XJ people with a sunroof

bbaCJ8 · 01-30-2005, 05:15 PM

Anybody got a sunroof on their XJ, either factory or aftermarket? I've always wanted a vehicle with one, and I snagged one out of a junkyard for $5. I'm hoping to put it on this summer, if I can get it to work right. I've heard any aftermarket sunroof will leak, but if I can get it to seal up pretty well it'll be good enough. RTV is your friend. I won't be doing it for a while, but I'm just trying to get some input on where they usually go on XJs. Looks like there may be a bit of a problem with the light getting in the way, and if I take the light out there's a big hole in the headliner. I would put it where the hole would be, but there's a structural beam right there. I'm not sure yet if the roofline curves too much in front to put it in front of the light, so I wanna see where others are mounted. Here's my idea so far....
Inside:

Outside:

I realize the ridges in the roof will present a problem, but I figure I can flatten em right where the bracket will mount. Pretty flat with lots of RTV should work well enough.
So anybody got any advice or pics preferably?

ClassicXJ · 01-30-2005, 05:24 PM

I got a sunroof outta an XJ on ebay a couple years ago and it is still sitting in my garage collecting dust. None of the sunroof shops in town would touch it; they all said it would leak a ton. If you find a way to do it then let me know. Maybe I can get up the nerve to cut a hole in my roof.

bbaCJ8 · 01-30-2005, 05:27 PM

Does yours have the ribs built into the bracket? I know some have had that.
The places probably didn't wanna do it cuz of the ribs. Most people wouldn't want somebody to just pound on their roof with a hammer and sh1t. Or maybe they just didn't wanna do it unless you bought the sunroof from them too

ClassicXJ · 01-30-2005, 05:31 PM

I haven't even thought about the sunroof in the garage for a year or so. I would have ot look at it to see exactly what it conatins and what the design is like.

What did you pull yours out of?

diesel298 · 01-30-2005, 06:52 PM

sawzall and rtv.. how can ya go wrong?

hwm3 · 01-30-2005, 07:11 PM

I've always heard that they leak pretty bad on a rig that gets wheeled.

diesel298 · 01-30-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hwm3:
I've always heard that they leak pretty bad on a rig that gets wheeled.

that would make sence

98XJDMB · 01-30-2005, 07:22 PM

cut out a bigger hole, place in flat sheet metal, mount sunroof in sheet metal, seal sunroof onto sheet metal, weld to roof, grind and paint

diesel298 · 01-30-2005, 07:24 PM

cut off top.. install roll cage..
problem solved

[ January 30, 2005, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: diesel298 ]

hwm3 · 01-30-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by diesel298:
cut off top.. install roll cage..
problem solved

Now that's a plan. [img]icon_smile_wink.gif[/img]

diesel298 · 01-30-2005, 07:29 PM

gotta love the open air

Sir Sam · 01-30-2005, 07:36 PM

a friend of mine once had one installed on his 98 classic....very interest sunroof...

not only could it vent....but it could retract...and it had a shade....nice little thing...actually made the headliner sit about 2 inches lower...but still..

very cool little design....

bbaCJ8 · 01-30-2005, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hwm3:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by diesel298:
cut off top.. install roll cage..
problem solved

Now that's a plan. [img]icon_smile_wink.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]That's likely in the future, but not anytime soon. For now I'm hoping to just go with the sunroof

Quote:

Originally posted by ClassicXJ:
What did you pull yours out of?

It was in a Ranger, but it's definitely made to be universal. I saw a few others like it in the yard, but this one was in best shape and easiest to get to. Plus for $5 I'm not too worried if it doesn't work

Logans96ZJ · 01-30-2005, 07:56 PM

Role Down the Windows

Sunroofs are for Girls

hwm3 · 01-30-2005, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Logans96ZJ:
Role Down the Windows

Sunroofs are for Girls

[img]graemlins/rotflmao.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/grinyes.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rotflmao.gif[/img]

bbaCJ8 · 01-30-2005, 07:58 PM

Well then I guess the ladies are gonna love my Jeep

diesel298 · 01-30-2005, 08:01 PM

i wonder if i can put a sunroof in my hard top?

ClassicXJ · 01-30-2005, 08:08 PM

I've seen CJ's with sunroofs in their hardtop

Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com · 01-30-2005, 08:10 PM

just remember, if it DOESN'T work, your next step is choppin the top off.

ClassicXJ · 01-30-2005, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 98XJDMB:
cut out a bigger hole, place in flat sheet metal, mount sunroof in sheet metal, seal sunroof onto sheet metal, weld to roof, grind and paint

Ya okay Dave... you bring your XJ over to my house and we'll put that theory to test. I'll even throw in the sunroof

[img]graemlins/icon_beerchug.gif[/img]

[ January 30, 2005, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: ClassicXJ ]

bbaCJ8 · 01-30-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ClassicXJ:
I've seen CJ's with sunroofs in their hardtop

I've got a friend with one in his YJ. Pretty cool

[ January 30, 2005, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: bbaXJ ]

emrah · 01-30-2005, 08:18 PM

I've had one in my '97 since a few months after I bought it. It was installed by Ziebart (it's a chain, but they might not have stores where you are???)

It hasn't ever leaked. Doesn't get wheeled every weekend anymore, but it used to and held up really well. You have to make sure to keep the rubber seal "maintained", meaning some WD-40 every once in a while to keep the seal "inflated"

As for the seal itself, I think on mine it just cuts straight across the ribs on the roof. Not sure how the actual mount is though.

Emrah

bbaCJ8 · 01-30-2005, 08:29 PM

Any chance you could get some pics for me? The more the better

diesel298 · 01-30-2005, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ClassicXJ:
I've seen CJ's with sunroofs in their hardtop

yeah ive seen them before..

Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com · 01-30-2005, 08:36 PM

if you want to do it right, get the roof skin off an XJ w/ a factory sunroof.

on them, the ribbing stops at the b pillar.

h_2_o · 01-30-2005, 09:07 PM

bbaXJ: 2 suggestions for you. first look in your area for a place that can make custom gaskets and get an overlythick one made to try and prevent any type of leaking. the next suggestion would be to call a speed shop and see if they have any high speed silicone sealant. I've seen some guys use it on amature race cars and it is amazing what it will hold up to. If you can get both and combine the two my guess is you would have a pretty good chanch of a diy that wont leak.

XJ Fanatic · 01-30-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com:
if you want to do it right, get the roof skin off an XJ w/ a factory sunroof.

on them, the ribbing stops at the b pillar.

and they still leak eh ryan?

98XJDMB · 01-30-2005, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ClassicXJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by 98XJDMB:
cut out a bigger hole, place in flat sheet metal, mount sunroof in sheet metal, seal sunroof onto sheet metal, weld to roof, grind and paint

Ya okay Dave... you bring your XJ over to my house and we'll put that theory to test. I'll even throw in the sunroof

[img]graemlins/icon_beerchug.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]yeah, sure ryan.. your second welding test

ClassicXJ · 01-31-2005, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 98XJDMB:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by ClassicXJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by 98XJDMB:
cut out a bigger hole, place in flat sheet metal, mount sunroof in sheet metal, seal sunroof onto sheet metal, weld to roof, grind and paint

Ya okay Dave... you bring your XJ over to my house and we'll put that theory to test. I'll even throw in the sunroof

[img]graemlins/icon_beerchug.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]yeah, sure ryan.. your second welding test [/QUOTE]maybe we'll let Jeremy weld that one
[img]icon_smile_big.gif[/img]

Wackodrumr · 01-31-2005, 07:42 AM

I got's me a sunroof in my XJ. From the pics you showed; compared to my jeep it looks as if they moved the dome light about 6" back. It sits more in the back than it does in the front. It's really sweet in the summer. I'll get some pics today and show you how the factory set it up.

[ January 31, 2005, 07:43 AM: Message edited by: Wackodrumr ]

Arkie, M.D. · 02-07-2005, 06:52 PM

BBA,

looks like XJeep88 has a sunroof, may want to have him take some measurements for you... [img]icon_smile_wink.gif[/img]

6DoF · 02-07-2005, 07:03 PM

where you held it up looks good, as you screw it down it will bend the skirt to your roofline or vise versa. and like ya said....rtv, rtv, rtv. how can it leak with 2 tubes of rtv on it?

as for the sunroof on a hardtop, i'd have one but i sold the hardtop....still have the sunroof though. hmm, maybe i should put it in the softtop [img]graemlins/iono.gif[/img]

Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com · 02-07-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by XJ Fanatic:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com:
if you want to do it right, get the roof skin off an XJ w/ a factory sunroof.

on them, the ribbing stops at the b pillar.

and they still leak eh ryan? [/QUOTE]I spent MORE trying to make that hole in my roof stop leaking than I did on the entire Cheep...

Including purchase price and EVERY SINGLE part I EVER bought for it.

sunroof = indian word for "hole in roof that stupid white man throws money through"

bernie · 02-07-2005, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com:

sunroof = indian word for "hole in roof that stupid white man throws money through"

[img]graemlins/rotflmao.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/icon_beerchug.gif[/img]

bbaCJ8 · 02-07-2005, 08:20 PM

Was it really that much of a problem? I don't see why it would leak THAT bad

01-30-2005, 05:15 PM	#1
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,925	Anybody got a sunroof on their XJ, either factory or aftermarket? I've always wanted a vehicle with one, and I snagged one out of a junkyard for $5. I'm hoping to put it on this summer, if I can get it to work right. I've heard any aftermarket sunroof will leak, but if I can get it to seal up pretty well it'll be good enough. RTV is your friend. I won't be doing it for a while, but I'm just trying to get some input on where they usually go on XJs. Looks like there may be a bit of a problem with the light getting in the way, and if I take the light out there's a big hole in the headliner. I would put it where the hole would be, but there's a structural beam right there. I'm not sure yet if the roofline curves too much in front to put it in front of the light, so I wanna see where others are mounted. Here's my idea so far.... Inside: Outside: I realize the ridges in the roof will present a problem, but I figure I can flatten em right where the bracket will mount. Pretty flat with lots of RTV should work well enough. So anybody got any advice or pics preferably? __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.

01-30-2005, 05:24 PM	#2
ClassicXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Agawam, MA Posts: 361	I got a sunroof outta an XJ on ebay a couple years ago and it is still sitting in my garage collecting dust. None of the sunroof shops in town would touch it; they all said it would leak a ton. If you find a way to do it then let me know. Maybe I can get up the nerve to cut a hole in my roof. __________________ 98 Cherokee Classic: lift, lockers, winch etc 02 Wrangler Sport: 2" BB with 31" MT's

01-30-2005, 05:27 PM	#3
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,925	Does yours have the ribs built into the bracket? I know some have had that. The places probably didn't wanna do it cuz of the ribs. Most people wouldn't want somebody to just pound on their roof with a hammer and sh1t. Or maybe they just didn't wanna do it unless you bought the sunroof from them too __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.

01-30-2005, 05:31 PM	#4
ClassicXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Agawam, MA Posts: 361	I haven't even thought about the sunroof in the garage for a year or so. I would have ot look at it to see exactly what it conatins and what the design is like. What did you pull yours out of? __________________ 98 Cherokee Classic: lift, lockers, winch etc 02 Wrangler Sport: 2" BB with 31" MT's

01-30-2005, 06:52 PM	#5
diesel298 98 Feet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: somewhere in new england Posts: 22,775	sawzall and rtv.. how can ya go wrong? __________________ at some point in time in a women's life they are destined to have intelligent dna in their system, unfortunately 95% of them spit it out.... :zjwrekkr WXC Points = 59

01-30-2005, 07:11 PM	#6
hwm3 Trail Guide Join Date: May 2003 Location: Russellville, AR Posts: 4,748	I've always heard that they leak pretty bad on a rig that gets wheeled.

01-30-2005, 07:22 PM	#8
98XJDMB Trail Guide Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: cleveland, Ohio Posts: 4,027	cut out a bigger hole, place in flat sheet metal, mount sunroof in sheet metal, seal sunroof onto sheet metal, weld to roof, grind and paint __________________ -Dave '08 JKU Sahara, Dark Green, Bone Stock Old and Gone: 98 XJ Red, 3" OME lift, 31" All-Terrains, RE H&T SYE, H.A.D. Driveshaft, JKS Discos, JKS trackbar

01-30-2005, 07:24 PM	#9
diesel298 98 Feet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: somewhere in new england Posts: 22,775	cut off top.. install roll cage.. problem solved [ January 30, 2005, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: diesel298 ] __________________ at some point in time in a women's life they are destined to have intelligent dna in their system, unfortunately 95% of them spit it out.... :zjwrekkr WXC Points = 59

01-30-2005, 07:29 PM	#11
diesel298 98 Feet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: somewhere in new england Posts: 22,775	gotta love the open air __________________ at some point in time in a women's life they are destined to have intelligent dna in their system, unfortunately 95% of them spit it out.... :zjwrekkr WXC Points = 59

01-30-2005, 07:36 PM	#12
Sir Sam Working Mother Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Colorado Baby! Posts: 14,974	a friend of mine once had one installed on his 98 classic....very interest sunroof... not only could it vent....but it could retract...and it had a shade....nice little thing...actually made the headliner sit about 2 inches lower...but still.. very cool little design.... __________________ "Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep." "Nolite id cogere, cape malleum majorem." "Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, should see."

01-30-2005, 07:56 PM	#14
Logans96ZJ Trail Guide Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Redding, California Posts: 433	Role Down the Windows Sunroofs are for Girls __________________ "Save a Hummer Drive a Jeep" "Lift it and Fat Chicks Can't Jump In"

01-30-2005, 07:58 PM	#16
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,925	Well then I guess the ladies are gonna love my Jeep __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.

01-30-2005, 08:01 PM	#17
diesel298 98 Feet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: somewhere in new england Posts: 22,775	i wonder if i can put a sunroof in my hard top? __________________ at some point in time in a women's life they are destined to have intelligent dna in their system, unfortunately 95% of them spit it out.... :zjwrekkr WXC Points = 59

01-30-2005, 08:08 PM	#18
ClassicXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Agawam, MA Posts: 361	I've seen CJ's with sunroofs in their hardtop __________________ 98 Cherokee Classic: lift, lockers, winch etc 02 Wrangler Sport: 2" BB with 31" MT's

01-30-2005, 08:10 PM	#19
Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com BANNED! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 14,931	just remember, if it DOESN'T work, your next step is choppin the top off. __________________ "The law “requires” a signature on the bottom of a tax filing; yet no one can say truthfully that they understand what they are signing; if that’s not “duress” than what is? If this is not the measure of a totalitarian regime, nothing is!" -Joe Stack

01-30-2005, 08:18 PM	#22
emrah Jeeper Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 58	I've had one in my '97 since a few months after I bought it. It was installed by Ziebart (it's a chain, but they might not have stores where you are???) It hasn't ever leaked. Doesn't get wheeled every weekend anymore, but it used to and held up really well. You have to make sure to keep the rubber seal "maintained", meaning some WD-40 every once in a while to keep the seal "inflated" As for the seal itself, I think on mine it just cuts straight across the ribs on the roof. Not sure how the actual mount is though. Emrah

01-30-2005, 08:29 PM	#23
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,925	Any chance you could get some pics for me? The more the better __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.

01-30-2005, 08:36 PM	#25
Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com BANNED! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 14,931	if you want to do it right, get the roof skin off an XJ w/ a factory sunroof. on them, the ribbing stops at the b pillar. __________________ "The law “requires” a signature on the bottom of a tax filing; yet no one can say truthfully that they understand what they are signing; if that’s not “duress” than what is? If this is not the measure of a totalitarian regime, nothing is!" -Joe Stack

01-30-2005, 09:07 PM	#26
h_2_o Trail Guide Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 8,437	bbaXJ: 2 suggestions for you. first look in your area for a place that can make custom gaskets and get an overlythick one made to try and prevent any type of leaking. the next suggestion would be to call a speed shop and see if they have any high speed silicone sealant. I've seen some guys use it on amature race cars and it is amazing what it will hold up to. If you can get both and combine the two my guess is you would have a pretty good chanch of a diy that wont leak. __________________ Brock Samson "So, uh, what are you trying to tell me here, little man? That you don't like Zepp?"

01-31-2005, 07:42 AM	#30
Wackodrumr Trail Guide Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KY Posts: 2,938	I got's me a sunroof in my XJ. From the pics you showed; compared to my jeep it looks as if they moved the dome light about 6" back. It sits more in the back than it does in the front. It's really sweet in the summer. I'll get some pics today and show you how the factory set it up. [ January 31, 2005, 07:43 AM: Message edited by: Wackodrumr ] __________________ -Mr. Smiles

02-07-2005, 06:52 PM	#31
Arkie, M.D. - Jr Doc Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 16,267	BBA, looks like XJeep88 has a sunroof, may want to have him take some measurements for you... [img]icon_smile_wink.gif[/img] __________________ ☤+☭=☠ ✯Liberty or Death✯

02-07-2005, 08:20 PM	#35
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,925	Was it really that much of a problem? I don't see why it would leak THAT bad __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.