DIY Sunroof

Thanks Aruman for the link of the sunroof car.  I like his skull flame paint job.

Here I was inside the shop today talking about this forum with my dad of the discussions with many members here.  He said lets put a sunroof in my mom's 1949 Ford Panel.  I just happened to have an extra electric sunroof set cut from an early 90s Lincoln Town Car that was totaled.  We are going to install it next monday after hours I guess.  Just thought maybe someone could use an extra idea and have the luxury.  So, heres the luxury:  Go to salvage and pilfer a 90's Lincoln/Caddy/Mercury/or whatever...electric sunroof.  Cut the the sunroof out of the roof but take enough metal, something like at least 8 inches of excess around it while not forgetting that some of those electric sunroofs slide back into the roof, not out of the roof.  So, if your roof in the convicted recipient vehicle is large enough, just cut a hole to accommodate.  Install, weld it, body work, finish the paint, wire the provided or custom switches.....BAM!!!!!!, you got a luxury electric sunroof with class.  AND, it dont cost a freakin rediculous $400+ just for a pop-up that Ive heard quoted lately for mini-trucks.  Ok, gettin late I guess, 4 year old daughter standing here telling me "Its Bed-time!!!"  Guess we all have bosses one way or the other....

Katchyalaterdudes........

JD

Hi Evol E, thanks for your link, its bookmarked now.  I wasnt exactly taking in account for the ribs in the roof.  That doesnt seem as if its going to make the job impossible though.  From a fabricator's point of view, I still know what I would do MINI....I would actually rob a smooth roof from another vehicle, weld it in, finish out the bodywork, install the sunroof, blah, blah, blah....  That is if I had a Jeep Liberty and wanted a sunroof at all costs.  But, sounds like your the one thats going to have to weigh this one out with the pros and cons.  Im a radical minded individual, so I think that is an easy job.  Speaking of easy.  If I were to have interest in the electric sunroof from a Lincoln or such, I would rob the WHOLE roof of the Lincoln.  But, if you like your idea to have a giant hole in the roof, stay with it.  Dont give up, there is a way....keep in mind what Evol said though.  Sounds like some of his comments should be heard.  .............anyone else?.........

.....I still recommend the machette!  Ohhhh.....a can opener would provide a more smoother uniform and symmetrical cut.  Ok, enough of that.  As for your questions about tires, your going to have to shop to see what YOU want, and then ask that question about your selection and need.  Air ride?  Did you say........"AIR       RIDE      "?  I think thats what I heard!  Yes, it is.  There are several sources for aftermarket air ride systems.  If you crack open a mag like MiniTruckin, Sport Truck, Truckin, and the likes, you will se plenty available kit.  Sometimes you will find a specialized kit for your exact ride.  However, a Jeep is not considered a "MiniTruck" or a full size truck for that matter, so I dont have the answer.  But heres you some links that I grabbed from MiniTruckin.  You will just have to visit the site, or call to get prices for your Jeep.

Http://www.viaircorp.com, Http://www.arsuperstore.com, Http://www.firestoneairbag.com, just to name a few sources.  There are other suppliers that have them as well such as Godfather's Customs, oh and check out http://www.suicidedoors.com, Aim Industries, www.airbagparts.com, www.firstclassauto.com, www.psychopneumatics.com, www.lowriderdepot.com, www.oasismfg.com, and www.fbirides.com.  Looks like there are plenty to contact.  If you need help, just make a note of everything about your Jeep like year, type, ect. that I could help you with. 

Side note, I wont be back onto this site again until Sunday evening.  Going to the NSRA Streetrod Nationals in Springfield, Mo for the weekend.  Talk to everyone then........

JD

P.S.  You could also cut the roof with a hacksaw....

dude go for it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just do ittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

You could always go to home depot and get a bubble dome! Seriously though if this Idea materialises, I would suggest gluing a frame to the under side of the remaining skin. ( use 3M o8115 Panel bonding adhesive.) This may save you alot of paint work down the road. From there if you glued a sheet of plexy to another frame with Urethane (same thing windshields are installed with) that won't leak. The only problem is affixing that to the vehicle so that it can be removed. Would have to use some sort of weather strip.