How to tell an '86 from 86.5? (Sunroof seal)

[Joe Anstett]

The PO of my 86 951 gave me some parts which he never got around to replacing, including the seal around the sunroof (on the roof).

The new seal seemed a little different to me, and when the roof didn't close perfectly flat, something didn't seem right. I looked on the Pelican Parts site and apparently there are two different parts for the 86 and 86.5. Whichever is which, it appears the replacement the PO gave me is the wrong one.

So, how do I tell whether I have an 86 or 86.5 so I can get the right replacement? I assume the VIN holds the key but there may be other clues.

[1.2gees]

I believe the later style sunroof (along with the change in the drive mechanism) changee to a different seal around the removable sunroof panel. Seal on body remained the same.

You can check the vin # or the production date (on the option code sticker in the hatch). One other way I can think of is to look at the drive mechanism itself. If you have the newer style:

you need the newer seal. If you have the older style, you need the older seal, obviously. If you want to visually check, the motor is located behind the carpet in the left (driver's side) of the hatch, by the interior light.

Most 86 turbos I've seen in the US were the older style. This type has been more reliable from my experience though others claim differently. There are also no plastic gear in this system, which is the common failure point of the later style.
Ahmet