Sunroof Install Question

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

1987 Sunroof Coupe.

I took the sunroof apart a few months ago...and now can't recall how to put everything back in. I'm trying to figure out where the headliner attachment goes. I'm thinking it goes above the rails...but below this metal rod thingy. Although the rod likes to sit right on the rail. So then I was thinking maybe it goes below the rails.

Any input? Pictures? Thanks!

Hendog · Hendog's Garage

Does this help? This is a thread I saved for the day I have to repair my sunroof. Excellent info and pics in here.
Sunroof cable repair and new seals 87 911

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

That's awesome. I was looking for a thread like that...but the search engine never seems to pull up the threads I want.

However, I still don't see where the back of the headliner attachment is suppose to be. Above or below the rail?

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

/bonk.

Now I'm thinking that perhaps it goes in the rail system. Went to page two on that thread and low and behold...I see a picture with it IN the rail system.

Thanks!

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

Ok, new problem. The sunroof doesn't want to close because it looks like it's not lining up right. Driver's side is more tight than the passenger side. However, I don't see where to make the adjustments. Any suggestions for how to get it to line up correctly?

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

The way I lined up my sunroof was to unzip the headliner, remove one and loosen the second screw holding in the sunroof transmission, just enough to retract the gear from the cables, then 'square' the sunroof panel in its opening and reinstall the transmission. Now, the cables should be the same length. It may take more than one try.

75-911S · 06-15-2010, 04:54 AM

Is there a major difference between the 1976 sun roof construction and the 1987 that was documented so well here?

Jack

89911 · 06-15-2010, 05:56 AM

I fixed mine a few months ago on an 89. If both cables are working, then you might need to check the hardware that attaches to pull the sunroof forward. I lost a few parts and found them in the back of the roof. I ended up having to order a piece used that I couldn't find. Check and see if both sides have the same parts and look the same. If the sunroof closes but fails to align evenly, this is most likely the cuprit.

ljowdy · 06-15-2010, 06:48 AM

That flat spring should be on the bottom of that steel rod. I've had my sunroof apart and reassembled more times that I want to count. I've replaced just about everything and it still doesn't work. So, it's closed and will remain that way.

The headliner panel only affixes to the sunroof closest to the windshield and, it rides in the narrow track on the sunfoof aluminum guides.

Vincent Hill · Vincent Hill's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljowdy

That flat spring should be on the bottom of that steel rod. I've had my sunroof apart and reassembled more times that I want to count. I've replaced just about everything and it still doesn't work. So, it's closed and will remain that way.

The headliner panel only affixes to the sunroof closest to the windshield and, it rides in the narrow track on the sunfoof aluminum guides.

Right here was seriously good information which a lot of us did not know and it makes the Pic above showing the 2 clips easier to understand! Also the pic of the 90 degree bent Putty Knife also better understood!

I hope to get to mine this weekend

Mattcamp · 06-15-2010, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliv

1987 Sunroof Coupe.

I took the sunroof apart a few months ago...and now can't recall how to put everything back in. I'm trying to figure out where the headliner attachment goes. I'm thinking it goes above the rails...but below this metal rod thingy. Although the rod likes to sit right on the rail. So then I was thinking maybe it goes below the rails.

Any input? Pictures? Thanks!

That flat piece of painted metal (spring that the green arrow points to) needs to go under the small metal rod that is sticking out.....on both sides......and yes the headliner runs in the track. Not above or below it. Open the zipper in the back of the headliner and take off the 2 screws in the center to disengage the sunroof tranny gear from the cables..........then close the sunroof manually and put all the crap back together. Last thing you do once all that is working is re-attach the headliner. Just slide it most of the way closed then pop in the clips. Good luck.

Fred Hurst · 08-01-2010, 11:03 AM

what does the flat spring do? when I put it under the rod the rear of the sunroof will not kick up even with the roof when it closes.

ljowdy · 08-01-2010, 11:09 AM

Under and over?? Just for reference, the flat sping goes on the bottom of the rod and will be between the headliner and the rod.

Fred, I'm having the same problem with my sunroof and I've replaced all the parts

Fred Hurst · 08-01-2010, 11:28 AM

I thought that it was supposed to help pull the rear of the sunroof down when opening, but mine seems to open and shut OK without it. I just got mine back together but haven't snapped up the liner yet.

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

I could be wrong, but I don't remember the flat spring doing anything. I thought that on the rail system, there is a bump, so when the sunroof slides forward, the back of the sunroof rides the bump up and into place.

ljowdy · 08-01-2010, 12:43 PM

No, no bump... I've had mine apart more times than I want to admit. I've changed out every component and it still won't rise at the back of the sunroof. I have it disabled with a roll of electricians tape on both corners under the roof panel to force the sunroof to lay flat with the rest of the roof. (no, you can't see the tape)

Fred Hurst · 08-01-2010, 01:04 PM

there is a "post" that the rail fits over that bumps it up at the end of the closing action. I think that the spring is supposed to assist/help with opening from the closed position. No problems right now in the garage but I can't help but wonder if there could be problems opening it while motoring?