1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Sunroof differences question (79/80 vs later)

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Old Mar 14, 2012 | 12:31 PM
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Sunroof differences question (79/80 vs later)

I picked up a glass sunroof for my GS recently, and little did I know, the mounting tabs and brackets are completely different.

Does anyone know if the earlier 7's sunroof hardware can swap over or is it something where its better off looking for a later model sunroof?

Stinks as this has EVERYTHING with it. All hardware, bag, wind visor in MINT shape.

Thanks,
Chris
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Old Mar 14, 2012 | 01:06 PM
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The split is actually between 1979 and 1980 MYs; the 80 sunroof fitment is same as the FB's.
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Old Mar 15, 2012 | 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
The split is actually between 1979 and 1980 MYs; the 80 sunroof fitment is same as the FB's.
The size of the 79 roof is the same as the 80. The difference between the two lies in the front catches and rear latch mechanism. The front mounting locations on the roof are exacly the same but the rear mounting location differs slightly with the 80 being a couple inches wider.

Interesting tidbit, When Mazda made the changes in 1980, Pacific T-tops, had to adjust fire, by sourceing glass pannels with the wider rear hole spacing. (remember Mazda did not yet offer a factory glass roof) When their supply of the 79 roof pannels ran out, they just fabricated a little adaptor plate so that the narrower 79 flip latch would bolt up, using the wider, 80 stlye rotary latch hole spacing. With this, they could buy and stock 1 style of glass pannel (w/the 80 rear hole spacing) and sell it to both 79 & 80 customers, the attaching hardware being the only differences.

Today you can tell if your moon roof is a true 79 by the narrower hole spacing for the rear latch. I have some of each. I have a couple roofs, with the wider, 80 hole spacing (4 1/2 I think) that have the adaptor plate, mounting up a 79 latch.

Chris, the roof you have is for a 79 then? Narrower (3 inch?) spacing? Unfortunetly, these are 1-way innerchangeable. You can make an 80 fit the 79, but not the other way around. If you need a 80 glass roof, PM me. Maybe we could make a swap.
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