Sunroofs - What's Your Experience?

[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. 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!!!

[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. 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!!!

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

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

[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???

[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 .

[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"!!!

[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"!!!

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.