Does the sunroof version have any more bracing than the non sunroof? Or is the additional weight just from the glass itself?

 

The sunroof adds alittle weight, takes away alittle rigidity, usually doesnt work right without some help, and reduces head room. Im so glad I dont have one

glass??? must be one of those dealer job moonroofs then?

 

There is less bracing in a sun roof equipped car. Apparently the sides of the cut out roof support what is normally braced on a non sunroof equipped vehicle.

 

So it's possible to chop the sunroof top and weld on a non sunroof one? I know, I'm well aware of the chances of having it warp and flex when welding it on.

 

Sure if you wanted to go through the trouble.

You would need the support brace from a non sunroof model as well.

 

Like the whole top? Be sure to brace it up some before you start cutting. But really why go through the trouble?

 

I see. But the bracing from the roof down is the same on both cars right?

 

I happen to like my sunroof. It does need a bit of help, but sure feels neat. Reminds me of driving my Jeep with the top down.

 

I heard there was a bigger difference because all the wieght is on the top of the car. Something like affecting the center of balance.

 

Bracing from the A and B pillars down is the same on all S4 coupes, but different than S5 coupes.

 

Thank you Icemark, you rock! And thanks to everyone else for the additional info. You guys rock!

 

Why go through the trouble? Because I can get a relativly good deal on a sunroof car but am looking for a non sunroof one. Unfortunatly no non sunroof cars, within my budget are avaliable in my area.

 

Why not just weld the sunroof closed, and then put in the additional bracing? there's some pics of it on here, if you do a search.. that would be A LOT easier than doing the whole roof... The bracing wasn't anything fancy, just a shallow U-Channel that ran down the middle, if i remember correctly. .you could fab that up, and do a little external body work to make your roof look good again, in probably a weekend..

You're in for a major (and worthless IMHO) project to swap the top..

 

Cage the car and all this would be moot.


-Ted

 

yah caging the car and welding a panel in sounds alot easier to me...

 

I like that idea too. I think I'll sleep on it.

 

I converted my car to a non-sunroof car to gain about an inch of headroom. There is a thread I started a while back after I did this. I did not add the extra bracing but I have a rollbar. I think it would be easier to flatten the sunroof panel and weld it shut rather than the whole roof.

 

If it doesn't lose much bracing why not just try and reduce the weight some, pitch the motor and whatever useless stuff up there, and let it be. maybe even attach a carbon fiber panel. My friend, dan, pitched his sunroof motor in his 91.