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Sunroof mod... could work real well

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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:30 PM
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Sunroof mod... could work real well

OK, since i've had my car. 2 years now, the sunroof has never worked. when i first had the car i would hear the motor turn and try to strain.. so i took the headliner off and checked things out. turns out the sunroof is rusted closed.. bummer. so i never worried about it.

ok now i started thinking. any of you guys ever ride in an 83' + porsche 944? well not only does the sunroof tilt, but it is also completly removable via latches... so here's my though. Remove my sunroof and deisign a latch system. If i want the roof to open undo the latches and put the roof in the back of the car. starts raining/weather gets bad. latch it back up. THis would allow me to remove the motor but still have a functional opening roof...

what do you guys think about this sunroof mod/half targa top coupe Rx-7...

any critiscm(sp?)/words of wisdom would be great.

-Markus
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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:34 PM
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Sounds like a good idea to me, i say go for it and post some pics.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:35 PM
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go for it and take pix and make a write-up. My roof opens good but needs help on the way back.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:41 PM
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It'd be pretty easy to make latches, especially if you removed the entire assembly and used latches to hold it in place, however it may not be as stable in an accident or anything, so be sure to check that out!
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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:43 PM
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My 86 Toyota MR2 does that, u flip a thingy to push it up an then if u want to remove it u just unlatch something an then put it in the front compartment.........up to u, it sounds like a good idea though since ur **** is already rusted and messed up. Good luck!
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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:44 PM
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The only thing i might see as a problem is holding it water tight and keeping it from making alot of noise.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 10:58 PM
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well, it's going to be sitting in the same roof hole. so it shouldnt leak
i'm just going to install 2 or 4 latches on the underside (interior)

I should be able to get some small useful latches from a hardware store... either weld or bolt them up nice and neat and latch it up.


I'll take pics if it works. even if it doesnt it's worth a try... a coupe rx-7 with a removable top... sounds like a pretty nice conversion.. well see in a few weeks how it works.

-markus
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Old May 11, 2003 | 11:43 PM
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I dont see the point... Why not just break the rust free and sand it all down and paint it, and clean the pulley system/tracks. I dont know about you, but id rather just hit a button than have to undo 4 latchs and put it in the hatch.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 11:46 PM
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I agree with dr0x. If you're gonna do all that, you might as well cut the top off and make it a real targa. Now THERE's a project.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 11:46 PM
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dr0x: it's lighter, less maintainance required, and you don't have the fugly looking roof spoiler look going on when it's open.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 11:55 PM
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Look at some 89-90 240 sx's. there roof latch system was great. you could prolly hook it up easily.
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Old May 12, 2003 | 01:19 AM
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yeah... my mr2 had that. it tilted up and game off. pretty easy desighn if u ask me. u could look at one of those too
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Old May 12, 2003 | 03:08 AM
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I know my 84 GSL had a latch system, you could just prop the thing open, or you cold take the whole sunroof out, maybe look into that.
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Old May 12, 2003 | 04:48 AM
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Originally posted by ViperKillerWannabe
I agree with dr0x. If you're gonna do all that, you might as well cut the top off and make it a real targa. Now THERE's a project.
And get ready so say hello to 'Mr. Chasis-Flex'

GREG
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Old May 12, 2003 | 06:35 AM
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I have always had the idea of cutting my roof off in the back of my head. I bet a shop could convert into a targa for a hefty sum.
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Old May 12, 2003 | 10:30 AM
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Use the sunroof latch of a 1990 240sx, they seem to work quite well and are detachable , im sure you could find one at a local wreckers too.
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