sun roof

[old tiff]

are there any excels with a sun roof?
which make works?
or is it too much of a structural alteration to attempt?
with all this heat in cornwall i could with more fresh air??

[fitz]

there are one or two knocking about with 3rd party installations.

It would significantly weaken the body to put one in, unless strengthening was added. This would result in increased flex, and more importantly reduce the structured strength in the event of an accident.

if you do wish to add one, i would pay for a high quality one and a recommended professional installer...

or just fit aircon, with second hand parts it will likely be comparable in cost to a high quality sunroof fitted by a pro

[amarshall]

and most of them leak or have leaked in the past.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

or just fit aircon, with second hand parts it will likely be comparable in cost to a high quality sunroof fitted by a pro

Retro fit A/C is not an easy option I'm afraid.

It would significantly weaken the body to put one in, unless strengthening was added. This would result in increased flex, and more importantly reduce the structured strength in the event of an accident.

Not entirely true. Riviera models had sunroofs as standard factory fitment. So this would be the type to install (if possible).

But as Angus points out, unfortunately most aftermarket sunroofs tend to leak. Part of the problem with aftermarket glass removable sunroofs is that the glass panel is heavy and causes the roof and frame to flex in service which leads to frame leaks. My current Clan has an aftermarket glass sunroof (in a fibreglass roof) and is pisses water in.

I used to have a Clan with the much lighter Webasto (Leather Cloth) sunroof which was an OEM factory fitment and that one didn't leak. The main problem with Webastos is Hoolies with sharp tools and a warped sense of humour!

[robertverhey]

Mmmm not sure I concur....mine has never leaked (admittedly the fitter had to have two goes before he got it right, but it's been tight as a drum since then)

Having seen the thin panel of fibreglass that came out to make room for it, and the solid frame around the sunroof, I actually reckon it's probably strengthened the roof if anything....

But watch out if you're tall, it does reduce internal headroom a little. And it does suck in fumes if you're in traffic....nice on the open road on the right day, however.

My setup can be seen at http://members.optusnet.com.au/~robert. ... llery.html (scroll down about half way)

Retrofitting aircon would be a big big job, probably best to swap the whole "behind dash" area holus bolus, and you'd need all the under bonnet bits, condenser, double fans etc...

Basically you need to find someone who's removed their aircon and buy the whole shebang off them. I doubt if an aftermarket setup would do the job, there are even differences from the Supra from which most of it was sourced.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Robert

Yours looks like a posh one compared to others I've seen. My Clan one is a complete bag of sh*te.....

It still looks heavy though...but is it manual or electric?

And I see what you mean about the reduced head room.

[robertverhey]

Hi

Electric

This one

http://www.webasto.com.au/am/en/am_auto ... s_497.html

Cost around $A1000 fitted from memory

[AndyC]

I fitted one of the after-market ones in my first Excel, it had no air-con so that was a god way of cooling the inside a bit. I think it looked OK, but then I would, else I wouldn't have fitted it. Being a fir bit over 6' tall i did notice the reduced head-room, but not so much a problem as annoying when my hair was getting longer and so stood a bit taller and touched the ridge of the roof.

I do like the look of the slide ones, but I guess as then new Excel has air-con (not working) I just need to sort that.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Aha! Robert I see yours is a Webasto sunroof....quality!

From the photos it looks like a quality job and at about 580 Sterling fitted, it seem to be the way to go.

And I see from your link that they still do a fabric version too ....albeit an electric posh one.

[terry]

Mika where are you?

This is your subject!!

Terry

[fitz]

I must say that that sunroof looks of excellent quality and fitment!, I didn't think retro fitting aircon ridiculoulsly easy, but didn't realise it was that involved either! I stand corrected

[irishwolfhound]

lotus did offer a sunroof option mine has one so does craigs both 85 lc's mine doesnt leak at all. craig did contact the factory and at first they denied offering it as a option then admitted that it was,malcolm also said his 86 had a factory fitted sunroof third party but fitted at the factory prior to delivery according to the original owner. like the electric webasto though