installing sunroof
 

ok guys, here is a question I haven't seen posted before. When I got my Pro5 it was supposed to be silver with a sunroof, when it came in, it was a red 2002.5 no sunroof. I didn't want to wait for another one so I took it. A part of the deal for the dealerships screw-up, they lowered the price and said if I want, they will have a Mazda factory sunroof professionally installed to look just like the factory one. All switches and everything. Backed by the Mazda warrenty. For free. So what do you guys think? Should I do it. Do you think I would have any problems?

I'd be reluctant. I specifically wanted the real Mazda roof done at the factory. Last thing I'd want is for some dealer tech to be cutting away at my roof with a sawzall. I think you probably should have held out for the car you wanted and ordered. In your position now, I'd probably just forget the roof and see if the dealer would give me cash equivalent.

With all due respect to Nate, who knows a lot of stuff, I would not hesitate to have the roof done, if certain conditions are met. Mostl likely, the work will be outsourced to a professional installer. It is also possible the roof you will end up with will be made by ASC, a OEM-grade sunroof with some neat features that don't end up on factory roof (auto- and one-touch operation, for starters). The ASC roof is a fine piece, I have one installed on a RAV-4, and believe it or not, a Tacoma Extracab. The roofs worked exceptionally well (the tacoma has no power roof option). So check everything out carefully, but you may be happily surprised.

I agree with Ron. My car had some "dealer installed options" one of which was an ASC sunroof. ASC has a looong reputation of building good roof panels and as long as it is installed professionally I think you're getting a good deal. BUT I wouldn't want a dealership mechanic putzing around in there. Make sure the car goes off site to a pro.

One more thing you can do is to demand that the roof installer provide you with references.

Of course, he wont give you the name of anyone he knows he pissed off, but at least you'll then be able to see some examples of his better work. (Better than driving blind).

I ran into the same dillema when I bought my Matrix. My wife wanted a moonroof, but they didn't have any on the lot. The dealer offered to install a "factory" sunroof. Although they offer a 6-year warranty on the roof against leaks, I was still skeptical. If you look at a factory installed roof, you'll see that the metal in the roof is folded down along the sides. The aftermarket roofs are simply cut out and the gasket from the new roof is siliconed, and clamped into place. A rib is also removed, reducing structural integrity. The factory opening, because it's folded down on the sides, retain some integrity. I personally wouldn't want to go with an aftermarket roof, as I've seen problems with other cars, and after doing some research, it wasn't worth the trouble that's involved. IMO, just make sure that you get the car that you want the next time. Trading in your car would cost you money, especially if it's still a fairly new car.

JDM, I don't think they should ever be removing structural supports for a moonroof installation. This is not the same thing as a convertible conversion where thay have to chop the car up.

If that's necessary for a moon roof then the panel is too big for the car you're installing it on. From the factory, I don't believe they make two different chassis, one for moonroof and one for standard roof. The structure is the same and the roof, whether factory installed or aftermarket, should go in the "hole" between the frame members.

You may not have to remove any of the structural supports on the P5. However, on the Matrix, when I pulled the headliner down to investigate, there was a support brace right in the middle of the area where the sunroof is supposed to go. Also, aftermarket sunroofs are a universal application. The size that the installer has in stock may not be the correct size to fit in between the rails on the roof, and will have to be cut out. My point is, the roof skin is folded over from the factory for the sunroof opening creating a more stable area than just cutting a hole. There isn't necessarily a different chassis, but the roof skin is different.

I had exactly the same situation - and I opted to YES get the roof installed.

I seriously doubt they will install a Mazda "factory" roof - it's not really possible to do so. The factory moonroof is installed in cars with a roof panel made to accept the unit - it has a "rolled" edge around the roof unit, which would be nearly impossible to duplicate out of the factory.

But don't get scared off by this! My roof is by SolAire - a premier moonroof manufacturer and installer. Not only does it look great, it functions BETTER than stock and has a BETTER warranty:

The warranty is lifetime - if it ever fails or breaks down, it is fixed - for the life of the car. This rocks!

It also has one-touch open and close features, and auto-close when the vehicle is turned off. Yes, it closes itself if you forget to do it - you'll never get rained on, or have to sit in he car holding a button to close the roof. And it does also tilt open, or slide back.

It does not use the factory switches, but rather a small switch next to the foglight switch - looks perfect, and matches well. I'll get you a pic if you want.

The only issues I have had are a auto back-up sensor that was too sensitive (the unit reverses if it hits something while closing - mine was reversing all the time) which was adjusted in about 5 minutes by the shop (and can be bypassed anyway by not using the one-touch close and just holding the button to close it), and a bit of wind noise - sounds like an air-leak - that they are glady going to adjust as soon as I find the time to bring the car in.

Other than those minor issues, it's a great roof! Works just like it should, is already tinted (nice) and was installed well. And, it cost me the same price as the factory one (and I got it for dealer cost of $500 and change, not the $800 sticker price).

If you want it, go for it. If they phuck up yor car, they'll have to replace it anyway, so there really is no cause for concern.

My only thought would be - why did your car come in red and no roof, when you ordered a silver with a roof? Can this dealer be trusted? Most dealers give you the VIN of the car when you order - does yours match up?

~HH

I actually had a similar situation happen to me. I wanted a 2002.5 Vivid Yellow P5 with a moonroof. The dealer didn't have one so they did a dealer search. Only one avalable (in a 9 state area) and they wouldn't trade. So they offered me a 2002.5 yellow P5 with everything I wanted except the roof and said they'd have one put in at no charge. At first I was a bit hesitant, but now I'm glad I did it! I can't remember the brand, but it has the same features as mentioned above (auto close, one touch features, tint, etc.). Mine, however, has the swiches on the roof right in front of the opening instead of near the fog light switch. They did a very clean install and it carries a 3yr parts/labor warranty along with a lifetime parts warranty. I would just make sure you are getting it one put in at a shop that does this professinally though, and not having the dealer do in. Granted that is probably what they would do anyway.

Like most aftermarket jobs, problems are usually a result of the install and not the product. If you go for it, make sure the roof is a quality unit, like those mentioned in this thread, and most importantly, make sure that the person doing the install is properly trained and experienced; not just some first-timer who knows how to use a jig-saw! Also, get references if you can. BTW, your dealer is full of it. The only way you are getting a 'factory sunroof' is if the car came installed with one from Mazda.

I guess I will go for it. I found out, it is going off to a professional shop in town. They have been in business for a long time. I even stopped buy there today, I was real impressed with the installers knowledge and the look of the shop. hihosiva, P5 ROLLIN, you are correct, it will not be a "factory" roof or have a "factory" warrenty. That was some bs the salesman was feeding me. The tech at the shop showed me what he will be installing, real nice. One button to tilt or slide, auto close. Lifetime warrenty from the instaler. It will set the dealership back $1100. Thanks for the feedback. Hey hihosiva, post me a picture if you could. Thanks.

How's three pics?

Outside:
http://www.wagonsport.com/pics/roof/outside.JPG



Inside:
http://www.wagonsport.com/pics/roof/inside.JPG


And the switch:
http://www.wagonsport.com/pics/roof/switch.JPG

Good luck - I'm sure it'll be fine, and you'll be happy you got it done - I certainly am.

~HH

Mine looks very similar to those pics except the switch, which is on the roof in front of the moonroof. Hihoslva, did they move your dome light back a bit towards the rea seats too, or did they remove/replace it? Mine was pushed back to a couple inches behind the moonroof. I was just wondering if they did them all that way.

Yep - mine was pushed back, too. I dunno - I might rather have it forward, like between the visors, but it's a minor detail to me.