Help sunroof swap

[KissMeRT]

Finally! Thanks, guys.

Speedy - Did you cut high, middle, or low on the pillars?
1992redvr-4 - Let me know how it turns out!
91STT - I will need to change the windsheild header, so the glass will definately have to be removed. But I think the rear header and sails will be fine working just the spotwelds.

Thanks again.
I will most likely do my top after the holidays. I do have another project to start in Jan or Feb. I'll be getting a group from FL3S together to cut a targa roof in a 92GT donor/parts car shell. Basically we'll be brainstorming how the frame support and roof should be. I have contacted the guy who makes the replacement Saratoga-type targa panels. He used to work for that company, but when they moved east, he ended-up buying their aftermarket division and stayed on the west coast. He connected me to the designer who does the technical stuff for these panels. I'm sending him the "plans" along with locking hardware. Hopefully I'll be doing a targa w/ a smoked Saratoga top and have it ready for the OG08 here in November.

[95teetee]

Originally Posted by KissMeRT

I will most likely do my top after the holidays. I do have another project to start in Jan or Feb. I'll be getting a group from FL3S together to cut a targa roof in a 92GT donor/parts car shell. Basically we'll be brainstorming how the frame support and roof should be. I have contacted the guy who makes the replacement Saratoga-type targa panels. He used to work for that company, but when they moved east, he ended-up buying their aftermarket division and stayed on the west coast. He connected me to the designer who does the technical stuff for these panels. I'm sending him the "plans" along with locking hardware. Hopefully I'll be doing a targa w/ a smoked Saratoga top and have it ready for the OG08 here in November.

very cool- good luck with that (and keep us updated )

[mywetdream]

Originally Posted by 91STT

Here's a summary of what I would do.
Remove all the trim pieces around the roof. Once they are all off you will notice spotwelds around the perimeter. Drill them out and remove the skin. Do the same with your donor roof. Line up the new roof on the car and rosette weld the skin in place.
I should mention to remove the glass to make it easier to handle. Replace glass after all the welding has been completed.

would you not want to leave in the glass while you are fitting it..so it stays square? if that makes any sense...and it seals proper

[KissMeRT]

Well, I would tack weld the replacement header, at approx the same position as the original, then check the windshield for fit before the final welds. The glass and all upper trim will need to be removed, along with the weatherstriping and the rear hatch; the interior and exterior will also need to be protected during welding.

[1992redvr-4]

Yea, the front header panel is different, but they're leaving my pillars in, they're also leaving the rear lower panel in, but they're gonna trim the part that the sunroof crank bolts to, and replace the patch in the other panel. Everything should line up fine, I'm gonna go see them tomorrow and see how its coming, I'll try to take some pics.

[1992redvr-4]

Oh I forgot to mention, my car is completely stripped, interior seats, carpet, everything, all panels except dash, the windshield, all door trim, sail panels, rear hatch, quarter windows.

[91STT]

Originally Posted by mywetdream

would you not want to leave in the glass while you are fitting it..so it stays square? if that makes any sense...and it seals proper

You don't really want to keep the glass in place while welding, it will pit the glass from the sparks.
You can test fit while you go along.

[KissMeRT]

1992redvr-4 - post some pics when you have time.
91STT - correctimundo!

Thanks for the input, guys. I can't wait to do mine now. I will need to find a new rubber seal for the panel; anyone know where to go?

[1992redvr-4]

Okay, I've got some pics of my car today, sorry about the quality. In order to do the skin swap, the windshield does have to be taken out, because the front lip of the roof, has to have the spotwelds drilled out, I know some were saying leave it in, but its gotta go, everything will align back up pretty much perfectly.

[1992redvr-4]

Here are some more pics