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Sunroofs become more popular every year. According to The New York Times, the percentage of new car models with sunroofs increased to 40 percent in 2017. That’s a bump from 33 percent in 2011. If your current ride doesn’t have a sunroof, it’s not too late. Thanks to aftermarket sunroof panels and parts available on eBay, you can convert your car to bring in the rays and the breeze. And you can keep existing sunroofs in good shape and leak-free.
Shop now for sunroof and moonroof tops
Defining the Terms
The terms sunroof and moonroof are used interchangeably, but there’s a difference.
- Sunroof: A glass rooftop panel, often with a metal panel that opens and closes. The panel is painted the same color as the car. A sunroof allows you to open the metal panel to allow light through while keeping the glass in place. Or both the metal and glass elements can slide to create a wide-open space.
- Moonroof: A glass panel that lets in light. It is sometimes removable and sometimes not.
These stately Mercedes-Benz 220S cars had optional Webasto full-length canvas roofs.
Most new cars have moonroofs of one type or another, and some are complex three-panel affairs. The ultimate is a full non-opening panoramic glass roof, as found in more than 20 new car models.
In some factory or aftermarket sunroof types, the opening panel slides out onto the car’s roof, and in others, it stays inside under the headliner. Early cars have crank handles, but today sunroofs (if they open) are powered. Some classic cars like the Mercedes-Benz 220S have full-length canvas sunroofs that open for maximum exposure.
eBay offers used solar panes and components from Webasto, an early manufacturer for Mercedes.
Installing an Aftermarket Sunroof
The benefits of a sunroof are obvious—interior sunshine and fresh air. But there are drawbacks. Besides potentially messing up the installation, there are several negatives: Aftermarket sunroofs lower headroom, add weight, and become a liability if they leak.
And please take this advice seriously: Do not proceed with cutting a big hole in your vehicle’s roof unless you know what you’re doing. Mistakes can be terminal for your car.
That said, the process for getting started is fairly straightforward. Begin by learning as much as possible from other people who have installed OEM or aftermarket sunroofs on your specific model. Then you’ll need to score a complete used sunroof or build one up from parts. Sunroof kits sometimes show up on eBay Motors as well.
It’s smart to watch a few YouTube videos to understand the process from start to finish. Here’s one example:
And here’s a quick overview as well:
- Don eye protection. Safety first.
- Aftermarket sunroofs on eBay often come with a rubber or paper template you place on the roof after covering it with masking tape.
- Center it from side to side with careful measurements. In most cases, you’ll want the sunroof reasonably far forward.
It’s time to cut the opening:
- With the template in place, use a razor blade to trace the edges. After drilling holes, use a probe that comes with the kit to pierce the headliner.
- Once the roof holes are big enough, the cutting begins. Use a grinder, nibbler, or Sawzall (a hacksaw would take ages) to make the actual cut, making sure not to stray outside the lines or get wobbly.
- Once the hole is cut, take off the masking tape, file down rough spots, and repaint the exposed metal. Next comes the weatherstripping and bringing the wiring for the motor down the A-pillar. The loose parts of the headliner get glued down before the finishing strip is applied and the aftermarket sunroof is dropped into place.
Buy the Best Aftermarket Sunroof Components
Webasto Solaire Model 4300 sunroof glass.
Adding an aftermarket sunroof is a job for professionals or skilled hobbyists—not for beginners. Regardless, it pays to spend for the best quality sunroof you can find. It’s better to compromise on the size of the sunroof than its quality.
The best sunroofs use a cool reflective glass that’s like a one-way mirror, reflecting more than 90 percent of the sun’s heat when closed. The cheaper dot-matrix screened glass reflects only half the sun.
Premium models also use effective silicon seals with a 20-year life expectancy—versus neoprene that deteriorates faster. Handles and hinges made of tough-wearing polycarbon are also a plus. Look for “as long as you own the vehicle” warranties.
It is possible to shatter or crack a glass sunroof by having something land on top of it, like a tree branch. (Don’t ask me how I know.) eBay has an excellent selection of new and used sunroof glass for a wide variety of cars, ranging from the Ford Expedition and the Toyota SR5 to the Honda Civic and Toyota Avalon. Some units on offer are complete sunroofs.
Sunroof Replacement Parts
This panoramic roof track (with rear glass intact) fits the 2010 to 2016 Cadillac SRX.
If your car has a sunroof and rain gets in, don’t leave it and hope for the best. That water can cause costly damage. If the sunroof channel rots out, the headliner gets stained, or the mechanism jams, it becomes a big, messy job to put right.
Sunroof mechanisms can break. Fortunately, eBay has many of the necessary aftermarket parts. Because the problems are often similar among models, there are also sunroof repair kits. And be sure and visit the Sunroof Doctor eBay store.
