Roof Scoop Removal and Headliner Replacement, Thoughts and Options ...

[Dorifto]

There's a roof scoop on my '92 GSX, ghetto-fabricated by the previous owner. Basically, what he's done is stuck the scoop on with 3M double-sided tape, then cut a massive square hole in the roof and headliner. Not his fault he's a jackass, I blame his parents.

So. I could go two ways here, and I'm somewhat on the fence still. My two options are:

1. Re-skin/replace the roof, and find a new headliner.
2. Install an OEM sunroof sourced from a parts car.

I DO NOT want to install an aftermarket sunroof, end of story. Too many bad experiences negate the option. Also, I'm seasoned with bodywork and fabrication, so if at all possible I'd like to avoid the high-ticket pricetag of going to a bodyshop, unless it's unavoidable [see also: structural work].

From searching, I've come to the conclusion that DSMs have a roof "skin", meaning the roof panel itself can be replaced, without having to cut or modify the roof structure. If this is the case, I could just pull off my roof, and install a new/straight piece, correct? If this isn't the case, what modifications would one have to make to replace the roof?

Also, I'm curious as to whether the swap/installation of an OEM sunroof and wiring is worth the effort. Any members that have performed such a modification, feel free to chime in with your input.

Thanks in advance, everyone.

--Dave-O

 

[VPrime]

.. I have no real input, but im just really curious on what this hack job looks like... could you please post some pictures?

 

[Dorifto]

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Only decent pic I have of the car, much less the scoop. No pics on the inside, yet. Just imagine a perfect tan headliner ... with a big f-ing chunk hacked out of the middle.

 

[Defiant]

The sunroof part of the DSM body is fairly stressless, all the more so on the 1G. The "frame" goes up along the tops of the door openings.
You might be the first to install a powered, 2G sunroof. There's not a whole lot more to them than dropping them into the opening, along with wiring and drain tubes.

 

[Dasamary]

I think option #2 would be the best. That way you get the benefits of a sun roof. Im sure finding one in working order may be a pain.

You could remove your ghetto scoop and patch the roof. You aren't going to change the structrual securty of the roof anymore than the jack ass did when he cut the hole in the top. Of course with this option you would have to repaint the roof and and replace the headliner meaning it could be just as costly as the sun roof....and you don't get any benefits.

 

[Dorifto]

I like the way you put that. With the effort of installing a sunroof, I wouldn't even need to search for a headliner, as I'd need to remove material for fitment - I didn't think of that.

I'll look into the powered-2G 'roof, see what I can find. Thanks for the input, guys.

--Dave-O