View Full Version : "How To" Sunroof Install


SmartAss
10-25-2004, 07:48 PM
Here you go guys its a "How To" Installing a sunroof. Im going to be doing many of these and next will be and alarm/remotestart/keyless on the xB.

If you in the Hampton Roads area in Virginia hit me up. I do tons of modifications from Airride, Fiberglass interiors, Security/Audio/Video, Vinyl Graffics, Body/Paint, Anything..... I will be starting a new custom shop in Atco NJ 2 miles from Atco Raceway in a few months.

Links to my other work ... http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/659424/1
(Please check out all the pics)

Any other questions

AIM: O0oSmartAsso0O
E-Mail: O0oSmartAsso0O@cox.net

Ok lets start by saying... I am not responsible for anything by posting this all info is provided as a "use at your own risk basis". Also if you dont know hot to remove or cant figure out how to remove the interior pieces and headliner DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS you will not make it threw it all.

Tools
Skill Saw/Jig Saw w/ GOOD metal blades
Drill /unibit
Small stick/spreader to remove excess sealant.
Also tools for removing interior panels.

TWO PERSON JOB!!

Sunroof used: Webasto Hollandia 312L Power Spoiler Sunroof

Step 1. Use the templet in the sunroof package and measure it all the way around, make sure you are perfectly squared or it will look like crap.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_71_full.jpg

Step 2. Tape the templet down. Use about 3 layers all the way around so the saw wont scratch the paint anywhere.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_72_full.jpg

Step 3. Start Cutting Be very careful (Also not DO NOT remove headliner yet it needs to be cut along with the roof.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_73_full.jpg

Step 4. As you cut it you need to put little carboard pieces along the edges to lift the metal up as you cut, it helps out and should come with the sunroof kit. When your dont you have a nice hole. Also notice the sunroof box was taped to my headliner to catch all the crap from falling into the car.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_74_full.jpg

Step 5. (The big step)Remove all the tape from the top. Remove the headliner. Its best to remove the entire support beams going across the roof they are very simple to remove by just moving them back and forth till it snaps out. Heres where the second person is good. You put the sealant around the sunroof provided in the sunroof kit and have one person sit in the car with their hands threw the hole. Place the sunroof on the second persons hands and help guide them down from the inside of the car. I could take pics I was holding the sunroof. (ALSO MAKE SURE THE MOTOR IS FORWARD) Here it is in and set.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_75_full.jpg

Step 6. Now push it down from the top around all the edges and clean excess sealant off with a small spreader/ stick that is PLASTIC. Dont scratch it up with metal.

Step 7. Run your wires (ground/ignition) I ran mine straight forward and down the drivers side pillar and sent the power wire right to the ignition switch under the steering wheel.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_80_full.jpg

Step 8. Open it up and clean up very well. There will be tons of metal flakes in the car and outside the car and could cuase rusting. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN also LIFT UP THE WIPERS AND CLEAN. Alot of winshields are messed up becuase people forget that.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/sunroof_install_xb/659424_76_full.jpg


Looks really nice. Now reffer to the next "How To" to re-wrap headliner.


I am also putting a ragtop in behind that sunroof to get rid of the ridges on the roof.

Heres the link to the "How To" Headliner Re-Wrap
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=343939#343939

DJ_X_Trodinaire
10-25-2004, 07:55 PM
nice tutorial Smartass!

Ashe_WCM
10-25-2004, 07:56 PM
Looks Great!
Makes me want to add one to My car :)

Kaeon
10-25-2004, 07:59 PM
Damn nice!

TJandBOXCARWILLIE
10-25-2004, 08:05 PM
Nice! Does the car shake or anything after this is done? I have heard that the aftermarket sun roofs for the xB cause the car to shake while driving over 55 and also some wind noise.

What's your report on that?

SmartAss
10-25-2004, 08:33 PM
Nice! Does the car shake or anything after this is done? I have heard that the aftermarket sun roofs for the xB cause the car to shake while driving over 55 and also some wind noise.

What's your report on that?


Absolutely not. The sunroof is more structurely stronger then that thin ___ beam that was going across this is becuase you have a small 3 inch wide bean that went all the way across. Now you have a 18" long by 30" wide piece in there which supports much stronger then the little ___ beam.

Also if anyone notices that beam is only connected at the edges and the beam is about 3 pieces of paper thin.


I get that alot when doing these and all of them I have done it in has had no problems with that. I cant really explain it better.


I drove 400 mile from Virginia to NC and back.
I drove 800 miles from Virginia to Atlantic City NJ.

Both at about 80mph the entire way and no wobble or shaking all and all it was very strong with it open or closed.

hotbox05
10-25-2004, 08:40 PM
what about a sliding glass roof or a rag top install?

SmartAss
10-25-2004, 08:45 PM
what about a sliding glass roof or a rag top install?

They are about the same and I will be putting the rag top behind my sunroof later this month. Just deciding what to buy first becuase I need my rim, airride, navigation, and all my other junk too.

BLeeK
10-26-2004, 03:28 PM
Looks Great!
Makes me want to add one to My car :)

:D

BUniqueXB
10-31-2004, 02:36 AM
Where did you purchase this sunroof from? :)

SmartAss
10-31-2004, 06:20 AM
I get them threw the warehouse at my buisness. You can find some online. Some sunroofing places in your local area will sell them uninstalled.

Minsk99
10-31-2004, 07:18 AM
Good writeup. Thanks.

camo-bB
11-01-2004, 02:42 PM
I get them threw the warehouse at my buisness. You can find some online. Some sunroofing places in your local area will sell them uninstalled.

Is there someone you can point me to that will sell me one? I've been calling around and no one will sell them uninstalled, and I've been trying to find a retailer or whole saler on line, but have had no luck. I guess they make their money on the install, but I don't let anyone else touch my cars except me. Thanks. That's a great write up.

Fujiz_xb
11-01-2004, 02:55 PM
question..once you cut..can you cover it back if yu change your mind?

im thinking nO..but i figured i ask.

scionara
11-01-2004, 03:06 PM
Cool DIY documentation. I can't wait to see the ragtop DIY project.

Awesome job dude!.

hotbox05
11-01-2004, 08:27 PM
i want either a ragtop or a large sliding glass roof. but i've heard of buckled / curved roofs after the install.

Fujiz_xb
11-01-2004, 08:31 PM
i want either a ragtop or a large sliding glass roof. but i've heard of buckled / curved roofs after the install.

pics?

i have panoramic moonroof..mine is fine

SmartAss
11-02-2004, 01:57 AM
Im not sure where you can get them uninstalled. I would contact webasto them selves and ask for a company they sell to th at would sel them uninstalled. Im sure they can tell you.

superjeer
11-02-2004, 03:13 PM
I heard there's a shop opening in NJ that might be able to sell them uninstalled.

:lol:

SmartAss
11-03-2004, 01:46 AM
I heard there's a shop opening in NJ that might be able to sell them uninstalled.

:lol:


LOL and then that person will let you use my shop to install it and have some help for a small fee. :) Either that or buy a alarm/remotestart/keyless from me.

hotbox05
11-03-2004, 04:23 AM
I heard there's a shop opening in NJ that might be able to sell them uninstalled.

:lol:


LOL and then that person will let you use my shop to install it and have some help for a small fee. :) Either that or buy a alarm/remotestart/keyless from me.
hey man i'd go to va to do it . lol i need a good alarm anyways. and remote start would be nice.

BoomBox757
11-04-2004, 11:46 PM
I heard there's a shop opening in NJ that might be able to sell them uninstalled.

:lol:


LOL and then that person will let you use my shop to install it and have some help for a small fee. :) Either that or buy a alarm/remotestart/keyless from me.
hey man i'd go to va to do it . lol i need a good alarm anyways. and remote start would be nice.

Naw hes too busy now, wait for that awesome new shop to open in NJ :D

humpty111
11-11-2004, 03:20 AM
http://www.inalfasunroofs.com/contact.html


Sunroof Manufacturer and dealer you have to call them to find out which sunroof will fit best plus they sell ragtops too my friend bought one from them for his bug he put it in himself.


Have fun :D

hotbox05
11-11-2004, 07:27 AM
I heard there's a shop opening in NJ that might be able to sell them uninstalled.

:lol:


LOL and then that person will let you use my shop to install it and have some help for a small fee. :) Either that or buy a alarm/remotestart/keyless from me.
hey man i'd go to va to do it . lol i need a good alarm anyways. and remote start would be nice.

Naw hes too busy now, wait for that awesome new shop to open in NJ :D
dont matter im in ca so it's not gonna happen soon. lol

Matthews_Lewis_Racing6226
01-28-2008, 11:28 AM
nice job on the sunroof on the xb.....im too scared to do that...

swartzautoman
02-21-2008, 02:27 AM
crap.....thats what happened to my car!!!!!
i should go tell her im sorry

KY05XB
09-26-2009, 05:05 AM
Anyone selling sunroofs by now?