My local Webasco franchisee quoted me $900 for a front power sunroof with manual sliding interior cover. He will relocate the map light. He offers a 3 year warranty against leaks. I loved my prelude with a sunroof, I dearly miss the topless nature of my S2000.

I have not pulled the trigger. I loved to hear everyone's opinion regarding the following concerns:
1. possibilities of longer term problems with leaks
2. torsional stuctural integrity. Specifically, does Honda approve this aftermarket add on?
3. price, is it reasonable?

thanks in advance

did the salesman say anything about cutting structural members? Is that not a problem? Sounds good though if it doesn't destroy the rigidity.

I am one of those who thinks that the rear sunroof is a shame, especially as you must have the 4WD to get it. At the same time, I am a little suspect of putting in a front sunroof with the way in which the b-pillar has been placed in the doors.

Being an aircraft structures person, I'm genuinely concerned about adding a front power sunroof. The company that is providing the sunroof is guaranteeing it against leaks for 3 years. What about cracks? If the roof sheetmetal is a stressed skin, then you're setting yourself up for some nasty structural problems i.e. stress risers and cracks. Also, are they cutting the internal reinforcing structure. If they are, it could adversely affect the way the chassis deforms in an accident and impact chassis life. Bottom line - if Honda's engineers resisted putting on a front sunroof, theres's probably a very good reason besides cost.

Funny how we take things for granted. My wife had one on eher Malibu and when she noticed that the Ex stick didn't even have the rear pop out roof she was almost in tears but we had already made up our mind on the vehicle...( we researched all but the obvious)...anyway IMO $900 for a pop up sounds a bit steep.....I can only imagen the cost for a motorized roof.... :shock: right thru the roof??...... :D ...and is a shame since Honda makes both motorized types, the ones that open over the roof (RSX) and the ones that dissappear inside the roof ( Civics)... :cry:

HEK:
The roof is POWERED, and to make it clearer, this means that the sunroof pops up and out of the roof line and is motorized to slide back. The interior upholstery cover which blocks the sun is manual.

I am trying to get more info on the structure integrity issue.

I see from other threads that dealers in California are installing front sunroofs. At least that is what was said. Perhaps some research there is in order. I too desire a front SR, but my dealer to be - Schomp in Denver - won't install one.
Peter

HEK:
The roof is POWERED, and to make it clearer, this means that the sunroof pops up and out of the roof line and is motorized to slide back. The interior upholstery cover which blocks the sun is manual.

I am trying to get more info on the structure integrity issue.

Onejamesy:
Sorry for the misunderstanding.....I say go with it...as long as the structure of the vehicle is not compromised....but you sure would be the envy of me and my wife.....grrr :x

HEK:
The roof is POWERED, and to make it clearer, this means that the sunroof pops up and out of the roof line and is motorized to slide back. The interior upholstery cover which blocks the sun is manual.

I am trying to get more info on the structure integrity issue.

I assume you are talking about an aftermarket roof. Anybody know if power can be added to the existing roof?

My existing roof has voice activated opening and closing.

I just say, "Sweetheart, could you [open/close] the roof?" and my daughter does it.

My existing roof has voice activated opening and closing.

I just say, "Sweetheart, could you [open/close] the roof?" and my daughter does it.

Yes, that's an awesome option.
The PROBLEM is the increasing high maintenance cost every year, and terminal cost of up to $100k large when the option reaches 18 years in age.

My existing roof has voice activated opening and closing.

I just say, "Sweetheart, could you [open/close] the roof?" and my daughter does it.

Yes, that's an awesome option.
The PROBLEM is the increasing high maintenance cost every year, and terminal cost of up to $100k large when the option reaches 18 years in age.

you guys crack me up.....I almost didn't get it.....duh!..... :roll:

I bought a vehicle with an after market sunroof once, and it leaked buckets. I would not recommend having one installed to anyone unless the warranty was for the life of the vehicle.

HEK:
The roof is POWERED, and to make it clearer, this means that the sunroof pops up and out of the roof line and is motorized to slide back. The interior upholstery cover which blocks the sun is manual.

I am trying to get more info on the structure integrity issue.

Would this affect the roof rack in any way when it is open?

i'm not sure about the front sunroof. I just purchased my Element a couple of days ago and the dealer said they would not install a front sunroof, so I would be concerned about going to someone on the outside who might just want to make a few bucks. Plus, only a 3-year warranty is shady. You're probably going to be driving your car for more than 3 years - no? I wouldn't want to deal with it if there were problems.

Also - has anyone installed a back sunroof that comes with 4WD? I have a 2WD, so mine doesn't have one, but I was wondering how much it costs and if anyone else has had experience.

You're probably going to be driving your car for more than 3 years - no?

Good question....you managed to dig up a thread even older than the warranty! :wink:

Thank you for using the search. :)

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Actually a 3 year warranty on something like that is VERY good. That means he is willing to GUARANTEE to the tune of his labor and parts cost that it won't leak for 3 years. Your whole CAR is only warrantied for that long and it's MUCH more complex!

Check out the member 9Shelby for a look at a BIG sunroof. He has a power ragtop on the entire top of the Element. For just a small front sunroof you wouldn't be cutting too much structural stuff to make a huge difference. Also look at where the thickest supports are - A pillar, behind the rear doors, across the top of the windshield, and around the top. The structural rigidity of the frame is more kept in place by this than by the roof members. And anyone who's going to be cutting out structural stuff will be shoring up around it.

I wish I had the $$ and store near enough to do one. But I DID get to ride in 9shelby's E and stand out the roof (and play Guitar Hero out the sunroof too) so I got to live vicariously through him :D

............
49263

Indianapolis Auto Spa quoted me a price of $1200 and that was 2006. It was going to have a warranty of "As long as I owned the car" and that could be transverable at a cost. I thought it was a good deal. I love having the sun and air coming in over me.

The roof would have been powered with an all open, all close and it had some stop points in between. For extra money you could have a remote control and a rain sensor for about $100.00. The inside cover was manual and they used the existing material of your headliner for that piece, the map lights would have been relocated and I think the only thing you lost was the overhead storage compart, which now is no big deal with the SC console I have. IAS said they've done about 3 Elements but I've yet to see any of them on the road and I suppose I could get their info for reference.

I've seen the frame of the Element before and I do believe the the yellow areas in the pic I've posted has a box type construction where the safety box for the passenger compartment is former along the upper and outer beams, floor beams,and side-impact door beams help provide structural protection in a side impact. The area above the passengers is basically open and unobstructed leading to the possibility to put in a roof.

I say go for it. Its definitely on my to do list. Tires, wheels and a roof and I'd be in Elemental Heaven!

AWESOME pic Chozn, I'll have to save that one!!

When a front sunroof is installed and the installer has some knowledge or is willing to explore they can do this without cutting any structural support. There is a support roof beam that runs between the B-pillars. Webasco tells their installers to move this support beam back enough to clear the sunroof opening. Will this weaken the roof and side impact protection? Of course it will. How could it not? The energy wouldn't be transferred from one side, into the roof beam then down into the other side so this will have a side effect.

The B-pillar design is the reason why the Element doesn't have a sunroof from Honda. Will there be one in a future redesign? Who knows.

OHGosh!! This thread is older than me! :shock:

At any rate here's some cool pics....personally I don't think I would put anything but a webasto in my E, based on the research and info on here.

I'd REALLY like that little front one :D Wonder if I can get one around here...

............
49263

hahahaha loving the zombie..... ITS A-LIVE!

I just wrote to the dealer closest to me to see if they still offer this installation. I'll let you know what they say. I would LOVE to have a sunroof in my E, but I already have a drop down DVD player. I'm not sure how that would work out.

When we did the last Honda Plant tour, and had a chance to talk to the design engineers, I asked why the skylight was in the rear, and could one be put in the front....
The answer from the engineer, who was responsible for the skylight, and roof structure was that they put it in the back, because it was different, and so you could recline the rear seats, and look out the skylight. He said that there is absolutely nothing stopping you from putting a skylight in the front - the supports for the roof and B pillar leave room to do this...but - the ceiling mounted storage compartment may be in the way....

I know I've seen a more exposed pic of the roof and I didn't see anything preventing it. The lasted pic I've posted shows support on the sides along the roof line. The additional support coming in when the doors are closed. Indianapolis Auto Spa removes the overhead storage if I remember correctly and the relocate the map lights.

I pulled the trigger and got it done. I've had no leak issues and I love the look and job they did. The roof carries a lifetime warranty from Wabesto as long as I own the car. It looks factory and my dealership saw it and asked me where I had it done and when I told them, they said that's where they all their Chevy's and Honda's to have roofs installed and trim work. I took mine and another EOC member to have this done at the same time. I won't call that members name as he's waiting until Ohio for his reveal. I haven't revealed mine on the forum either but I have sent emails to some of my bud's to see the work. Also my Honda dealer wants to have my E on show so people can see what can be done with the Element. Also when they pulled the headliner out, there was no crossmember where the roof would be but they did place a 3/4" "L" bracket from the frame of the roof to the outside structural frame that runs the length of the car on the upper roof which would be show in yellow in a previous pic I posted from Honda.
I've had no creaks, pops or squeaks. It's solid and I'm enjoying it. Also because the other members install with some sound dampening material caused mine to be delayed on installation, they gave me free heated seats. Real nice addition and butt cheeks are real happy and toasty for it.

That sounds like a deal.

Since my install, I've had several Element owners do a double take as we passed each other and I had my roof open. The weather has been pretty nice the past week and I've had a couple of occasions to get the Precious out and roll around. I parked next to a TM and the owner couldn't get over how mine was looking. He did a double take, walked around mine, looked in it, went back inside the coffee shop in which he is the owner, came back out and stood in front of mine just gazing! After about five minutes of inspection he finally got into his TM, backed out and stayed behind mine just looking and then finally pulled away slowly. I've noticed the stares I'm getting even more since the install. It's all good!

Peace!

My existing roof has voice activated opening and closing.

I just say, "Sweetheart, could you [open/close] the roof?" and my daughter does it.

:-P:-P:-P:-P

Chosn, what was your outhedoor cost? And where do you live?
B

Chosn, what was your outhedoor cost? And where do you live?
B

Out the door cost was $1200.00. They also gave me free heated front seats because the other member who had his done at the same time as I (I set up a dual install) and his ran over due to the extra stuff he wanted them to do, they didn't meet my promised date of finishing. Over all I'm very happy! No, let me correct that, I'm extremely happy with my roof! There is nothing like it. I've always enjoyed my Element but now, its a whole new ball game. My '86 Monte Carlo had T Tops, we've had one Accord, Prelude, Two Lexus cars and even our current Civic EX has a roof in it. Now, The Precious does too. I recommend Indy Auto Spa for anything and everything. They do the install for our local Honda and just about every other dealership here in Indianapolis,IN for sunroofs, trim kits, tires and wheels, you name it, they do it.

Also I haven't really posted any pics of my install and the other member hasn't either. We're pretty much waiting for Ohio to show them off.

I'll never get rid of my Element or my wife and others on the board of grown to called it "The Precious"

Also I haven't really posted any pics of my install and the other member hasn't either. We're pretty much waiting for Ohio to show them off.



I'm wanting to see this ! - come on Choz, show us the Final Product - some of us aren't gonna be in Columbus

I'm wanting to see this ! - come on Choz, show us the Final Product - some of us aren't gonna be in Columbus

Check your email. Might look in your spam folder as well.

Wish I could be there to see it. Take lotsa pics in Ohio of Your Precious and the activities. Gives me something to look forward to through June.

Wishin' I could be there.
And hoping the lottery let's me go.:D

Check your email. Might look in your spam folder as well.

I like Spam !
Thanks Joe

I'm wanting to see this ! - come on Choz, show us the Final Product - some of us aren't gonna be in Columbus

I wanna see too!!!!

I wanna see too!!!!


Still no photos? Come on!!

Chozen's ride came out absolutely PERFECT!!!

Chief

Yep that sunroof looks just like stock as I've seen it in person :D

Here's (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48058) another sunroof too!

Dance, is yours webasto, and how much did it run installed? How long of a warranty?

webasto
$1500
3yrs I believe

I've added "front sunroof" to the list of things to get when I win the lottery. There's an installer just down the street ...

I love the way that Chozen's and Dance's came out. I'm seriously thinking about it, if I do it, it will probably be over the Winter months when I'll be doing some other things to Darth Raider. Webasto's West Coast plant is about ten minutes, or so, from my house. So we'll see?!! :D

Chief

Does anyone remember if Chozn's had the thing on the inside where you could cover the glass? Usually it's a solid thing made out of material that matches the headliner. I've heard of some limo-tinting their moonroofs but I like the additional choice.

Yes, he has a panel that you can pull forward to block out the sunlight.