rusted sunroof cable

catuck · catuck's Garage

Has anyone had this problem? My sunroof is stuck, so I took it apart. The only problem is one of the cables is rusted inside it's tube. How do I get this apart?

ossiblue · 03-29-2009, 09:06 AM

I had this problem on a 69 with both cables I removed the tracks with the cable and soaked with PB blaster and tried to pull the cable out with vice-grips--worked on one side but no luck on the other. Tried heat (very carefully as I didn't want to melt the aluminum track) and no luck. Eventually, I had to pry apart the opening a bit to get the cable to move and finally got it out but since the channel was bunged up, I bought a replacement.
Bottom line, be patient, use lots of penetating fluid and gentle heat (heat gun), and some muscle with vice-grips and you may succeed.

catuck · catuck's Garage

Thanks L.J. - I'll give that a try, wish me luck! Hopefully penetrating oil does the trick.

nh911 · nh911's Garage

use vice grips and twist the cable while pulling it out it will eventually work it just takes time i had the same issue and when i twisted the cable it lessened up.

catuck · catuck's Garage

Thanks - I guess I should get ready and order a new cable from our host!

ossiblue · 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catuck

Thanks - I guess I should get ready and order a new cable from our host!

Your new cables will not fit your original sunroof tracks without modification. There is a tech article on this site dealing with how to modify the new cables. Just a heads-up that it will not be a plug and play replacement.

erio · 10-11-2014, 05:31 AM

I realise its an old topic. Please tell me how do i disconnect tube from roof. Is it screwd in or pluged in?
?my cable is rusted insire. Ill try wd40 and twisting and pulling. But it would be safer for healiner if i removed the tube. Its passanger side

PopsRacer · 05-19-2025, 10:37 AM

old post, but still should have an answer so.. the tube in the rear is attached at each end by a single nut and lock-washer and in the middle by the motor/gearbox assembly. Remove gearbox, and then motor and then the nut at each end of the tubes.
Be very careful pulling it out through the headliner (it can have some tension on it) and esp watch the electrical plug for the motor (the wires are wrapped around the tubing).
Good luck sunroof peeps!