Sunroof alternatives

[Jimski]

I have a 70 sunroof microbus that I imported from South Africa. It was given a westy roof at some point but that is knackered and so I have removed it. I have been trying to find the bits for an original sliding steel sunroof for ages. As you probably know they are pretty rare things so I have all but given up on this approach.

This leaves me with a large hole in my roof and I would appreciate any advice on the bast way to deal with this!

The options so far:

Paris Beetles sun roof - looks good but will it leak and be fairy noisy?
Roof cut - assume its lots of work to fit a new tiptop.
Weld, screw or rivet a plate over the hole - I worry this will look rubbish and will be hard to get to look right

BTW - I don't want a pop top

Anyone done something similar?

All advice gratefully received!

Many Thanks

Jim

 

[Davydomes]

Not sure if this will help

http://www.bbt4vw.com/en/catalogue/2-interior%20/5-headliner-clothing-and-sunvisors%20/sliding-roof-parts-type-2-vw-sunroofs-xview-2-05-/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[gvee]

Have a look at SparkyWig's build thread.
His used to have a Paris sunroof and he's swapped a full tin roof on. Lots of effort involved, but doable.

Or as a fourth option:
Sell the van and buy a tintop.

 

[*Sam*]

Have you contacted someone like MJC or FBI, I'm sure they would be able source what you need from the states

 

[Jimski]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have tried quite a few places and while a lot is available it seems some parts are really difficult.

Thanks to this forum I now may be able to get the metal sunroof piece which is a big step forward (thanks Simon) but does anyone know if I could somehow wedge it shut until I gather all the bits?

Keen to keep on using the bus as I do believe we should drive them every day!

I also need to properly double check all the drain tubes are in place or this may be a non starter.

Unless I screw a bit of marine ply over the hole for the winter!?

 

[Nugsy]

The cables and white plastics parts (with the exception of the cog cover), handle and a few other bits are available from EIS in the states. A few places here do them but the proce mark-up is a fair wack

http://www.eisparts.com/BCP/Sunroof+Parts.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.customandcommercial.com/vw-baywindow/pop_top_parts--and--sunroof_parts/sunroof_parts/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A few guys on the samba breaking sunroof bus's will also be able to help

I have all the bits but waiting for some welding work before I install it. In the mean time I removed the sliding inner panel, cleared all the drain holes, and just use the main section to slide back and forth. When its shut a wooden block in the back end where the lifters are is enough to hold it in place and stop it being opened from the outside

Hope this helps

 

[Jimski]

thanks again guys.

So it looks like its gonna be far too expensive to sort a proper sunroof and bits

I think I'm going to go for the Paris sunroof option.

Roll on next summer!

 

[sparkywig]

The options so far:

Paris Beetles sun roof - looks good but will it leak and be fairy noisy?
Roof cut - assume its lots of work to fit a new tiptop.
Weld, screw or rivet a plate over the hole - I worry this will look rubbish and will be hard to get to look right

Have a look at SparkyWig's build thread.
His used to have a Paris sunroof and he's swapped a full tin roof on. Lots of effort involved, but doable.

I've had experience of all 3 in a slightly different order.
A previous owner had swapped the Dormobile roof for a sheet of perspex. Don't do this please.
Paris Sunroofs are fine, had no issues with mine until after 6 years. Although it had been previously fitted to a split bus for quite a while.
There not noisy or leak like people think, but the stitching had weathered on mine and started to let water in.
And I've done the roof twice now.....

 

[68_early_bay]

Gadget (dean) was selling some sunroof bits? On the earlybay Facebook page the other day I think ?

 

[neilswheels]

I've been tinkering with my bus re sunroof. Bit like yours, mine was a westy, but when i bought it, it had been gutted, no pop top, plus I liked the idea of a sunroof. First thing you need to check, are there drain tubes? Mine didn't have them, and its take 3 days to get them in, involving holes in the roof. If you have them, the rest is findable, and reasonably priced, apart from the cables, which are ridiculous. There's an awfull lot of bits you'll need tho', it wont be quick to get them, even if you do have pots of cash. Its a bit of a mission to be honest, you really have to want it. Good luck.