Who doesn't dream of installing a sunroof for their car? It is a stylish addition to your car and roof decoration. And to install the hatch, it is not at all necessary to go to a car service.
The sunroof of the car has long ceased to be a luxury. It is indispensable for hunters if you need to shoot on the go. It is also appreciated by adventurers who love to fly into the wind on their travels. The presence of a hatch in the summer heat saves from stuffiness in the car, and it does not in any way affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the car.
Which hatch to choose
Car sunroofs can be classified according to a number of characteristics. The primary role is played by the type of opening mechanism. The most practical are those with an electromechanical drive, but they are more expensive than mechanical ones that can be opened by hand. By the type of material, hatches can be divided into metal, glass and with a screen made of moisture-proof cloth. In addition, hatches can differ in the type of opening. Lift hatches raise the rear and cannot be used on vehicles with a roof rack. Sliding hatches open fully, but often require water drainage channels. There are also lift-and-slide mechanisms, their design is considered the most original.
Installation of a sunroof on a car roof
The easiest way to install a sunroof is to cut it into the roof. No matter how obvious this statement may seem, but some hatches may require more serious intervention in the design: sometimes it is easier to weld the hatch along with a part of the roof than to move it to a new car. A competent choice of a hatch can save you from these hassles: the device must be completely suitable for a particular car brand.
To start the installation, you need a hatch template: a piece of cardboard or plastic that exactly repeats the installation shape of the product. Marking is made according to the template, after which a hole is cut in the roof. To do this, do not use angle grinders with a cut-off wheel, as the hot abrasive will spoil the paint and can lead to a fire in the upholstery. You need to drill a hole in the roof and carefully cut out the outline with a jigsaw. In order not to damage the paint, you need to use special overlays for a jigsaw, or put thick cardboard on the roof.
The upholstery will interfere with the jigsaw. You don't need to take it off yet, but you need someone to pull the soft cover down. After the hole in the roof has been cut, you need to make a hole in the upholstery, which should be 1 centimeter larger on all sides than the hole in the metal. This is done so that the hatch frame is attached to the metal base. After both holes have been made, the trim must be removed.
The edge of the opening is filed and painted over to avoid the development of corrosion. A small layer of silicone or rubber sealant should be applied to the top surface of the perimeter roof and the sunroof should be reinstalled. From the bottom side, it is attracted by the metal frame that comes with the kit. The electric drive, wiring and other related elements are placed in the most convenient place. The roof sheathing can then be replaced and the decorative trim installed.
