Frequently Asked Questions about Sunroof

What is the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof?
Sunroof is the generic term used to describe an operable panel in a vehicle roof which can let in light and/or air. Moonroof is a term created by Ford in the 70’s, yet is now used generically to describe glass panel inbuilt electric sunroofs.
I bought a used car with a broken sunroof, how do I get it repaired?
Try to identify the original installation center or sunroof manufacturer. Check the glove box for a sales receipt, warranty card or other paperwork. Don’t overlook the obvious. Check with the previous owner as well. The original installer or sunroof manufacturer can help make arrangements for repair, or see your local sunroof professional for assistance.
My sunroof is no longer made, can I still get parts?
Often, parts are still available; check with your local sunroof professional. If the manufacturer is no longer in business, there may still be parts in the pipeline through wholesale distributors or other shops. Sunroof manufacturers and suppliers may be able to help locate out of production parts. See your local sunroof professional for assistance.
What are my options if no parts are available?
Parts are not standardized or interchangeable among sunroof manufacturers (aftermarket or factory). The use of non-original parts, even if they look similar, is highly discouraged. Stress and failures caused by non-spec parts can cause serious damage, particularly at highway speeds.
If no service parts are available, it may be necessary to have your sunroof replaced. This involves removing your old sunroof, and installing a new one. A slightly larger size sunroof than the existing one is required [usually not a problem]. See your local sunroof professional to determine the extent of the work needed.
There’s no specialized sunroof installer near me, who else can I turn to?
There are a variety of businesses who may also install sunroofs. Check Yellow Pages listings for Sunroofs, Automotive Accessories, Automotive Customizing, Automotive Trim or Automotive Seat Covers and Upholstery. Some Body Shops have experience. You may also find that some glass shops, stereo or window tint shops install sunroofs. Your local car dealer may also know of someone who installs sunroofs. Of course, check the links on this website for sunroof vendors who can direct you to a local professional.
What size sunroof fits my vehicle?
The ideal size for any vehicle suits the vehicle, the owner and the owner’s budget. Most people want to maximize their open air enjoyment and ventilation by getting the largest sunroof that will go in their vehicle. Sunroofs are designed to fit a variety of vehicles, rather than made for each specific model. There are several sizes (dimensions) of each type and brand, but all can be distilled into SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE and SPECIALTY sizes, which helps accommodate most vehicles. Pop-up and Spoiler sunroofs fit virtually any vehicle, including short roofline cars and standard cab trucks. Inbuilt (moonroof) and Folding sunroofs require longer rooflines to fit the length of the internal cassette or large fabric panel. Other issues which may affect sunroof choices include ribbed or fiberglass roofs and stepped rooflines (ie Durango). Most assuredly, there is a sunroof solution for EVERY hard-top vehicle, and often several choices at that. See your local sunroof professional – they can show you the options and advise you.
Can I get T-Tops installed in my car?
While there are still several cars with factory installed T-tops, to our knowledge, there are no longer any aftermarket T-Top or Targa Top kits being made. This type of open air option was required to be CUSTOM designed for each vehicle application. Consider a sunroof.
There are several companies who do refurb factory T-Top panels as replacement parts, but not as a complete kit.
What can I apply to the rubber seal to protect it?
Modern sunroof seals may be made of SILICONE, SANTOPRENE or EPDM Rubber. All of these materials are made to be maintenance free. Your best approach is to keep the seal clean, wiping occasionally with a damp cloth (water). If it gets really dirty, use a small amount of mild soap or detergent in the water, then rinse clean with water.
Vinyl & Rubber “protectants” such as Armor-All are not effective and leave a sticky residue which may cause the seal to fail or stick to the glass. NEVER use ANY petroleum based products on a sunroof seal, they will cause corrosion of the seal.
I’m buying a new car and the dealer says, “adding an aftermarket sunroof will void the warranty” Is that true?
It is not legal for any dealer to void a vehicle warranty because an aftermarket product has been installed. The only exception to this is if the dealer can prove that the aftermarket product was the cause of a warranty failure. It is also not legal for the dealer to void the warranty if an aftermarket product is chosen over it’s factory equivalent.
As an example, a dealer may not legally decline a warranty claim for a faulty transmission because an aftermarket bedliner or rear wing was installed on the vehicle. Further, the dealer can not claim that the use of the factory equivalent is mandatory.
Aftermarket products give consumers freedom of choice. With most aftermarket products, you do not sacrifice quality to get that choice. There is no substitute for good consumer research, but dealers can not restrain consumer choice based on this argument.