Need help on installation of sunroof in 2008 xkr coupe
#1
Need help on installation of sunroof in 2008 xkr coupe
I recently purchased a 2008 XKR coupe. I was very torn between a convertable or coupe, and decided to go with coupe because if its lines and the additional room. I have had since new a 1999 XJ8L with a sunroof and I love the car and this feature.
I assumed it would be a simple matter to have an aftermarket sunroof installed in the XKR but can not find any eveidence on the web that it has ever been done! I am an active member in our local Jag club and a JCNA member and no one seemes to have any ideas about this.
I want a high quality installation, that conforms to the quality of the vehicle. About the only thing I know to do is to contact webasto to see if they would design on for me.
In searching this forum, I found two other posts asking for the same information, but they got no replies.
Is there a strcutrual member that would have to be cut or compromised and if so is there a fix?
Thank you in advance for your replies
I assumed it would be a simple matter to have an aftermarket sunroof installed in the XKR but can not find any eveidence on the web that it has ever been done! I am an active member in our local Jag club and a JCNA member and no one seemes to have any ideas about this.
I want a high quality installation, that conforms to the quality of the vehicle. About the only thing I know to do is to contact webasto to see if they would design on for me.
In searching this forum, I found two other posts asking for the same information, but they got no replies.
Is there a strcutrual member that would have to be cut or compromised and if so is there a fix?
Thank you in advance for your replies
#3
The following 2 users liked this post by u102768:
plums (11-25-2012),
William1951 (11-25-2012)
#5
Resale value is always an important concern, however, I tend to keep my vehicles for at least 10 + years. of course, I can not forsee the future, but at 61, this XKR is Jag I intend to keep to the end...
#6
I think you can do this, but you will be the pioneer. Keep in mind that this roof panel is aluminum, which immeasurably complicates the project. Just finding a body man who can really work with custom aluminum is a challenge.
There is a spectrum of "sunroofs" out there; and your application is limited by lack of "slide-back room."
Suggest you look at what manufacturers have done to comparatively "narrow" aluminum roofs. Perhaps Porsche or other German autos. Should you find a workable example, consider grafting. Of course, you will have to find a salvage wreck, which is another quest.
There are aftermarket sunroof manufacturers out there. The market is small; and I am sure you will find a great deal of quality variance. But be forewarned as most applications contemplate a steel roof.
Try to find someone with an XK8 who has done this. The XK8 had a steel roof, but has some of the same issues.
There is a spectrum of "sunroofs" out there; and your application is limited by lack of "slide-back room."
Suggest you look at what manufacturers have done to comparatively "narrow" aluminum roofs. Perhaps Porsche or other German autos. Should you find a workable example, consider grafting. Of course, you will have to find a salvage wreck, which is another quest.
There are aftermarket sunroof manufacturers out there. The market is small; and I am sure you will find a great deal of quality variance. But be forewarned as most applications contemplate a steel roof.
Try to find someone with an XK8 who has done this. The XK8 had a steel roof, but has some of the same issues.
#7
Back window
Great examples...
Looking at the window frames in pic 2 makes me wish they had installed operable back windows on the coupes too.
As far as the sunroof goes another cool option since there is no slide into space would be a targa type top but maintain the over the window side beams.
The following users liked this post:
William1951 (11-26-2012)
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#8
I think you can do this, but you will be the pioneer. Keep in mind that this roof panel is aluminum, which immeasurably complicates the project. Just finding a body man who can really work with custom aluminum is a challenge.
There is a spectrum of "sunroofs" out there; and your application is limited by lack of "slide-back room."
Suggest you look at what manufacturers have done to comparatively "narrow" aluminum roofs. Perhaps Porsche or other German autos. Should you find a workable example, consider grafting. Of course, you will have to find a salvage wreck, which is another quest.
There are aftermarket sunroof manufacturers out there. The market is small; and I am sure you will find a great deal of quality variance. But be forewarned as most applications contemplate a steel roof.
Try to find someone with an XK8 who has done this. The XK8 had a steel roof, but has some of the same issues.
There is a spectrum of "sunroofs" out there; and your application is limited by lack of "slide-back room."
Suggest you look at what manufacturers have done to comparatively "narrow" aluminum roofs. Perhaps Porsche or other German autos. Should you find a workable example, consider grafting. Of course, you will have to find a salvage wreck, which is another quest.
There are aftermarket sunroof manufacturers out there. The market is small; and I am sure you will find a great deal of quality variance. But be forewarned as most applications contemplate a steel roof.
Try to find someone with an XK8 who has done this. The XK8 had a steel roof, but has some of the same issues.
Love this vehicle, so I will move cautiously...
#9
Great examples...
Looking at the window frames in pic 2 makes me wish they had installed operable back windows on the coupes too.
As far as the sunroof goes another cool option since there is no slide into space would be a targa type top but maintain the over the window side beams.
Looking at the window frames in pic 2 makes me wish they had installed operable back windows on the coupes too.
As far as the sunroof goes another cool option since there is no slide into space would be a targa type top but maintain the over the window side beams.
#10
Check out Webasto sunroofs. There is a dealer in Seattle who installs these sunroofs. Webasto Sunroofs
Google Webasto sunroofs.
Google Webasto sunroofs.
The following users liked this post:
William1951 (11-26-2012)
#11
My helpful advice on this subject is don't do it.
I've NEVER understood the fascination with sunroofs as for me the glass ones just put distracting light into the car and all of them are noisy when open. Then there are the issues of reduced headroom with factory pieces and the worry that they will never seal properly with the aftermarket types.
I've NEVER understood the fascination with sunroofs as for me the glass ones just put distracting light into the car and all of them are noisy when open. Then there are the issues of reduced headroom with factory pieces and the worry that they will never seal properly with the aftermarket types.
#12
#13
Thank you all, I have identfied an authorized Webasto dealer/Installer who has worked a lot on aluminium bodies vehicles. Webasto offers 2 models that will work well. I am looking at the model where the glass panel slides back on the outside, this allows a larger opening and brings the loss of headroom to a minimum. When closed the panel which is tinted dark will alow a lot a light into the cabin and blends well with th exterior color. Cost installed will be about $2,400 USD. I am not wildly entusiastic about it sliding back on the outside, that is a compromise on my part.
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