944 Sunroof: manual rear latches available?

[Vroom]

(I also posted this in 944 forum)

I have a 1986 944Turbo. The sunroof mechanism has been a problem. My mechanic is suggesting I just leave the roof locked down. But I'd really love to use it, both in the "vent" position, or "removed".

Rather than try to repair the electronic opening/closing system, I'd like to know from you all... are there manual rear latches/devices that can replace the existing rising arms, etc, that will allow me to lift up the rear of the sunroof foor venting or remove it entirely?

It would be great news if this type of after market product existed.

Has anyone fashioned thieir own device to deal with this problem?

Thanks all! vroom

[2Tight]

Originally Posted by Vroom

(I also posted this in 944 forum)

I have a 1986 944Turbo. The sunroof mechanism has been a problem. My mechanic is suggesting I just leave the roof locked down. But I'd really love to use it, both in the "vent" position, or "removed".

Rather than try to repair the electronic opening/closing system, I'd like to know from you all... are there manual rear latches/devices that can replace the existing rising arms, etc, that will allow me to lift up the rear of the sunroof foor venting or remove it entirely?

It would be great news if this type of after market product existed.

Has anyone fashioned thieir own device to deal with this problem?

Thanks all! vroom

I've converted 3 cars to manual sunroofs including both of my 86's. All that is needed are the two manual latches found on the 83 944 or any 924 before that date. The lifting arms are removed from the section attached to the car and tucked away or removed entirely. The rear sections on the actual sunroof are also removed. The manual latches screw into the same two hole and fit perfectly. When they are snugged down they latch against the plastic box that holds the old lifting arms. The main problem is they sort of lay a bit cockeyed when the roof is down and contact the sunroof liner. The fiberboard on the liner can be trimmed to make them lay flatter if it bothers you or a complete manual sunroof panel can be used and paint matched to the car. On a manual sunroof the latches are set upright in the rain groove to use the tilt feature. Nothing in the front needs to be changed. Some people add a safety strap for when the roof is tilted like the 83 944 has. Mine has been without a strap for over 3 years and has never lifted even at 140 mph but it's probably better to have one.

The manual conversion is pretty common, especially for the early electric sunroofs (single-gear box, track arm at the motor) that require constant adjustment and frustration. The later style electric sunroofs are less prone to problems but still fail on a regular basis.