Does a '72 and a '91 have the same sunroof?

jsoderbe · 09-11-2009, 11:31 AM

Hi guys,

I have to change the complete roof since my '72 S originally had a sunroof.

I've found a really nice '91 turbo roof, that I can cut as I want. It is complete with lid, motor and all the wiring and hardware I need. Also, I imagine a 18 year old electrical sunroof works better than a 37 year old....

Can someone please help me to make 110 % sure if they are the same or not? I have found a '73 roof too, but it has rusty A pillars and the hardware is not complete.

Thanks,

Johan

ossiblue · 05:40 PM

Just my opinion, but before you decide to replace your sunroof be certain it is done correctly. Cutting off the roof at the pillars (you mentioned the A pillar) and welding on a whole new clip is very tricky and not the recommended way to go by some body experts as it can easily compromise the strength of the whole cabin. A true replacement that saves the original unibody integrity involves cutting the sheetmetal of the roof away (commonly along the gutters) and rewelding in new piece, as well as replacing the interior pan with a new piece.

That being said, I think the sunroof size and mechanics changed after 1989, though I could be mistaken. If so, it will not be an easy replacement as the dimensions of the roof, opening, sliding panel, are different.

jsoderbe · 09-11-2009, 11:53 AM

Thanks, you are right about that. My present roof is welded high up at the pillars, maybe 2 inches from the top of the windows. It's not the best work performed either, and I am certain it's not done the way you recommended.

I'm not changing if the sizes are different, since I want the car to be 100 % original.

Thanks,

Johan

ossiblue · 06:15 PM

Here's a suggestion if I have read your post correctly and if the 91 doesn't fit (hopefully, it will!)

Currently, your 72S does not have a sunroof--it has been replaced by a non-SR clip and you want to return the car to original factory options. Correct?

You found a 73 sunroof clip with bad A pillars and some missing parts.

The A pillars on your car show poor craftsmanship in the welding on of the clip.

Without knowing the overall condition of the 73 clip or the exact parts that are missing, you might try to: First, have an expert in uni-body cars check and repair (if necessary) the welds on the pillars. This is something you would have to do even if you replaced the entire clip.
Second, have the expert install the sliding roof and parts from the 73 by using the method I briefly alluded to in my first post. If done that way, the rusty pillars of the 73 clip are not a consideration. Most parts for a 73 sunroof are available, or at least superceded parts are, and your car will be close to original looking.

Clearly, the easiest solution is to use the 91 sunroof but, again, I'd recommend an installation that doesn't require cutting and rewelding the A pillars unless investigation shows your current pillars need repair. Then, of course, replace the whole clip at that time.

Just another option.

jsoderbe · 09-11-2009, 10:17 PM

Thanks, I need any input I can get.

I couldn't leave the car as is, so I need to have someone cut off the present roof anyway. There are rust bubbles, showing that the seam probably is rusted from the inside.

So, anyone out there that can provide any insights about the differenses beetween a '91 and a '72 sunroof? Different lid size would be a killer, but as long the only difference is another motor or sliding mechanism I could live with it. But the car has to be sellable, meaning 100 % original.

Any ideas would be very appreciated!

Thanks,

Johan

Turboo934 · 09-11-2009, 10:56 PM

Sun roof size is the same up till 98 - 993 bodies. Only the hardware changed.

jsoderbe · 09-12-2009, 03:01 AM

Tanks. Can I be difficult and ask what hardware changed? Anything welded to the roof?

Thanks,

Johan

ossiblue · 09-12-2009, 08:01 AM

Looks like the 91 clip will work, so that's going to make things easier for you. The 91 clip should be just the same as an original 72, but the rails, wind deflector and motor will be different. The interior pan should be the same and is welded to the underside of the roof clip (it should already be attatched if the clip has been cut at the pillars.)

Again, I see your biggest problem in the repair of the pillars--this will take an expert's efforts to correct. The pillars need to be cleaned up and rewelded correctly and still have a passage for the drain tubes. With luck, your original steel tubes are still within the pillars (at least part of them.) Once you take the old clip off, you will know what you are facing. It's important that it be done correctly--it is a structural safety issue for you and to anyone whom you sell the car.

RSTarga · 09-12-2009, 10:03 AM

I'd put the thing on a jig before I cut the roof off just to be safe.

jsoderbe · 09-12-2009, 12:39 PM

Thanks guys, that is great news.

I have a really good repair guy, working daytime with insurance repairs, so he knows his way for sure.

I am also concerned about why the roof was cut off in the first place, and if the car is straight. But I guess I will find that out eventually.

It looks like I can go ahead with the '91 roof, which will make my life easier. As long as the different hardware can be considered "upgrades"....

Thanks,

Johan