More/Updated Info on Moonroofs
10-17-07, 08:01 AM
#1
More/Updated Info on Moonroofs
I just received a moonroof yesterday via UPS. Shipping was extraordinarily well packaged. See my review in "Good Feedback" for Eriksseven.
To the point though, the moonroof I received from Erik is definitely a glass roof. It fits on the sliders to exactly replace the metal sunroof. In researching these options I did find a link here to the Mazda "Finishline" accessory brochure from the S4 years.
In that brochure, mention is made of the optional moonroof produced by Saratoga Tops, someplace in NY. They apparently made two types, one glass, one plastic (I'll call it plastic but its probably some version of Lexan). I have both here now. As the brochure describes, they both have a bronze tint, are distinctly similar and have identical attachment points to fit on the sunroof slider. That attachment point (carriage) if you will, is unique as it has to contain the 6 studs that you will push through the sunroof slide mechanism and fit the nuts on. Further, those nuts are then covered by plastic pieces on each side which are screwed into the carriage on the moonroof.
In comparison, the glass roof is distinctly heavier but overall is not bad. About like the metal sunroof. The glass moonroof has a mark in the glass indicating that it is tempered and bronzed along with some other information, like a windshield glass. It also has a small metal serial number tag attached, none of which the plastic moonroof shares. Otherwise they are nearly identical visually. Both have black anodized, metal surrounds.
Neither moonroof have thru bolts, meaning they are not made by the other manufacturer bantered about, Pacific Auto(?) glass. Further, Saratoga is the one that issued a patent on its process of manufacture as I found out in my research; this is why the Pacific unit looks different. I did a search for both companies but did not turn anything up.
That's about it. I don't think the stories of heat in the cockpit from the "Finishline"/Saratoga tops will hold water as I've had other moonroofs and never had this problem. Maybe those experiences were made with other manufacturers tops. The tint is quite substantial and dark. Other moonroofs have come and gone, but I think these units set the factory standard for excellence in production and use. Nice finishing touch.
Ralf
To the point though, the moonroof I received from Erik is definitely a glass roof. It fits on the sliders to exactly replace the metal sunroof. In researching these options I did find a link here to the Mazda "Finishline" accessory brochure from the S4 years.
In that brochure, mention is made of the optional moonroof produced by Saratoga Tops, someplace in NY. They apparently made two types, one glass, one plastic (I'll call it plastic but its probably some version of Lexan). I have both here now. As the brochure describes, they both have a bronze tint, are distinctly similar and have identical attachment points to fit on the sunroof slider. That attachment point (carriage) if you will, is unique as it has to contain the 6 studs that you will push through the sunroof slide mechanism and fit the nuts on. Further, those nuts are then covered by plastic pieces on each side which are screwed into the carriage on the moonroof.
In comparison, the glass roof is distinctly heavier but overall is not bad. About like the metal sunroof. The glass moonroof has a mark in the glass indicating that it is tempered and bronzed along with some other information, like a windshield glass. It also has a small metal serial number tag attached, none of which the plastic moonroof shares. Otherwise they are nearly identical visually. Both have black anodized, metal surrounds.
Neither moonroof have thru bolts, meaning they are not made by the other manufacturer bantered about, Pacific Auto(?) glass. Further, Saratoga is the one that issued a patent on its process of manufacture as I found out in my research; this is why the Pacific unit looks different. I did a search for both companies but did not turn anything up.
That's about it. I don't think the stories of heat in the cockpit from the "Finishline"/Saratoga tops will hold water as I've had other moonroofs and never had this problem. Maybe those experiences were made with other manufacturers tops. The tint is quite substantial and dark. Other moonroofs have come and gone, but I think these units set the factory standard for excellence in production and use. Nice finishing touch.
Ralf
10-17-07, 07:44 PM
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So, can you still buy one? And how much is the price? I am thinking it's going to be uber expensive. I realy like the glass hatch, and was just thinking to post some questions about it. Thank you for the info on that, seems like saratoga is the company to go with for this! 
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