SUNROOF Yes or No

I have a chance to buy a sunroof and install it in my '65 Econo pickup.
Years ago I had a 62 VW with a slide back canvas roof and I liked that open roof feeling. But, how do sunroofs hold up in vans. I heard that they eventually leak. Will a sunroof ADD to the noise in the cab.
I'm already solving the cabin air flow problem with a rear pop out window,
so that will not be a reason for adding a sunroof.

So, It's open for discussion..sunroof or not...

Jim in NJ aka Casimier

the rear pop out windows don't help air flow a ton But they do help. some of the vans have problems with the exhaust coming in thru the rear windows. some times i smell it and other times i don't. But can't explain why.

Sunroofs?? depends on the van. Does the van have windows=that open?? Is the van a nodoor? Used in hotter areas of usa??
I presonally like a sunroof- esp. for removing heat in summertime!! Winters =wouldnt have one!! I own a car with a factory sunroof-has a slider below it to close it off also. That slider is never open in winter as I can feel the cold coming in thru the sunroof. Add on sunroofs do not have a slider you can close off!!?? Leaks?? Depends on the specific sunroof manafacturer. Make sure the one you are buying is from a maker that has been in buisness a long time & the replacement seals are available if needed from them.??

Ok after rereading the post it's a pickup my thinking is how about a pop out rear window ,i think vanishing breed had one in his,

I believe his original post said he is using a pop out rear window

I guess i'm not reading very well today. i'd say not to cut the roof. i't will not add value and may take away some value to some people if you ever sell it.

dix wrote:I guess i'm not reading very well today. i'd say not to cut the roof. i't will not add value and may take away some value to some people if you ever sell it.

This is my feeling too.
They are a major pain to "remove", so most will devalue a PU with one.

I look at it like this.....If there's already a hole in the roof for one, put one in. If not, I wouldn't cut the roof up for one.

Sunroofs look cool sunroofs vent air and sunroofs and will eventually leak I am trying NOW to find a rear roof piece to weld in a roof vent hole in the back of my van once you cut a hole there is no easy fix............. I have a few friends that bring tarps to TRUCKIN'S because either there sunroof or there vent's leak...................

I don't know if the designs are better now but years ago we had lots of problems with leaks and noise. I would not cut a roof.

Wow, you really stirred up the hornets nest with that question. If you really would like to have one, buy a good one. If you're concerned about resale value more than anything else, then maybe not. I, myself wouldn't cut a perfectly good roof for one but if the vehicle I bought already had the hole, I would look for a good quality sunroof to fill the hole.

Hey Vanish,
Is that Mr. Sawzall behind those Foster Grant's???

vanny wrote:Hey Vanish,
Is that Mr. Sawzall behind those Foster Grant's???

How Did you Ever Guess !!!!! Lol .........

Vanish wrote:When it Leaks ....... FIX IT !!!!!!! And another thing ... Dont Buy the Cheepest POS You can find !!!!!

the above would be a good 'Wanted' poster for Mr.Sawzall.Dont let him near an early.

Rule #1 when working on old unique or decent quality old cars...If it aint cut dont cut it.

(Subclause) if its a rusty or butchered piece of crap do whatever you want.

Theres too few fine examples of what old cars were left on the road and too many pieces of crap that have been "insta customized" by idiots who want to be the next...daryl starbird or whoever. You wont get famous people! lol.

Best sunroof in any of my vans came from a Volvo Station Wagon. Cut it out with plenty of sheet metal around it to work with and trimmed it down to fit flat area of roof. It not only had the lower slider panel to insulate it and stop glare. Bonus - It was electrically opened and closed from switch on dash. Sorry no pictures showing it but if I figured it out anybody can. The older square style volvos have flat roofs.

If you're only looking for greater air flow to the cab – way back I drove a Mack truck that had a roof vent that was just terrific. You could open it forward or rearward. Forward position would scoop the outside air directly into the cab. Rearward would draw in the air indirectly. Always thought it'd be a worthwhile addition to the van.

http://www.specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?22799-Cheap-roof-vents-20-40

Here it's shown installed in a car -

http://www.binderplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=645937

I say with the heat that our vans holds in at summertime a sun roof is a big Plus for keeping a little cooler.

I just got a vintage West Coast mirrored sunroof on ebay. I already had a old sunroof on mine but they were installed with strip caulk and it dried out and leaked/shrunk. Todays silicone sealers will last way longer and if installed correctly can have many many years of leak free use. Now regarding the rubber seals on the sunroof frame that seals the glass...Like with anything rubber and exposed to the sun you must keep weatherstrips and seals clean. Other then that, take your time during install and buy a quality sunroof.