Can't slide back sunroof by hand

[plymouthcolt]

Either my cables broke or pulled out of the clips--sunroof won't retract.

I removed the gear in the back then i removed the sunroof headliner.

I moved the springs off the metal rod, but I still can't get the rear of the sunroof to go down so I can slide it back.

What am I doing wrong?

[john walker's workshop]

there's a overcenter lever below that little hex bolt on the rear attachment. it's now in the locked, angled forward position. get a screwdriver and pop it into the angled backward position. requires a small amonnt of effort.

[plymouthcolt]

Thanks John that worked like a charm.

Does anyone have the part names or numbers I would need to order if I were going to the 964 mechanism?

[group911@aol.co]

Howard, I don't recall any part of the 964 sunroofs being different from yours. I have parts from both series if you need them.
Here is a link to the the 964 parts page.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/PartsLookup/HTML/911C2_USA_KATALOG/811-00-Frame2.htm

[jorian]

Don't bother 'upgrading' to the 964 style cables. Repair what you have. There are numerous threads devoted to this. Usually the cables pull out of the guides and the panel binds. They can be re-attached via JB Weld and re-crimping the guides.

[plymouthcolt]

Originally Posted by jorian

Don't bother 'upgrading' to the 964 style cables. Repair what you have. There are numerous threads devoted to this. Usually the cables pull out of the guides and the panel binds. They can be re-attached via JB Weld and re-crimping the guides.

Jorian I am all for repairing as I just saw the prices for two new cables--$160+

I noticed on the bottom of the cable attachment assembly there is a plastic shoe. I'm guessing this prevents the metal from sliding directly on the aluminium channel. I can't find this in the sunroof diagram and I'm thinking it only comes with the new cable.




My cables were all bunched up in the corners of the headlinder in the rear. As I was feeding them back into the tubes to remove them, my hand bumped these plastic sticks and they moved around easily. It appears whatever sealant was used on them has turned to a sticky mess--a chance for water to enter. I am going to apply caulk and reinsert them. I have no idea what they are for other than to plug the two holes inboard of each cable opening.


I cleaned everything with paint laquer to remove grease, but whomever greased it used very heavy grease. It laughes at the laquer as I try to remove grease from the cables.

[jorian]

Howard,

When I redid the SR on my 87' and on my 82', I did not see the small plastic 'sticks' you pictured. The plastic 'shoe' was also gone and neither have seemed to make a difference in the operation of either SR .

A further tip, Porsche says NOT to grease the cables. From the Bentley, "Do not use lubricant on the cables." Put them back in dry. I did and have had no further issue.

[RWebb]

Is there any part of the sun roof that should be greased periodically?

I've heard that you should not grease the tracks...

[911Mac]

The plastic sticks serve to locate the rear of the sunroof rails. The longer thinner end sticks in the rear of the sunroof rails in the channel not used by the sunroof cable. The other end fits in a hole in just outboard of the hole the sunroof cable goes in.

[plymouthcolt]

Originally Posted by jorian

Howard,

When I redid the SR on my 87' and on my 82', I did not see the small plastic 'sticks' you pictured. The plastic 'shoe' was also gone and neither have seemed to make a difference in the operation of either SR .

A further tip, Porsche says NOT to grease the cables. From the Bentley, "Do not use lubricant on the cables." Put them back in dry. I did and have had no further issue.

Jorian I'll put it back together w/o the plastic and hopefully that is the last I have to deal with the sunroof.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a stronger chemical to remove the grease on the cables-maybe Brakleen?

[plymouthcolt]

Originally Posted by 911Mac

The plastic sticks serve to locate the rear of the sunroof rails. The longer thinner end sticks in the rear of the sunroof rails in the channel not used by the sunroof cable. The other end fits in a hole in just outboard of the hole the sunroof cable goes in.

Wow thanks...I would have just glued them back in and been done with it.

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by plymouthcolt

Jorian I'll put it back together w/o the plastic and hopefully that is the last I have to deal with the sunroof.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a stronger chemical to remove the grease on the cables-maybe Brakleen?

I just pulled a couple of 35 year old cables yesterday, and there was gunk impacted in the wire windings so thoroughly that the cable looked like it was solid. I ended up wire brushing the cables. I used paint thinner for cleanup. I suspect that if I had been on more of a leisurely schedule, I'd have soaked the cables in carburetor cleaner. But Brakleen sounds like a good idea, too.

In my case, I think the impaction was too great for anything less than a wire wheel.

[plymouthcolt]

I used a lot of Brakleen and there is still some grease on the wire.

Would soaking them in paint thinner maybe for a week break down the grease?

[jhubs]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

there's a overcenter lever below that little hex bolt on the rear attachment. it's now in the locked, angled forward position. get a screwdriver and pop it into the angled backward position. requires a small amount of effort.

plymouthcolt, You found the lever? Is it that round pin that sticks out...I guess I don't see where or what John is referring to...and on which photo?

I used Goof Off to clean my cables and tracks...worked great and very fast.

Jerry

[plymouthcolt]

In the second picture down you can barely see the slot below the round screw. Stick a small screwdriver in that slot and turn it. That will either lock or unlock the lever.

[jhubs]

I think this may be the slot you mean. If it is angled back, the roof goes back and forward, angled straight down or foreword the roof is locked?