To sunroof or not sunroof, that is the question!

markmaunz · 11-06-2004, 08:57 PM

Since buying a 70 coupe that the PO had hacked up a coupe taking out a sunroof. I am in the process of fixing the problem so the question came up, do I put a roof in the car that has a working sunroof or go to coupe roof with no sunroof hole???? Which way is the car more desireable for resale? Which way is car more valuable?? Any and all input is greatly appreciated!! Thanks, Mark

82 cs roller or 70T, who knows?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I think no sunroof is more valuable, since it is more rare. They definitely are prefered by people who want track cars.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

if you track, fill it....if you enjoy sun, keep it. i can't imagine a significant difference in value of the car being the justification for making this decision. i think it needs to come down solely to how you intend to use the car...
$.05 please...

ryan

masraum · 11-06-2004, 09:29 PM

I can't imagine the whole no sunroof thing adding value if not original, but I do think I'd just ditch it, saves some weight and fewer moving parts mean less to fix as well as no leaking problems.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 11-06-2004, 09:29 PM

I hate sunroofs. All they do is sunburn your forehead and make a lot of noise while providing none of the pleasures of a top-down convertible like our Boxster. The only time mine--'83 SC coupe--is ever open is when I need to show my EZ-Pass to the transponder in the tollbooth overhead, since it doesn't seem to work through the steeply slanted 911 windshield.

That's quite aside from the extra weight and reduced headroom. If I could somehow make the sunroof go away from my SC coupe, I would do it instantly.

Stephan

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

wow...i enjoy my own 'redneck convertible' practically every day year round.
yee haw,
ryan

Jim Richards · 11-07-2004, 04:23 AM

It's obvious from the comments here that opinions vary wildly. From a value standpoint, original is better on the early cars. Unless you intend to make it a track car and resale to a track junkie improves without the sunroof. My 73E has a sunroof (a purchase requirement of mine) and I'm glad. I track the car, too. It really boils down to "what do you prefer?"

11-07-2004, 04:32 AM

Are you fixing the car for you or for the next owner?

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

I'd go with out, but only if you can do an expert job of closing it off.
I wish mine was mostly because I never use it. The headliner and roof look cleaner without it.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 11-07-2004, 06:35 AM

Mark, there's a chance your car had a sunroof and that's why it was cut out, my guess especially since it had all the race body panels. There's only one reason for that hole in your roof, someone was making a track car.

But I thought you weren't going to keep the car?

Anyway, if you decide to put a sunroof in, I have an entire mechanism, EVERYTHING, out of an 84 coupe what will work for you.

Shaun

PS: any news on the x-country carrier recommendation? Need to get that Cooper S out to Seattle.

Paulporsche · 11-07-2004, 10:25 AM

I like my sunroof and keep it open as much as possible.

Todd Simpson · 11-07-2004, 12:51 PM

I think sunroof would be more valuable on an early car, as it's not so common. Build what you like, it won't make or break the car either way.

gerry100 · 11-07-2004, 01:28 PM

The only use I have for the sunroof in my '86 is to let the heat out after it's parked in the summer. If it's hot, I drive with the windows down.

Sunroof or lack thereof owuldn't make any difference at all if I were looking at a 911.

Thack · Thack's Garage

As far as value it might have more if it is in and properly working with no leaks. They can be a pain in the ass but they can be awesome too. I like to open mine on a cool night and look at the moon.
As far as a track car, do you really think you will push your car to the point that it would make a difference? Or that the weight would be an issue? If so remove it.

Mike

72doug2,2S · 72doug2,2S's Garage

No sunroof
A sunroof is more weight a less than desirable location. I would never put one in my coupe, but if it was already there I don't know that I'd go to the expense of filling it in.

arerrac · 11-08-2004, 03:59 PM

I would really like to see a couple guys with NON-SUNROOF track cars to attach tha same weight as a sunroof w/motor (all the fixins) to the roof (inside car) or top of the roll bar of their car and do some laps, with and without to see what the difference is.
-Wade
oh, I have a sunroof and LOVE IT!