Sunroof/Moonroof what do you think???

[papasmith]

Okay, I am looking at this gorgeous 1999 Aurora. Extra Low Mileage, not a defect on her that I can see. Only thing is, she doesn't have a moonroof/sunroof. If I found a moonroof/sunroof off of a junker, how hard or expensive would it be to put in. Or, should I wait with the hopes of finding another one in the awesome condition this one is in the right color that already has one.

Thanks

[KJH]

It would be a huge endeavor to install the factory sunroof in an Aurora that came from the factory without one. Imagine doing yourself (or paying someone to) cut the roof and headliner install the new one, hook-up the wiring harness for the sunroof, fix the leaks, etc. Lots of work no matter how you look at it. You can purchase an aftermarket sunroof but I doubt that you would find one as good as the original.

Good luck!

[treeboy38]

Just buy the car and live without a sunroof.

[papasmith]

However, the work that you have described doesn't sound too bad. I have seen others describing "do it yourself fixes for mechanical problems" here that sound a lot more involved. Making a good template and care would ensure an accurate cutout of the place for the sunroof. As far as leaks, if the area is cut out properly, a good automotive sealent would do the trick. There is a good possiblility that the wiring harness may already be there or at least the plug for this accessory. This would be a problem, though not insurmoutable, if it is not. My big problem would be with not messing up the headliner and bending the sheetmetal of the roof. Also, I wonder if there is some kind of additional brace in the roof structure. Thanks again. If you hear of anything else that would apply to this, let me know.

[The Rebel]

I would tell you to NOT do the install as this has problems with leaks. The factory install is the best way to go, as this is work is done while the car is being built from the ground up.

[OldsAuroraMan1]

There's more than a hole in the roof and wiring harness involved. The wiring harness may very well not be in the car. A special map light unit which has a switch in the middle of the lights is used in the Aurora's with a sunroof. Also, the headliner is different as well. I would say no way to installing an aftermarket unit. Forget the sunroof or forget this car. It will be a huge task to make a sunroof installation look like factory.

[rodtice]

Do you live where it freezes? If you have a sunroof GM recommends NOT to open it below freezing temps. If it freezes shut it will ruin the cable (plastic crap) that actually moves the roof. My dealer (the original Rydell Grand Forks ND) says GM won't send any sunroofs here unless they are specifically ordered because of all the warranty claims.

My brother has an Eldorado that the cable is stripped on and it barely works in the summer.

[rodtice]

Oh aftermarket sunroofs are notorious for leaking, and to translplant an OEM roof will cost you I'm guessing $1000, it will involve LOTS of labor.

[OldsAuroraMan1]

Rod:

Thanks for the info on the plastic cable! Had no idea on that one. I have always disconnected the power antenna in the "UP" position once temps start getting below the 40 degree mark. They too have a plastic cable and to replace the antenna is over $100 just doing it yourself.

[papasmith]

Thanks to all for your input. What really convinced me is a mention that the headliner is different for the cars with sunroofs. I didn't realize that. Too Bad. I would have really like to have this car.

[rodtice]

I feel your pain man, I too wanted the sunroof. My car just had too much going for it to not get it due to lack of sunroof.

Low milage, excellent condition, great price. Maybe next time.

Not have a sunroof is just a minor inconvenience, I'd rather have a low milage mechanically sound asthetically pleasing car without sunroof rather than a high milage car that will statistically be more problematic with a sunroof. Sunroofs are optional the car is still excellent w/o, engines/transmissions electronics are mandatory.