Structural Changes between a models trim

[twospirits]

Brand/Model: Hyundai Santa Fe
Year: 2002
Trim level: GS, SE, LX

Question:
I was recently told that one cannot put in a sunroof into a vehicle (in this case a base model GS) because there is structural differences between the trims. I do not ever recall that a company would make structual changes between the trims as it comes down the assembly line.



Does anyone know if any company does make structural changes between the trim levels.

TS

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by twospirits

Does anyone know if any company does make structural changes between the trim levels.

TS

Absolutely.
I know Honda did it with the EF series Civic, and of course all the Type R model Integras and Civics had different structures made form different pressings.

Obviously it happens less and less these days, unless they can justify the cost of the tools vs any savings in manufacturing differences.

Is there a 2WD version of the Santa Fe? This may be made with a weaker body structure, as the saving in metal used could off set the cost of tooling up.

Like wise, adding a sun roof may require some structural changes to the roof. Again the cost of the extra metal used may justify useing different sets of tooling, and account for some differences in the body shell. This of course assumes a factory fitted sun roof in some models, but not others.

[twospirits]

So its possible that the dealership is actually telling the truth. Cool, thanks for the help.

So is it safe to say that if a user wants to put in a sunroof, most likely they can but jeopardizes the structural integrity of the vehicle.

TS

[Moppie]

I would be wary about trusting the word of a dealership.
They have one goal, making money.


The roof is usually a fairly major part of a vehicles structure. Any changes to it should be done carefully, and with the knowledge they will probably weaken it.
Even a relatively small hole for a sun roof can have a big impact. Although usually, even when an after market sunroof is fitted, some extra bracing is welded in around it.

Of course the only way to really find out, would be to take the different trim of vehicle apart and try and see what differences there are. But removing the headlining from any car is never fun.

[twospirits]

Actually the dealership is the one telling the owner that it can't be done. Which peaked my interest because my 2002 did not come with a sunroof and the dealer put on in. But then again, the model was an LX which does have a sunrrof as an option. The owner in question has a GS/base model and was told it can't have one installed (even aftermarket).

Well you learn something new each day. Thanks again.

TS out (giving the guy the bad news)

[KiwiBacon]

There is a very easy way to find out.

Pull the headliners from both vehicles and see if there are any structural differences.

I would expect there wouldn't be. Except in cases like Moppie pointed out of a high performance vs general consumption model.

[curtis73]

I've seen CRAZY differences in structure among the same car. A Toyota Echo is vastly different from the rear bulkhead back depending on whether or not you have fold down rear seats. Most of GM's intermeditate FWD cars are different depending on rear fold down seats, sunroof, even suspension trims. The FE3 and FE4 options in the 90s got extra panels welded in to stiffen the chassis around the front strut towers.

I agree with Bacon... pull the headliners and see. Its probably 50/50 as to whether or not its different, but there is a very good chance that it is.