Replacing sunroof (in the permanent sense)

For those with good memories, you may remember I have sent my '75 into the panel shop for rust repairs/bodywork/repainting.

I have received it back, and it looks fabulous. I still, however have one small(ish) problem. The initial problem was that there were a number of leaks, which had caused the floorpan to rust. New seals will address all of these, except... the freaking sunroof drain tubes in the front still leak!

So, I am tired of trying to get them fixed, and don't feel like paying for the major invasive surgery required to replace them. I would rather just have the sunroof welded closed and be done with it (I also get to return the absurdly expensive deflector I bought. And I could sell the sunroof mechanism as well now I think of it). I guess a bucketload of rustproofing down the tubes would be a good plan too.

So, I guess I am after opinions. Should I do it? How should I get the sunroof cut out (I mean the entire assembly eats up about 2" of headroom). Anything else I need to think about/consider?

Thanks for assistance.

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Cameron Baudinet
1975 911S

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 01-29-2001).]

Maybe I'm reading your post wrong, but didn't you just have the car painted? It seems that welding up the sunroof may have been an option before but may very be $$$ now. I'd go with the new seals and rust proofing. Good luck.
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Paul
78SC targa

I am between a rock and a hard place on this one.

Yes, I have (just) had the car painted. However, the leak is within the pillars at the front of the car. Either way getting them fixed is a $$$ problem, more so than getting the sunroof welded up (I suspect).

Cam

I'm not sure exactly how those drains work, but would it be possible to push some tubing down through them, then seal the edges of the tubing on the top part (i.e. so that the water runs through the tubes that are now running through the pillars)?
Maybe something thin, a little bigger than fishtank air hose? If the seals are in any decent shape, I don't think the drains need to flow that much water.
Of course, if there are a lot of twists and bends along the way, that probably won't work, but if its a fairly straight shot . . .