fabric sunroof

[crowman]

Thinking of putting sunroof in my 1991 fiat 126 bis. Fabric fold back kind not plastic. Would it be a mistake? should I keep vehicle original? What does everyone think? Would appreciate everyone's opinion. 

[drcdb15]

The first point to consider is any structural consequences. If a sun roof was ever a factory-fit option then it will most likely be OK. If not, the next issue is what effect it might have on the insurance, in case it is *perceived* to jeopardise the structural integrity by the insurance company. Third point is, if it theoretically OK so far, where will you get one from? And next is, who will fit it?

I don't know any answers here, I'm just offering a check list to avoid getting half way through, with a big hole in the roof, and no Plan B to get it watertight ! 

[Yoshimisumi]

I've had similar thoughts, using 500 roof parts modified to fit. I spoke with a garage about it as I think it's beyond me and they said "anything is possible..."

An alternative is a webasto style roof which looks to have been done a fair few times, although another company I contacted said it's £1600 flat rate...

If you search for people fitting sunroofs into classic minis it may give you some inspiration - not necessarily what you're after but the BMW mini panoramic roofs seem to slot into them quite nicely.

What's the roof on a 126 deville like? Easiest would be to graft one in Shirley but rocking horses come to mind.


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[Bar Vitelli]

Hmmm...

I would stay standard. I've got factory fitted sunroofs on my cars, they look cool, are nice to use when the sun is out but rolling the side window down probably gives you as much benefit. When the sun is really hot it's almost better to have the sunroof up.

The price quoted to fit one is crazy. All the parts are easily available to buy for much less and whilst there is some work involved surely it can't be that hard. Assuming those chaps are charging say £25 a hour that would be over 60 hours work!

[drcdb15]

Assuming those chaps are charging say £25 a hour

I think you'll find that's Yorkshire rates  (seriously, a few years ago when I was part-based in the Glasgow area I got 3 quotes for exactly the same repair job on an X-type, and I got another 3 in the Sussex area. The Scottish prices were consistently £160-200, whilst Sussex was consistently £300-400).

Main dealer rates last time I looked were around £80-100/hour, and independents around half that - all plus VAT of course. So the rate is more likely to be about £45 + 20% = £54/hour. Plus some of the time fitting will be a 2-man job, so for that time (say 2 hours) that takes those 2 hours to over £100/hour. It soon eats into the total. Plus parts, plus shipping, plus finishing...

Not defending the quoted price as I have no idea of the parts costs, but there is also risk when doing major body surgery like this - if it all goes wrong it could lead to very major remedial costs. A prudent workshop will add a premium to help protect itself from that risk.

[Bar Vitelli]

Well, in Yorkshire you could buy a sun room for that price...if only it would stop raining! 

[drcdb15]

Well, in Yorkshire you could buy a sun room for that price...if only it would stop raining! 

As an avid fan of Heartbeat (There! I've said it !!), I notice that it *does* seem to rain a lot there, though I have to say in my own experience of the county I've always found it generally most pleasant weather-wise - apart from recent years in York where we've had more than a few flash floods of spectacular proportions. Glad to see the Tadcaster Bridge is up and running again now. 

[Yoshimisumi]

For a little extra info the £1600 was a webasto or the like dealer specialist and their price for doing an mgbgt. I think that's the smallest they make but could be wrong. And I struggled to contain my laughter before ending the phone call.

I initially thought you'd be able to buy a pattern roof skin and transplant it in but they don't seem available, although as I said a classic fiat restorer said they could make 500 parts fit which are available!


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[thepuddlejumper]

I fitted a part new roof from a vw car, can't remember which though, to have a steel sunroof. It was fairly easy to fit. I did put up some progress photos, I will see if I can find a link.

Found the thread

http://club126uk.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3975.msg32444#msg32444

Hope this helps

Ralph

[Yoshimisumi]

I fitted a part new roof from a vw car, can't remember which though, to have a steel sunroof. It was fairly easy to fit. I did put up some progress photos, I will see if I can find a link.

Found the thread

http://club126uk.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3975.msg32444#msg32444

Hope this helps

Ralph

The pictures aren't working but reading through it sounds like a great solution, thanks.

[thepuddlejumper]

Hi, I'll see if I can find a copy and post them.

Ralph