Sunroof Problem

[chrisstevenson]

I have read all the Pelican Porsche 911 sunroof threads I can, but seem to have a question on my 1977 that I haven't seen an answer for.

My sunroof motor works fine and the cables are intact. However, when the roof slides forward, it slides in place okay, but the rear right corner does not come up flush with the rest of the roof. It dips down and it appears that the back glide plate does not come forward far enough to hit the "metal bump" in the track to raise up the back corner of the roof.

Any one come across this problem? Any suggestions?

[JSV798]

I had this problem on my 1978SC
There was a plastic hinge that had broken on the cable. The function of the hinge it to swing the roof upwards at the last instant of closing to bring the back of the sliding roof up flush. On opening, its first job is to pull the back of the sliding roof down before it starts to move backwards.
I ordered cables for both sides. It was just as well I did as when I removed the passenger side cable its plastic hinge was cracked and ready to let go.
The new cables are all metal so could be expected to last longer than the original with the plastic hinges. There was just one snag; I couldn’t get the cables to slide onto the guides. They just didn’t fit! There was only one thing for it. I got out a file and gently filed a few thou’ off each one. After five minutes of filing on each cable slider I was able to obtain a fit and reassemble

It's worth reading the technical article on sunroofs where it explains that the only cables available are for the later 964 and that is why the filing is required. I do wonder if it is possible to buy replacements just for the plastic guides as the cables will be OK. Perhaps someone else can advise.

New cables are available from out hosts at $180.00 - ouch! I don't remember paying as much as that but this was a job I did 10 years ago. I bought my cables from my local Porsche dealer here in Manchester UK.

[Newbrunswicktod]

Hey Chris. The hinges at the rear of the sunroof that push it upward when closing and pull it down when closing, have a height adjustment in them. Its possible that the small nut and bolt that holds the hinge in place has come loose and it has slipped into the lowest position. The only way of checking this is to remove sunroof panel. If you've never done it before it's not a bad job and there are a bunch of really good threads on the subject. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Cheers.

[stevie 77 930]

Onece you pull back the headliner, rear adjustment is done at the cable hinge while the sunroof is closed. Loosen the screw circled in yellow and adjust accordingly.

(Not my picture)

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by chrisstevenson

I have read all the Pelican Porsche 911 sunroof threads I can, but seem to have a question on my 1977 that I haven't seen an answer for.

My sunroof motor works fine and the cables are intact. However, when the roof slides forward, it slides in place okay, but the rear right corner does not come up flush with the rest of the roof. It dips down and it appears that the back glide plate does not come forward far enough to hit the "metal bump" in the track to raise up the back corner of the roof.

Any one come across this problem? Any suggestions?

Hey Chris,

Not sure if you've seen our tech articles section on the 911. I've attached a link to one on repairing the sunroof. If you haven't already, check it out for some info and if you have any more questions; post a Comment just below the article and someone will get back to you with more detailed help. Best of luck!

Porsche 911 Sunroof Repair | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article


-Dmitry

[Uwon]

Chris, just make sure that you do NOT unscrew the rear screw (yellow circle above) more than 11/2 turns or you'll find that you will have to remove the sunroof to find and reinstall the lock nut thingy on the back of the rear riser arm..And if you remove the sunroof, retract it about an inch and no more to lower the rear and create some slack so you can unscrew both the front and rear brackets (red and green circled ones above). Ask me how I know!
Johan