Do I have to take out sunroof to replace seals?

Julia · 03-16-2005, 01:11 PM

I need to replace my sunroof seals. I bought Porsche factory seals (2 velvet and 1 rear rubber seal) and I was looking at my 101 Projects for your Porsche book and they show the whole replacement of cables and seals. Its not real clear to me if I must take out the sunroof just to replace the seals. Please tell me I don't! Is this a project for a "two little mechanics" person? (Wayne's book rates the projects with "little mechanics", 1 being very easy, to 5 meaning-"send it to a professional").

Thanks for the help, Julia

CarreraS2 · 03-16-2005, 01:15 PM

No, you don't.

ubiquity0 · 03-16-2005, 01:16 PM

You definitely need to take the sunroof out to replace the rear rubber seal. The velvet seal that attaches to the body can be replaced with the roof panel in, but the one that attaches to the sunroof panel- I'm not sure.

CarreraS2 · 03-16-2005, 01:18 PM

Ooops, didn't see your reference to the "rear rubber seal." I'm not even sure what that is, so I don't know if you have to remove to do that. I had my sunroof completely apart a few times, and I don't remember seeing a rear rubber seal.

The velvet seals, though, you definately don't have to remove the sunroof to replace.

ubiquity0 · 03-16-2005, 01:24 PM

The rubber seal is completely hidden until the panel is removed- there is a flat lip along the length of the back side of the sunroof panel that this is stuck to.

To be honest when I replaced mine the old seal was in ok shape, although a little hardened. It may not be a 'must do'. Its not that hard to remove & reinstall the sunroof though, although its confusing at first.

MBEngineering · 03-16-2005, 01:57 PM

HI to fit the rear seal you will have to remove the sun roof, as it is stuck to the back of the roof panel, get a manual that has a good discription for fitting, as it can look a right mess if it's not correct.
i will check back at the shop tomorrow for instructions on fitting.

regards mike

Erakad · Erakad's Garage

Honestly, not hard to remove the sunroof...after having done it a few times it takes less than 5 minutes. With the sunroof panel off is easy to replace the rear velvet and rubber seals. Don't fret, you'll be surprised how easy it really is. Worst part in replacing those velvet seals is the glue...do a search, it's every bit as nasty as people say. Sticks on everything.

Julia · 03-16-2005, 05:37 PM

Oh boy, I'm getting scared! I don't know that the rear rubber seal needs to be replaced. The velvet ones are frayed. If I can get away with just doing the velvet for now and not having to take the sunroof out, I'd be happy. The only water my car sees is when I wash him! But I am a stickler for doing things the right way. I'll thouroughly read the 101 Projects discription of taking out the sunroof tonight and see what I think. Thanks for the help and any more to come!

NY65912 · 03-16-2005, 07:17 PM

Julia, it is not as difficult as it seems, the sunroof panel comes out suprisingly easy. It is a "doable" project.......I did mine as one of the last year's winter project and it went great.

One thing....go slow and be methodical!

john70t · 03-16-2005, 07:53 PM

The rear rubber seal is there to divert any water that gets past the felt into the side channels and out the two drain tubes, but if it's there why mess with it if the car isn't driven in the rain.
You may be able to see it via the headliner access zipper and a mirror(?)

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

this thread is worthless without pictures...

here is a thread when i went through it.

felt sunroof seals

remove the nylon grasshopper