Topic: Repairing a sunroof hole?

[1973Formula]

How difficult would it be to remove a sunroof and patch the remaining hole?  Are there any structural roof elements that have to be replaced?  Would I need a complete donor roof to make my patch panel?  I can cut and weld.  I just wonder about the structural integrity.

Thanks,

[LOMILETA]

It would probably be easier to replace the whole roof, because with welding on that flat metal it most likely will warp pretty bad.

[1973Formula]

Really.  I don't see how that would be easier considering all of the glass surrounds.  Have you done a roof replacement or sunroof repair before?

Thanks,

[turbota400]

Hitman is the one to talk to for roof R&R's.

[1973Formula]

I have seen Hitman's roof swap posts.  That seems a lot more involved than replacing a 12x20 section of roof.

[turbota400]

It's pretty involved from what I've heard, but I think you would be alot happier with the results in the end.  JMTCW

[jrb56]

Where in Texas are you? I have a guy that can perform miracles with sheetmetal...

[1973Formula]

I am in Austin...

[Gunner]

I am in Austin...

Suggestion: If you have to cut the top off to fix it ANYWAY, why not hunt around and see of you can find a T-Top roof that you like? I'm going to put tops in mine. PLANNED on doing it this fall, but thats been pushed back to next spring or summer.

Gunner

[1973Formula]

I would rather do the repair without cutting the entire roof off. 

[N PRGRES]

Hey TXTOM I know it's not what you want to hear but these guys know the ins and outs of the TA.  I would accept and I agree that a roof replacement is the best option

[Hitman]

Yes a roof replacement is alot of work... but fixing a hole isn't that much easier time wise.  If you take a look at the roof for a hard top car, there is a suppoert that runs down the center of the roof.  When they installed the sunroof, they cut that support out.  So you also have to brace that back up as well.  Like was mentioned above, welding on the roof might cause it to warp under the heat.  When you repair the roof and patch the hole, you will also have some bondo or filler up there to smooth it back out.  Over some time, that is not going to hold up and start cracking and lifting.  So, if you compare the amount of time to repair the hole and the work that needs to be done and the possibility of the end result, and then comapre that to swapping out the roof and the end result there, I would say the roof swap would be better in the long run.  Might be a little bit more work up front, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

[eroc022]

i fixed a sunroof hole in a 240sx, all we did was cut the roof of a hardtop car off, then cut the same piece out of the hardtop piece, then slowly stitch welded up the piece, then cut the bracing piece that was missing and patched up the missing brace, again with stitch welds till it was fully welded, you alternate where you are welding to allow heat to dissepate so the heat wont warp the roof.....after fully welded the roof then got a skimcoat of filler, to even out the roof panels where minor offsets would be, new filler is available, some metallic, which will bond better and if properlly prepped for and applied it should outlast the paint on your car.....being a bodyman i would recommend this route as its cheaper, faster, and requires much less work......all you gotta do is find a spare roof panel.........

[N PRGRES]

I was looking in my Paddock Catalog and saw they have a roof repair panel A0000370, you might want to check it out and see if this works for you