such as the VX it can't look cheap at all,specially the 322 series.

But once of us take the 1rst step doing this mod others will find it good enough to follow up.

[Riff Raff]

Over 100k miles and 7 years with mine without any issues whatsoever. Hollandia/Webasto Sun Roof w/Wind Deflector Model 43

:yes:

[VX crazy]

I had the hollandia spoiler style since 2002 in my other vx and up til last oct never gave me any problems. Had to clean the tracks real well after the first trip out to moab with sunroof open and sand getting in the track. I had lifetime warranty from my installer, auto close and auto open and paid about $1200. I still have this sunroof actually, but figure most ot the cost is the labor so IF I put another one in my current VX it would be a new sunroof. I agree with going spoiler style so you save the headroom! Not an issue for me since I am short waisted......LOL

[Riff Raff]

I had the hollandia spoiler style since 2002 in my other vx and up til last oct never gave me any problems. Had to clean the tracks real well after the first trip out to moab with sunroof open and sand getting in the track. I had lifetime warranty from my installer, auto close and auto open and paid about $1200. I agree with going spoiler style so you save the headroom!

VX-CRAZY--- Thank you so much for your input. To my knowledge, you're the only VX owner out there who went the "exposed/spoiler" type route. The "exposed/spoiler" version would only save headroom in the rear-seat passenger area, since it doesn't require an interior sleeve liner over the rear-seat headliner. Both type units have equal headroom over the driver cockpit area. Was your roof panel a "See-Thru Moonroof" or was it a "Solid Fiberglass Panel"??? If a "See-Thru Moonroof", did it also have a pull-out Sunshade panel slider to totally block-out the Sun???:confused:

[Gussie2000]

I had the hollandia spoiler style since 2002 in my other vx and up til last oct never gave me any problems. Had to clean the tracks real well after the first trip out to moab with sunroof open and sand getting in the track. I had lifetime warranty from my installer, auto close and auto open and paid about $1200. I still have this sunroof actually, but figure most ot the cost is the labor so IF I put another one in my current VX it would be a new sunroof. I agree with going spoiler style so you save the headroom! Not an issue for me since I am short waisted......LOL

Hi lisa !
Didn't had an idea you went with the spoiler sunroof on your VX.
Do you have an pic with the VX & the spoiler sunroof ?

Personally i think this shop rocks in customer service & definetly will go with them.

[VX crazy]

Yes, it was the glass sunroof, and did have a slide shade, just like an other stock sunroof in any other vehicle I have been in, not a moonroof, but a sunroof.

Hope the photos help.

2 of the photos were after she died, and sunroof is unharmed, other than the shade handle flew off somewhere

[Gussie2000]

Yes, it was the glass sunroof, and did have a slide shade, just like an other stock sunroof in any other vehicle I have been in, not a moonroof, but a sunroof.

Hope the photos help.

2 of the photos were after she died, and sunroof is unharmed, other than the shade handle flew off somewhere

Wow thank you lisa,after looking at the pics you got me convinced that's the way to go wooooohoooooooo :p.

[Riff Raff]

GUSSIE 2000--- Before you take your money out of your wallet, take a quick peek at VX member "JohnnyApollo" VX on this month's "Rig Of The Month" thread nominations. He's got some great photo's of his Moonroof as well to help solidify your final decision.

Whichever route you decide to go, you'll enjoy the "open air"!!!:bgwb:

[Gussie2000]

GUSSIE 2000--- Before you take your money out of your wallet, take a quick peek at VX member "JohnnyApollo" VX on this month's "Rig Of The Month" thread nominations. He's got some great photo's of his Moonroof as well to help solidify your final decision.

Whichever route you decide to go, you'll enjoy the "open air"!!!:bgwb:

Riff thanks for your advice on the sun roof,i got to add that on the tristate & PA meet i saw badguy's sunroof & certainly doesn't look OEM that much & know i certainly understand why isuzu didn't add any on the VX.the headliner looks very weird though.
However having a sunroof is a + anyways.

[Riff Raff]

GUSSIE 2000--- No problem, guy. Glad I could help somewhat in your decision process.

The exterior/spoiler version roof panel of VX-CRAZY is actually a solid panel "Sunroof" (not a Moonroof). There is a disappointing factor about the exterior/spoiler version: When fully retracted OPEN, the roof panel does not totally clear the cut-out space and there'll be a substantial front partial lip of the roof panel that still hangs over into the rear of the opening. Thus, it never really fully opens per the available cut-out (very irritating).

The Webasto brand interior headliner version is a see-thru tinted glass retractable "Moonroof". Unlike the exterior/spoiler version, the Interior Headliner Moonroof version when open will fully retract within its inner sleeve housing totally exposing the entire roof cut-out to open-air (very nice).

Having said that, I guess it all boils down to which type of roof panel you prefer-- a Sunroof or a Moonroof. My personal preference is a see-thru tinted glass retractable "Moonroof". I really like having the visual openess of a Moonroof, the increased ambient light, and watching the rain pitter-patter on stormy days (but that's just me). The Webasto Moonroof also tilts-up in the rear as an air-vent in addition to fully open-air retraction.:yes: