Installing an aftermarket sunroof

Aside from this, there are some other expenses you should know about, that will influence the cost of a sunroof installation. When opting for an electric type of sunroof, it will end up costing more than a manual alternative, but in the end, it will probably be more practical for you as a car owner.

You should also consider getting a warranty on both the sunroof itself and its installation, to avoid having to spend any additional money, if either the sunroof or the work involved in installing it were to be poorly made. If you want to make sure that you are still adhering to the insurance requirements, you might have to modify it and include the sunroof.

The track that holds the side of the panel will also need to be repaired at some point. For most cars, this process will take even less, sometimes right under an hour. If you choose to undertake this task yourself, be prepared to spend a little longer figuring where everything goes, but there are plenty of tutorials on the internet to help you get through this. Your sunroof should last longer if it is made from silicone or polycarbonate, which are considered quality materials. A higher-quality system will usually last with ease, even if you overuse it.

You will notice that your sunroof breaks considerably faster if you get a cheaper model because it will usually be made from lower-quality materials like plastic or neoprene. Although you will spend a little less when buying a lower quality sunroof it will also leak sooner and will have considerably more issues than the premium models.

One of the most obvious advantages of installing a sunroof on your car, especially if it is properly installed, is an increase in the price of the vehicle. Another great plus will be the boost in aesthetic appeal, making your car look more luxurious. The sunroof will also allow fresh air into the car, along with a lot of sunlight.

It will also offer a great view of the outside regardless of the weather, creating an almost degree view around the vehicle that all passengers can enjoy.

A factory addon sunroof has actually been crafted to accommodate all of the modifications to the design, consisting of the roofing, seals, wires, insulation, controls, etc. Once the vehicle leaves the assembly line, the factory option can no longer be integrated into the roof. Though, if a consumer or dealer wanted a sunroof added after the vehicle was manufactured, they may commission an automotive restyler to install or retrofit a generic unit, designed to function in that vehicle.

We call these generic units "aftermarket sunroofs". Factory sunroofs are characterized by a flush fit to your vehicles's roof, with no extruded trim ring. Identifying factory over an aftermarket is fairly simple. Our specialists will typically identify factory installs using our in-house database. An aftermarket sunroof also referred to as a retrofit sunroof is a sunroof that is installed into a vehicle at anytime after the vehicle was produced.

This installation style requires a technician to cut a hole in the vehicle roof. Some vehicles may not be suited to an aftermarket sunroof installation based on the vehicle design. Step 1: Assess any roof-mounted accessories on your car. Accessories that are mounted to the roof will likely need to be relocated. If, for example, there is an antenna mounted on the roof above the driver and front passenger area, it will need to be relocated if a sunroof is going to be installed.

Step 2: Assess interior space. Ensure that the space inside the vehicle is sufficient for a sunroof. The typical sunroof glass is roughly 18 inches wide.

Allow an extra 3 inches for hardware and installation materials around the sunroof, so if there is a roof-mounted DVD player or overhead storage bins, measure to determine that there is enough room. Step 3: Check availability for sunroofs on your car. Check an online configurator to determine if sunroofs are manufactured for your specific vehicle. Look on sunroof manufacturer websites such as Webasto to see if a sunroof is listed for your vehicle.

Step 4: Search for local installers. Perform a web search for sunroof installers in your city. Step 5: Reach out to local installers. Contact local sunroof installers to find out if they can install a sunroof in your vehicle. Not every sunroof style can be used on every vehicle, and these will vary in versatility and price. Step 1: Determine the type of sunroof you want. There are three main styles of sunroofs available for aftermarket installation from which you can choose.. Step 2: Consider how much you want to spend.

Determine how much you want to invest in a sunroof installation for your vehicle. Step 3: Determine which style your vehicle can accept. Step 4: Decide on a sunshade style.

Your vehicle may be able to accept a variety of different sunroof styles, and there may be different sunshade styles available for each type of sunroof. Step 1: Reach out to local body shops. Contact local body shops to find out if they install aftermarket sunroofs. Step 2: Check the phone book or online listings for local sunroof installers. One way to find an installer is by checking phone or online listings, such as Step 3: Go through sunroof manufacturers to find dealers.

Check the website of popular sunroof manufacturers for dealer locater tools. Sources such as Webasto have dealer locater tools on their website to help you find one of their trusted installation facilities near you.

Step 4: Request examples of previous work. Ask to see pictures of their installations or for references from previous customers. A sunroof installation can add value to your vehicle as well as comfort. Choose a sunroof installer that stands behind their work.

Confirm the parts and labor warranty with the installer to be sure they will back their product and craftsmanship, and if you have any issues with your sunroof, then get an estimate for its repair and have one of our certified mechanics perform an inspection.