Sunroof delete - Fenn Lane panel “flange” height?

[Aussiesven]

To anyone who has used the Fenn panel, what is the height of the “flange” that I need to cut the roof metal down to to fit the panel neatly? The panel is on the way, but not here yet, but I have removed all the roof parts and sub panelling, but like to finish the edge of the roof tomorrow...

Do I cut the front and side edges down to the same 4-4.5mm that the neatly folded back edge is, or another measurement...?

The back edge is already folded and about 4.5mm thick...



Photo of the front edge - silver line is where I think I need to trim down to...




Appreciate your help.

[GaryR]

it's been a while but I seem to remember, once all the sunroof hardware and frame is removed that's it, the panel fits up flush with the roof.. Glue or TIG it in, minor filler work and done.

[Elombard]

I cut a cm or so back into the roof all the way around. My 84 had a "lip" that had to be removed all the way around so the panel would sit flush.

I would wait until you get the panel.

[75 911s]

I have the panel. I’ve test fit it as is. The existing lip will need to be ground completely away, as well as addition 2-5mm around the perimeter. The panel I bought is a fennlane panel but unused in the original packaging from another pelican. It is not uniform as far as the corner radius’s. It’s unclear which way it goes - which side is the front?

I’ll need to cut at least one corner radius using the panel as a guide. With the cassette removed, there will be approximately 2-5mm of roof removed around the perimeter for the panel to even clear the hole. Once enough material from the roof hole is cut away, I can begin positioning the panel and the glue it in.

The panel depth is the same as the roof and the flange depth is the depth of the roof thickness which is 1mm-ish. I’m away from home now but when I get back next week I’ll snap some pics.

I ordered the panel first from Chris 7 weeks ago. I realize that it can take time to come from the UK but communication has been lacking. No tracking numbers and no emails stating that it had been shipped. I’ve sent several pms and emails with no answer. I may or may not have a second panel coming.

[trond]

I just installed the same panel. I found the opening need to be slightly enlarged as the panel is "too large" for the opening. So no need to be ultra careful when removing the folded steel. It does not matter if the opening is a few millimetres larger as the flange is quite wide. The panel is symmetric meaning it can be installed either way. I confirmed with fennel lane, who btw provided excellent support to me. I was very happy. I chose to glue my panel in, and based on that experience I would recommend to spot welding it in. The roof structure after removing the cassette and opening up the hole is extremely flimsy and it is too easy to change the shape when you prop the panel in place waiting for the glue to set. Much easier with spot welding. In my case it took a lot of work and filler to make it look acceptable and I would not recommend bonding to other amateurs. Others have been more successful but Tig or maybe MIG would be my choice if I were to do it again. The end result was good

[Aussiesven]

Thanks guys.... sounds like I better wait until the panel arrives. Concerning that I may have to increase the size of the hole to fit the Fenn Lane panel - I would have thought that it will at least fit the original opening... let’s see.
I agree with the poor communication though. Had to ring as emails were not being answered and still have no mailing or tracking details.

[trond]

Don't stress it. They deliver a quality product. Maybe they are working and not spending so much time in front of the pc. There is a good reason to make the panel larger. If there is rust, as is possible with sunroofs, it will be better with a larger panel that can always be fitted regardless of condition of the folded steel.

[3literpwr]

I installed mine a few weeks back. Easy install overall and yes, that front lip needed to be ground down. I needed to trim the opening more then expected. Also, I choose to prop mine and I like the results...I also have another car to compare it against.