[onejamesy]

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

 

[hunterbase]

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

 

[isketerol]

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.

 

[lon777]

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.

 

[HEK]

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??...... ...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)...

 

[onejamesy]

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.

 

[PeterCrowl]

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]

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

 

[boneheadz]

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?

 

[Cloak]

My existing roof has voice activated opening and closing.

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

 

[onejamesy]

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.

 

[HEK]

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:

 

[kdianes]

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.

 

[What The!]

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?

 

[smfink]

I would be a little weary

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.

 

[ApriliaGuy]

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.

 

[Beer]

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

 

[Twilightzero]

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

 

[Rocket Dog]

............

 

[chozn4service]

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!