Front Sunroof possibilities
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After speaking with a sunroof specialist it seems that the rear of the car was outfitted with the sunroof because the front of the car has too many cross beams to reinforce the frame that was reduced in strength by adding suicide doors and removing the B pillars from the side of the car. Hope that helps.
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All painted Elements with front and rear sunroofs. Never say Never!
http://www.criana.com/crv/nemc/gallery/album11?&page=1
http://www.criana.com/crv/nemc/gallery/album11?&page=1
There is an aftermarket customizer who offers a powered front sunroof for the Element. This is Ultra Trim, based in Gardena CA (I'm not affiliated with 'em; I just know of them). Their sunroofs are from the Hollandia series made by a company named Webasto. The Ultra Trim website is at: http://www.ultratriminc.com.
NOTE: I don't claim to know the official / final story, but multiple people on multiple E forums have stated Honda deliberately avoided a front sunroof on the grounds of structural engineering concerns. One common version has it that eliminating the B pillar left the forward roof / upper area short of bracing; another version has it that upper bracing in lieu of the B pillar makes for too much structure to install around. Again -- I don't claim to know the details. In any case, if any of this is true, it would probably be wise to do some research before leaping into an expensive add-on.
NOTE: I don't claim to know the official / final story, but multiple people on multiple E forums have stated Honda deliberately avoided a front sunroof on the grounds of structural engineering concerns. One common version has it that eliminating the B pillar left the forward roof / upper area short of bracing; another version has it that upper bracing in lieu of the B pillar makes for too much structure to install around. Again -- I don't claim to know the details. In any case, if any of this is true, it would probably be wise to do some research before leaping into an expensive add-on.
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There are NO cross-members in the front roof structure that could possibly interfere with a sunroof installation of nearly any kind. Follow the threads in the galleries forums and check out the "x-ray" illustrations of the Element's internal construction. I can understand Honda's (or someone else's) concerns about compromising the vehicle's structural integrity, but there is no physical object prohibiting someone from installing a front sunroof! The ribs in the front roof surface itself present a bigger nightmare for an installer than any perceived degradation of "structural integrity". Each person has to make his/her own choice. For that matter, why expose oneself to additional harmful UV rays, right? I have really enjoyed the sunroof in my four cars that have had one (five, if you count my mother's 1961 soft-top Beetle). Three were "factory" and one was aftermarket but they were all great. No leaks, no rust, no problems, ever. (OK, so I have had a small spot of skin cancer on my forehead, but it wasn't malignant, and I had it removed.) Down the road, I will be sorely tempted to have a front sunroof installed on my Element. My only real concern is that it will be spendy!
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By the way, the aftermarket sunroof in my 1995 Dodge Neon is a Hollandia. Best-built damn piece of automotive hardware I've ever bought in my life. I've operated it 365 days a year in Minnesota (summer AND winter) and never had a problem other than being senile, and leaving it open during three rain storms in seven years. Oh well, the insides need washing every once in awhile, too.
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3,445 Posts
There are NO cross-members in the front roof structure that could possibly interfere with a sunroof installation of nearly any kind. Follow the threads in the galleries forums and check out the "x-ray" illustrations of the Element's internal construction. I can understand Honda's (or someone else's) concerns about compromising the vehicle's structural integrity, but there is no physical object prohibiting someone from installing a front sunroof! The ribs in the front roof surface itself present a bigger nightmare for an installer than any perceived degradation of "structural integrity". Each person has to make his/her own choice. For that matter, why expose oneself to additional harmful UV rays, right? I have really enjoyed the sunroof in my four cars that have had one (five, if you count my mother's 1961 soft-top Beetle). Three were "factory" and one was aftermarket but they were all great. No leaks, no rust, no problems, ever. (OK, so I have had a small spot of skin cancer on my forehead, but it wasn't malignant, and I had it removed.) Down the road, I will be sorely tempted to have a front sunroof installed on my Element. My only real concern is that it will be spendy!
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[quote:ca34590e3f="hownowcb"]There are NO cross-members in the front roof structure that could possibly interfere with a sunroof installation of nearly any kind.
The ribs in the front roof surface itself present a bigger nightmare for an installer than any perceived degradation of "structural integrity". Each person has to make his/her own choice. [/quote:ca34590e3f]
I bet those ribs are structural! They give rigidity to the roof. Channels and ribs are how the underside of unibody cars get their rigidity so they don't need a frame. I would love a front sunroof, can't come up with the $$$ though and still a little worried about structural integrity.
The ribs in the front roof surface itself present a bigger nightmare for an installer than any perceived degradation of "structural integrity". Each person has to make his/her own choice. [/quote:ca34590e3f]
I bet those ribs are structural! They give rigidity to the roof. Channels and ribs are how the underside of unibody cars get their rigidity so they don't need a frame. I would love a front sunroof, can't come up with the $$$ though and still a little worried about structural integrity.
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I bought by orange EX about 2 weeks ago and the dealer had already installed a front sun foof. It is from American Sunroofs model 925/840/750VSS electric sliding sunroof. While it is great and I like it I miss the overhead storage compartment that was on the original before sunroof car. Mike in Arizona
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Just discovered this website.....I actually bought the exact vehicle shown here....
http://www.criana.com/crv/nemc/gallery/album11?&page=1
I could not imagine this car w/o a front sunroof it makes all the difference in the world
Both sunroofs are powered and the front actually closes automatically when the car is shut off
D.W.
http://www.criana.com/crv/nemc/gallery/album11?&page=1
I could not imagine this car w/o a front sunroof it makes all the difference in the world
Both sunroofs are powered and the front actually closes automatically when the car is shut off
D.W.
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I will call the dealership and ask them for some info......when I get it I will post it here[/b]
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wonder if a competent bodyshop just couldnt install a rear sunroof in the front? then theyd both be E pieces.
would be nice to have like bits.
best,
D.
would be nice to have like bits.
best,
D.
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