Leonel95

Ive slowly started mentioning in some threads that i am soon going to try and make a glass sunroof for the fc3s. I got so fed up on how hard it is to even come by one. Let alone the price that they go for. For me to even try this i really need your help. I do promise that this will not be one of those mention and forget it projects. First off i don't even own a glass roof. That right there is an issue for me.

For the guys who have the Pacific Glass Roof hook me up with some measurements..
Length ,Width and the thickness of the glass. If you do want to get technical maybe find the overall radius on both front and sides of the glass.

On the Pacific Moon roof take the seal off on one of the sides. And check the space between the glass and the roof sealing surface. This way i can do some research and find a seal for the glass. And maybe try and go for a flush seal.

Once again i hope this catches the interest of members. Understand though that this is a project that i am undertaking on my own. There is no company involved , i work a regular job and its something that will take time .I simply like to tinker with stuff and thought it be cool giving this a shot.

Thanks!

......Ron......

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

I deal with curved glass fabricators, now granted they are a little larger then a moon roof and have more of a curve, but for a single piece of custom curved glass I pay $4000+

**** aint cheap

Leonel95

Hows it going man.. Bud when u get the chance get on AIM some time so we can talk about this stuff.

Bamato

iTrader: (6)

Keep in mind too that it needs to be glass safe to use for automotive purposes as well.

Leonel95

Yes depending on the cost. Tempered or perhaps safety laminated glass.
Thinking 1/4 inch thickness

Keep bringing the suggestions and opinions.

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

i dont have aim

Leonel95

Heres the beginning of the concept. This has been created with a cad type program.

I simply took a picture and traced it. This though is the Metal roof. I figured it will be easier this way to see the gap between the glass and metal part of the roof . It will be smaller than the ones made previously. This should make for a more seamless and flush seal

RXSpeed16

iTrader: (41)

My biggest problem with my glass sunroof is that the gap at the corners gets larger and that's where the leaks happen. I am pretty sure this has to do with the fact that the glass needs to be smaller than the opening in order to be adjusted to the car for final fit. Simply because of the variance between body panels, it is an extremely difficult problem to fix. A thicker, more flexible seal will help, but may also cause binding when trying to open the roof. Will get you some measurement soon.

NJGreenBudd

iTrader: (1)

Sounds more like you want other people to do the research. Goodluck.

Leonel95

Notice that i mentioned i dont have a glass roof. And like i said i need other members feedback to get things going . But yeah thanks for the good luck .. I am already doing research as it is. Care to help?

NJGreenBudd

iTrader: (1)

I have nothing to contribute other than my hope for your success. My sunroof is crappy and I wanted to replace with carbon fiber but we have heard those stories of poor fitment... I think a tinted glass option would be great and I would love to buy one when you put them up for sale.

I just thought it was funny how it was worded...

Osirus9

iTrader: (10)

I would buy one too if it was tinted glass. I always hated my sunroof, and its all rusted now so it looks like crap on top of it not opening properly.

anyway, if there are issues with fitment, why not make one out of a clear sheet of plexiglass to test fitment with mounting brackets, seals etc and THEN make it out of glass.

you could do the fitment modifications yourself with a dremel this way, and you wouldnt have to rely on internet measurements

Leonel95

So far on the metal panel on a 91 fc..
Here are the measurements with a cloth measuring tape. If you guys can send me your own measurements either glass or metal... To see varying differences from when they were cast.

RXSpeed16 you made a great point. so as far as the size of the glass you are right about the corners. Perhaps lowering both vertical and horizontal about half a centimeter .. and get a much better weatherstrip. Ive seen some double seal types on the net..


Thanks!!
----Ron----

Leonel95

Thanks for the reply RXSpeed16 . Got ya so 1/4 inch it is. So as far as the tint color on it...? What do you guys prefer color wise?

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

i've actually been thinking about making something along these lines.. but about the only way you are going to get anywhere with it is with a hardened plexiglass for automotive uses that is scratch resistant.

a simple mold wouldn't be too difficult to make, i already have a fiberglass sunroof i can use as a skin to heat and form the moonroofs on.


biggest issue is that you can't simply use a flat piece of glass.

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

no a bigger issue with a plexi roof is that you still need a skeleton to support it.

I had one on my coupe and the skeleton was fiberglass, dont know who made it originally.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

depends on the plexiglass, the thickness and the peak temps it will see.

Leonel95

Previously RXSpeed16 mentioned a problem with the leaky corners. Its something important to consider. Keep the weatherstrip seal on the glass. Or manage to attach it to the the car.

See i aint sure of how well 3m double side tape would work. And use a thin metal rail around the sunroof hole and attempt to install a weather strip and will seal the window. This in turn gets rid of that possible binding issue.
I attached a picture of a weather strip that gives a general idea... now; attaching something like that without having to drill is the challenge.

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

if you look at some of the pictures of glass roofs, and there was one in that other thread, you will see the adhesive that holds the seal oozing out, that is what you require, not tape. Most likely weatherstripping adhesive.




great amount of heat, even up here in New York my roof was buckled from the heat, I can only imagine what would have happened with no skeleton supporting it especially in a hot climate.
It also is under a good amount of pressure, it wants to lift off the car, I used to drive with my roof tilted to relieve it from the pressure.

Leonel95

How it going guys. Just sent a little cnc job to be done.
It will be the template for the glass sunroof.. Flat. with the exact dimensions of the Glass roof. 6.6mm thick.....i understand "oh thats expensive'.. In this case i wont cut corners. If i want to do it right .. IT shall be done .. I might end up paying a bit of some cash on developing it. But nevertheless stuff like this ain't cheap.
I forked 150 bucks to get that template. But its something i can keep for myself in case i need to change things... perhaps sanding a little bit here and there until a proper fit is done. Then from there is were the glass shall be made. I also have a metal sunroof coming in soon.. That i will provide the glass guys so that they can get a general idea of the curves.

Leonel95

My intention is also to not have holes drilled into the roof. Recently spotted some special UV glues with about 2 tons of holding force.
That combined with some radius on 2 pieces of Nylon block / 6 studs for mounting should do the trick.

If you guys can post up some Pictures of the colors that would look good as far as glass color.

Time,Patience and Perseverance.

..Ron..

tuscanidream

iTrader: (6)

Cool. Oem FC moonwoofs rot.

nofords

iTrader: (9)

The option that I am currently in the process of is grafting a GM roof panel and moonroof onto the top of my car.

In the end, it should be as close to a targa as any car could be without actually cutting the roof off.

Oh, and yes, it's a factory 15% tinted glass, pop-up and slide back.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

you could also use the original steel frame as a retainer for the glass to hold the seals. just cut out the center section, but getting curved glass is the tough part.

i'm not totally sure why it's such a huge deal though, just like any glass it just needs to be heated and laid on a pre set surface. cutting class is actually more time consuming than bending it. most cost is in the safety glass portion of it.

Leonel95

[QUOTE=Karack;10838619]you could also use the original steel frame as a retainer for the glass to hold the seals. just cut out the center section, but getting curved glass is the tough part.

I will definitely keep that in mind. I do however; want to keep as far as possible from drilling holes.

Currently waiting for the CNC'd template.

...RON...