Moonroof Fit Issue
 

Interesting dilema...

I just bought a moonroof (glass) for my 84 GSLSE and put it on the car. It seemed to fit fine - except when I went to close it. It would not seal - probably a 1/2" gap was still there when I turned the knob. Being anxious, I, of course, kept turning even though the knob was saying to stop. As a result, the inside of the crank broke off (I took it apart to figure it out).

So...a couple of questions:

1) Any reason why the sunroof (metal) would seal nice and tight but the moonroof would not?

2) Any idea where I can get a new crank? Glue, epoxy and pray does not seem to want to hold this thing together.

Thanks.

What year was the moonroof off of?

If I am not mistaken the hand knob adjuster is adjustable. I think you have to take it apart and adjust some screw. I could be off my knocker, so someone please correct me if I am wrong.

-Error

SOunds strange. I've got a glass moon roof on my 79' and it doesn't use a crank to close. It just has two levers to clamp it down. I know the other first gens I've looked at seem to have different style of top...

:doh:

Well, I might have a crank you can have pretty cheap, and if not I can probably find one semi cheap. It looks like Im going out to a junk yard later today anyway, so Ill see what theyve got for ya.

As far as it not closing, that happened to me a few times for two different reasons. The first time it was because the mooroof wasnt actually latched in all the way. I had only latched the "safty" catch, and not fully onto the telescoping piece that moves it up and down. My moon roof is a really tight fit too (so I found out). At first I thought it was latched, then realized it wasnt, and then it wouldnt latch down, and I didnt wanna press any harder thinking I was just gonna break it. It finally snapped on with me pressing the release buttons though. To this day it still wont go on or come off without those buttons being pressed. The second time was because the tabs at the front of the moon roof werent fitting in the slots on the car right. I put the sun roof knob all the way down, and then fitted the roof without it attached to the raising thingy (:)) and figured out the problem. Two of the screws that hold those tabs to the glass had come loose and the tab had moved a little causing a binding. Anyway, hope that helps ya :).

~T.J.

thanks...i'll check to see if the tabs are seating properly.

And let me know if you do find the crank...that would be most helpful!

Yup, the Series 1 cars had a standard sort of clamp down system and smaller sunroofs. The Series 2/3 cars had the turn crank and bigger sunroofs:D

I got a replacement some time ago for my SE. I had broken the original one. It took me a while to realize, but while it cranks down fine, the front part of the moonroof (near the windshield) does NOT contact the rubber insulator on the roof. Looking and comparing it to the one on my other SE revealed the 'new' one I got is "bowed" a little more than it should be. I don't know if it was just poor quality made or it ultimately belonged to an earlier model, or what. It definitely hasn't deformed over time since the thing is some type of glass and isn't easily (if at all) flexible.

jeryj

Were all 3 of the safety catches fully engaged? There are 2 small ones and 1 large, 'backup' catch, all red, that have to snap shut for the roof to fit properly.

The S1 sunroof has a single front tab and swing-open mechanism. S2 and S3 roofs (both sun & moon type)have 2 front tabs and a spin knob to raise/lower a post to open/close the roof. The red catches, above, are the ones you release to remove the roof panel.

As always, D'arcy (Manntis) is right on:bigthumb:

When the crank breaks it's better to just replace it. one from a junkyard is best, because there's a screw, in a screw,in that screw. to glue it just doesn't cut it. some people remove that piece of 'molding' around the roofs
(metal & glass) my moonroof used to rattle untill i made a rear strut bar brace.

By the way, I couldnt find one in the junk yard they were all missing or broken. But I did find one :).

~T.J.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33695

I had lexan and glass Saratoga Tops on my early RX-7s. The first lexan top bowed upwards towards the front middle portion. the second lexan top fit perfectly, and was on the car when it was stolen in 1990. I bought a glass top from a guy selling a 1980 RX7 and it fit my 85 GSL-SE perfectly.

FWIW I have the original sunroof from my '85 GSL, Custom Silver Metallic (Charcoal Grey with a touch of Taupe - 85 color only, replaced Tornado Silver) in the Saratoga Box. The top has been in the box since November 16, 1984. A time warp. What's it worth?

yeah...saw it. Problem is that it is red. I think there was another auction that was for the blue steal roof and the seller indicated that he might have other parts too. Hopefully, he will have one in black.

Thanks