Hi - anyone know how (and if it's possible) to remove the sunroof from a car that has no battery/power or even any wiring harnesses still fitted ?

I'm talking about my own parts car shell, the car is totally stripped but I kept the roof closed to keep out the weather ....now I'd like to get it off to keep as a spare ....possible?

Larry

 

Hey Larry,
I think there's a manual crank behind the top console where the switch would be. Should be able to move to from that.

 

Thanks Jerry, I'll take a look - makes sense, eh?

Larry

 

If you just want to remove the sliding panel, there should be a metal crank that fits the square hole in the gear housing, though it may have been clipped to the roof console or may have been missing altogether. The tip of a big flat screwdriver will usually do the job. You could also bring a battery and some alligator clip leads and "jump" the gear motor. I think I have an album on the gear motor in my photos at Jag-Lovers.

If you want to remove the entire sunroof mechanism--undertray, tracks and all--I believe they are just attached to the roof with screws, and you can pull the entire thing out through a door.

Please let us know how it goes and if you get a chance, share some pictures!

Cheers,

Don

 

Ok Don, I'll venture out to the car(cass) soon, equipped with a big screwdriver!

I'm looking at the sunroof panel on my good car - the leading edge has a small area that's starting to show rust bubbles. I'll treat it, but it'd be nice to have a spare on hand if I ever need a replacement.

I'll check out your album on Jaglovers - Thanks!

Larry

 

So I set off today with screwdriver(s) in hand and yes I found the crank hole in the motor assembly ...trouble was, try as I might, various screwdrivers, even a big ol craftsman with a square shaft with vise grips attached to the shaft, could not budge the long stuck sunroof. Roof still firmly closed.


The nylon crank socket on the motor that wouldn't move



Ok, well that's not happening so lets remove the motor and take a look at the back side ...


motor unbolted




Aha! the back side reveals a steel square-shaped "bolt head" and yes I have wrench to fit that for sure .....boy is it ever difficult to turn ...lets try my 12" adjustable wrench, plenty of leverage then, right?

Unfortunately a bit TOO much leverage, as instead of turning the worm gear inside something went "snap" and the gear (or at least something inside) now spun aimlessly.

Deciding my only option at this point was to disassemble the worm gear cage to see if I could manipulate the cables at all. So I took it apart, revealing the two well-greased cables.

I wasn't expecting much when I grabbed one and gave it a push, but to my surprise, the roof moved back ever-so-slightly. Grabbing the other cable and doing the same thing got a similar result.


Starting to open!


Using a padded pair of levers in the opening to get it started, I managed to open the roof, revealing the 5 Phillips-head screws on the face of the sunroof that secure the top outer panel. (the bit I wanted)


5 screws located at the leading edge of the sunroof secure the outer panel in place.




To remove all the screws, I pulled the rubber roof seal back a bit. This isn't really necessary as all the screws are accessible with a standard Phillips driver. When the 5 screws are removed, the panel lifts up and out.

So after a bit of a struggle at first, I managed to get it off after all.


Sunroof panel removed

It's a little better than mine but it too has a small bit of bubbling at the top
left corner ...oh well, I guess they all have that issue after a few winters out in the weather.

I'll keep it as a spare for now and if I cant repair mine, I guess I'll get this one re-painted and fitted to my car. No doubt removing my existing panel will be somewhat less of a struggle!!

Cheers

Larry

 

Well good deal. Too bad the motor was stuck.