What is the original OEM sunroof handle?

[mrvictory1999]

I've noticed there are two types of sunroof handles on the 1g and I was wondering if anyone could weigh in on what was the original. I have a 90 GSX that has a handle that looks like this:

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That's not actually my car but the handle is the same. My handle also doesn't sit flush with the rest when closed.

I also have a 91 GST that has a handle like this:

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The red tab allows easy removal of the sunroof. The other one doesn't have a red tab and I can't figure out the easy way to remove the sunroof without a screwdriver.

1) Does the handle without the red tab also have a way to easily remove it?
2) Were both handles OEM and did they switch at some point?

Well I answered my first question. Both handles have a quick release feature that is very similar. You pinch together the metal hinges and then slide them out. The handle without the red tab just has a small notch in the plastic for sliding out the hinge.

So really only one question remains. Were both of these handles OEM or is the handle without a tab an aftermarket handle?

 

[hhuricane]

90 is a different part # from 91-94. 90 is MB626796. 91-94 is MB626867.

 

[DROPthatCLUTCH]

Oh damn, that's for a quick release? I've always wondered about that little red button. How does it work? I've never been able to do it.

 

[schalk35]

I actually broke my handle off 90 gsx(my sunroof is the same as the second picture) There's a big difference in how they mount. The first pic should have two hole mount style and the second pic has a 3 hole mount (like a triangle) I've been looking to try to find the correct one for my car. It's been a pretty big PITA so far.

 

[mrvictory1999]

Thanks, hhuricane! That is exactly what I wanted to know. Out of curiosity, how do you find details on the nuances of these exact part numbers?

And for dropthatclutch, you can find a full write-up on the red tab here:http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-exterior-interior/282084-how-remove-factory-1g-sunroof-glass.html

 

[Bud92gsx]

I thought that was always some kind of lock not a quick release...Weird but good to know.

 

[19Eclipse90]

I actually broke my handle off 90 gsx(my sunroof is the same as the second picture) There's a big difference in how they mount. The first pic should have two hole mount style and the second pic has a 3 hole mount (like a triangle) I've been looking to try to find the correct one for my car. It's been a pretty big PITA so far.

Interesting. My '90s have the latch like the first picture, not to mention they both have 3-hole, triangular mounting to the roof.

 

[kxfreak125]

I may be wrong here but I believe the first picture is an aftermarket sunroof. I've seen several 1g's including a 90 gsx and my 91 tsi all with the handle from the second pic. Another way to tell a difference is the roof notice the concave of the second pic and how in the first one the roof is flush.

 

[19Eclipse90]

Nice observation. But unless I'm wrong, the focus here is more on the red locking tab being present on the latch or not rather than what the roofs look like there.

I've two 1990 models that have the latch without the red locking tab. And yes, their roofs are concave like shown in the second picture; they are both OEM units.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Red tab/button= ejection....

(Just thought it was funny)

 

[mrvictory1999]

I should clarify that the first photo, the handle without the red tab, is taken from a different Chrysler model from the 80's, not a DSM. It was the only photo online I could find of the handle and I haven't had time to take a picture of my 90 GSX with the same handle (but different color scheme). So the shape of the roof in the first photo should not be used to determine anything. My previous 90 GSX had the handle with the red tab, so I've owned two 90 GSXs with both handles.

I think the conclusion is the following: some of the 90 models had the handle without the red tab. This handle existed on some Chrysler cars from the 80's. It seems that the handle not sitting flush when closed is a common problem. This handle is mostly plastic and purchasing it from Mitsubishi is $70.

All 91 and newer models had the handle with the red tab. This handle has more metal to it and is more expensive. Purchasing it from Mitsubishi is $110.

The metal handle feels more solid in your hand and you don't worry that you're going to break it when operating it. I don't like the look of the red tab though.