sunroof / moonroof reseal

[Free940]

Originally Posted by Ian21401

Thanks Dave for answering Free940’s questions especially as you were able to comment regarding the electric sunroof operation, about which I know nothing.

Free904: Questions are not a problem, that’s what this forum is all about.

My apologies for mistyping the seal part number. It should be VO3528809. (thanks Dave.)

The sunroof headlining should be attached to the underside of the sunroof panel by those roughly rectangular lightweight steel frames which fit under a small clip on the upper side of the headlining. The clips can be seen in my image of the underside of the sunroof showing the frame and the spring connecting the frame to the transverse rod of the sunroof main frame. If your sunroof headlining is still attached to the sunroof panel it will move back into the roof void with the sunroof panel and will so apparently disappear into the roof void and should re-emerge when the sunroof is closed again. The only way that the sunroof headlining can move back into the roof void without the sunroof panel is if it has become disconnected from the sunroof panel. If it has become disconnected I would assume that when an attempt to open the sunroof is made, then the sunroof panel would move back and it’s headlining would remain in the closed position, or, the sunroof panel would jam and refuse to move back.

Q1) Is the sunroof headlining still attached to the sunroof panel?

Q2) Have you tried both operations of the sunroof? That is the “vent” position with the rear edge up, and the “open” position where the panel moves back into the roof void as described by Dave (also know as Laird Scooby).

Hope this helps.

The headliner has separated from the metal panel.. it is slid back out of sight. I'm sure some of the loose hardware has something to do with that.

I tried the switch when I first got the car and it tried to move up in the back but that is as far as it got. It was binding somewhere. I pushed the headliner section out of the way to get a look at the mechanical parts. I then got the metal part closed and taped the seams up. I have other things to resolve, but will eventually get to the sunroof. I will come back then and reread this thread. It is outdoors, but if it wasn't I would bide my time and tear into it. I'm sure it is an easy fix, especially with the help I have gotten here.

[Laird Scooby]

Invest in an aerosol can of Servisol Switch/Contact Cleaner. With the ignition off, press the top of the sunroof switch in, aim the nozzle of the Servisol into the gap and give it a good squirt. Exercise the switch in both directions for a good 30 seconds and leave to dry (which it will quickly) then start up and try both positions.

If you get the roof panel stuck, removing the two #1 Pozidriv screws from the black panel covering the sunroof morot and you should see a slotted spindle - use a wide, flat-bladed screwdriver to turn this in the correct direction to cloe the roof panel again. In the middle of the slotted spindle is a pin which will pop out in the closed positoion.

You can also open the roof this way to lube the slides, hinges etc to improve the movement. :thumbs-up:

[Free940]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Invest in an aerosol can of Servisol Switch/Contact Cleaner. With the ignition off, press the top of the sunroof switch in, aim the nozzle of the Servisol into the gap and give it a good squirt. Exercise the switch in both directions for a good 30 seconds and leave to dry (which it will quickly) then start up and try both positions.

If you get the roof panel stuck, removing the two #1 Pozidriv screws from the black panel covering the sunroof morot and you should see a slotted spindle - use a wide, flat-bladed screwdriver to turn this in the correct direction to cloe the roof panel again. In the middle of the slotted spindle is a pin which will pop out in the closed positoion.

You can also open the roof this way to lube the slides, hinges etc to improve the movement. :thumbs-up:

Thanks again! The motor is strong and reacts to the switch whether it's rocked up or down, with the rear trying to lift up. The roof is hanging up on something. I don't know if trying to crank it manually will over come this. I definitely need to do some disassembly to find where the bind is to possibly avoid some damage. Some parts fell out when I slid the headliner back..As I remember, a long rod with some springs and and two thick, curved, heavy duty looking pieces.

I was going to take some pictures, but I didn't want to hijack the original posters thread anymore than I have already.

[aardvarkash10]

Originally Posted by Free940

I was going to take some pictures, but I didn't want to hijack the original posters thread anymore than I have already.

Post away! It is keeping all the current sunroof questions and advice in one place, and makes no difference to me. Your photos will help someone, somewhere, sometime.

[90Wine745]

Hi Ian,
Mine is a steel sunroof too.
On the seal I know the Weather Seal, Part number: VO3528809 fits your car, mine is a 745 (1990) and suppliers say this will not fit mine. The profiles look different on their sites, see attached.


However, the picture of your old one on the top of the car looks awful like mine. Was the new one exactly the same or a little different? Do you think they are interchangeable?
At least, mine is not leaking at the moment, the channels are clear and with the clean up job (with Dave’s suggestions, thanks Dave) came out well. Pics attached.

Anyway, as I said elsewhere, living in the west of Ireland, it is probably more important to keep the water out than anything else, Thanks again.
Mike

[Ian21401]

Free940: As Ash said, post away with your sunroof queries to keep all the relevant info. in one place.

From your description it appears to me that the sunroof headlining has disappeared into the roof void and from inside the car you are able to see the underside of the sunroof panel and the mechanism. Is that correct?
If so, when you eventually get to try to deal with the sunroof, I suggest that you resolve, if you can, the sunroof movement first and if successful then move on to attempting to retrieve the sunroof headlining from where it has hidden itself. There may be ways that it can be retrieved without having to remove the actual roof headlining.

Try to post images of the underside of the sunroof (including the rearmost section on each side ) and the pieces that you said fell off. Then we may know the way forward.

[Ian21401]

Originally Posted by 90Wine745

Hi Ian,
Mine is a steel sunroof too.
On the seal I know the Weather Seal, Part number: VO3528809 fits your car, mine is a 745 (1990) and suppliers say this will not fit mine. The profiles look different on their sites, see attached.


However, the picture of your old one on the top of the car looks awful like mine. Was the new one exactly the same or a little different? Do you think they are interchangeable?
At least, mine is not leaking at the moment, the channels are clear and with the clean up job (with Dave’s suggestions, thanks Dave) came out well. Pics attached.

Anyway, as I said elsewhere, living in the west of Ireland, it is probably more important to keep the water out than anything else, Thanks again.
Mike

Dave and Bob are the ones with the 700 series. They may be able to advise better than me. Your roof seal certainly looks the same as mine. Maybe it is just a different length on your car. The seal on my car is 2800 mms. long. The new seal supplied was 2830 mms. Maybe one of the 700 owners would measure the seal on their car.

[90Wine745]

Originally Posted by Ian21401

Dave and Bob are the ones with the 700 series. They may be able to advise better than me. Your roof seal certainly looks the same as mine. Maybe it is just a different length on your car. The seal on my car is 2800 mms. long. The new seal supplied was 2830 mms. Maybe one of the 700 owners would measure the seal on their car.

Thanks Ian,
Just measured mine, it is also 2800mm long.
Mike

[Laird Scooby]

If you haven't already done it Mike, invest in some silicone grease and rub it in to the sunroof seal. Let it soak for a good 15-20 minutes then wipe (DON'T rub) off the excess, move the roof panel on the switch for access to the part you couldn't get to and do that part as well.

This will help to revive and condition the rubber part of the seal enabling it to do what it says on the tin. If it hasn't been done for a long time (most haven't! ) then repeat at monthly intervals 3 times, twice at two monthly intervals, once after 6 months then do it yearly to mantain the seal.

You may be able to bring your existing seal "back from the dead" doing this now or you may still have to get a new seal. If you have to fit new, give it a small dose of silicone grease immediately after fitting and then do it once a year after to maintain it.

[90Wine745]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

If you haven't already done it Mike, invest in some silicone grease and rub it in to the sunroof seal. Let it soak for a good 15-20 minutes then wipe (DON'T rub) off the excess, move the roof panel on the switch for access to the part you couldn't get to and do that part as well.

This will help to revive and condition the rubber part of the seal enabling it to do what it says on the tin. If it hasn't been done for a long time (most haven't! ) then repeat at monthly intervals 3 times, twice at two monthly intervals, once after 6 months then do it yearly to mantain the seal.

You may be able to bring your existing seal "back from the dead" doing this now or you may still have to get a new seal. If you have to fit new, give it a small dose of silicone grease immediately after fitting and then do it once a year after to maintain it.

Thanks Dave,
Already gave it the silicone grease treatment as best I could and will continue at the intervals you suggest. Not the easiest to access. Also have the bonnet, tailgate and door seals are in the schedule although they are all in much better condition. I reckon it will greatly help to extend the life of the seal. Still might need the new sunroof seal do you have any thought of the compatibility of P/N 3528809?
Take Care, Mike