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Any interest in a lightweight fiberglass sunroof replacement?

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Old 05-16-12, 09:49 PM
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Any interest in a lightweight fiberglass sunroof replacement?

Per my note in my "component weights" thread here
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/lightweight-rx7-component-weights-966984/
I'm working to develop a lightweight fiberglass sunroof replacement. I've seen them before, but after searching for several months, I could find neither parts nor suppliers.

My stock FC sunroof, with motor, panel, brackets, fasteners, seal, etc was 27.8 lbs. That's in the middle of the car, but it's at the highest point which is a terrible place with respect to handling, roll center, center of gravity, etc.

This would basically be a "plug" - it would not be functional. Although my interior is stripped, I expect the replacement to fit up to the existing studs without interfering with the headliner in the event somebody wants to use it without stripping out the headliner.

I thought I would post this up here to see if anybody is interested in one. If so, I can work with my fiberglass guy to have a handful made. If there's some interest, I'll post up some photos when I have a sample.

Brad
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Old 06-14-12, 07:32 PM
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In the next few weeks, we will launch fiberglass and carbon fiber FC sunroof plugs. These will mount in the OEM location, but will not use the factory rails, motor, etc. That means they won't open/close, but they will save 30 lbs!

The attached photo shows the first rough glass part coming out of the new mold.
Attached Thumbnails Any interest in a lightweight fiberglass sunroof replacement?-2012-06-13_17-39-43_208_.jpg  
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Old 06-14-12, 07:54 PM
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I love the fact that it's a non-functioning item. I hate sunroofs. They break, and on the fc- they rot. Count me in as showing "interest", pending final product and price.
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Old 06-14-12, 07:57 PM
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Im showing interest pending price, and fitment.
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Old 06-14-12, 08:17 PM
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Isn't it weird how the FC in particular has a sunroof that is almost guaranteed to rust and rot?

Give us a few weeks to dial in the fitment/mold. I'll publish some pics of the finished product, along with a price.
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Old 06-14-12, 08:55 PM
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I'll buy one, hopefully at or less than $200.
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Old 06-14-12, 09:10 PM
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Yeah, in that ballpark.
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Old 06-15-12, 07:21 AM
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How will you seal it?
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Old 06-15-12, 07:32 PM
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We designed it to accept the OEM lip seal. I plan to add a bead of silicone sealant to make sure it's watertight. My car no longer has windows, but I know some of you don't want to get dripped on!
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Old 06-15-12, 08:52 PM
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You should really consider glassing in a pair of metal strips with holes/studs in them for easier mounting. Without something physically holding it into the car it can eject. Would be nice if the factory lower sunroof cover snapped into it, finding a non sunroof headliner to cover the ugly bottom of the roof is nearly impossible.
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Old 06-16-12, 07:12 AM
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It would not be safe unless it was actually bolted in. It will mount to the 4 studs in the factory location. Sorry I wasn't clear about that. The bottom of these panels, especially the carbon fiber ones, won't be ugly - so no worries there.
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Old 02-03-15, 10:00 PM
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We finished the mold for these, and they are now available.
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Old 02-03-15, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by bradg
We finished the mold for these, and they are now available.
That is Nice.
But there is one Snafu.
You need to apply for Vendor status to sell them.

Please Contact InternetBrands to set up an account.
The link is at the bottom of the homepage.
Thanks
STYX (MOD)

Sorry .,..Thread LOCKED.
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