FAQ: Sunroof (Moonroof) Questions

So Corey and i were talking and one of the only disappointments we have in our Riviera's is that we don't have the optional sunroof   ...  well we got to talking and corey found this sunroof
http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=750&catid=164
He said it would be scary to cut through the roof BUT he could pull it off and make it look good.... Well i on the other hand am not so fortunate i would be scared as heck to cut through SO.   HAS anyone EVER heard of putting in a aftermarket moonroof? do bodyshops do this or what?  does anyone know anything about putting in a moonroof LET US KNOW

I know nothing, but I think there are drain lines that run through the body of the car on factory installs, and the headliner is lower for the sunroof to retract into. Does the aftermarket kit incorporate those things? Does it push the window out over the roof of the car (those don't look as good).

yes there is indeed a drain line in each pillar on each side of the car FACTORY.......

98riviera98 wrote:

corey found this sunroof
http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=750&catid=164

I would easily pay that to get mine working again. My factory sunroof, like many other gm ones over some time, doesn't work anymore. It sounds like the chain is skipping on the gear. I see they have 2 sizes. Anyone have any idea if either fits a riviera? I'm 90% sure that a bonne, aurora, other buicks sunroofs are the same. Not sure about a GP.. I also understand that these assemblies are not servicable so I don't think an individual component swap is possible.

Aftermarket sunroof's are a breeze to install once you get the hang of it. It's gettin someone to let you practice that can be the hard part!

MOST aftermarket roofs wont be moonroof types like the factory one(moonroof as in drops down and slides inside). I say most, because there are a few folks out there that put the moonroofs in, but they are far from easy to install. When my factory roof fails me, I will find a aftermarket with a bigger cut out hole than the factory one and have at it!

thanks for the input, im thinking should be able to do this

travis how about a targa

Wow that's goofy looking on a mustang and the second one doesn't look right to me at all.

I recently read the sunroof motor sometimes will need to be re-syncronized. it can be done at a dealership by any sharp GM trained mechanic that can follow the instructions in the service manual. it sure would be worth investigating it's probably the best option to have this time of year since riv's never came as convertibles.

BKRIV wrote:

I recently read the sunroof motor sometimes will need to be re-syncronized. it can be done at a dealership by any sharp GM trained mechanic that can follow the instructions in the service manual. it sure would be worth investigating it's probably the best option to have this time of year since riv's never came as convertibles.

correction there was 3 yes three 8th gen riv converts

wow I've never seen one and someone I regard as a bigger riv enthusiast told me different and never questioned him, anyone have pictures?

learning every day...I stand corrected...thanks Corey!

forget it...I'm just a dumbass that thinks only in terms of 94-99 model years like mine I do remember the 80-86 drop tops

I would pay not to have a sunroof.

hears a pic and a link to the converts

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/for-sale-f22/1-of-3-96-riv-convertible-t1752.htm?highlight=convertible

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=750&catid=164

This roof is a factory replacement roof. Just noticed that. This is to replace your factory one, and would take alot of skill to install into a car that never had a sunroof......

BKRIV wrote:

I recently read the sunroof motor sometimes will need to be re-syncronized. it can be done at a dealership by any sharp GM trained mechanic that can follow the instructions in the service manual. it sure would be worth investigating it's probably the best option to have this time of year since riv's never came as convertibles.

I have the service manual for my '99 and plan on doing this when time allows, will be a while but I'll let you know how it turns out.

Kustom Kreationz wrote:

Aftermarket sunroof's are a breeze to install once you get the hang of it. It's gettin someone to let you practice that can be the hard part!

I put one in a '75 Regal S/R I had several years ago, not really that big a deal after getting past drilling that first hole in the top to start! I also put one in a Camaro of a friend after that.

Kustom Kreationz wrote:

MOST aftermarket roofs wont be moonroof types like the factory one(moonroof as in drops down and slides inside). I say most, because there are a few folks out there that put the moonroofs in, but they are far from easy to install. When my factory roof fails me, I will find a aftermarket with a bigger cut out hole than the factory one and have at it!

My next project for my '65 Riv is to install the sunroof that I just cut out of my '92 Riv.I'm sure it will be an interesting install.
No pictures yet, I'll try to get some this weekend of what I have torn up so far.

Perhaps going a bit off on this but why do you so desperately want moonroofs for? I've got one but I swear I don't ever use it. I pop it up only once in awhile and that's just because I have it. Panoramic moonroof would be cool but eh, I don't see so much thrill in a regular one.

Shintsu wrote:

Perhaps a bit off-topic but why do you so desperately want moonroofs for? I've got one but I swear I don't ever use it. I pop it up only once in awhile and that's just because I have it. Panoramic moonroof would be cool but eh, I don't see so much thrill in a regular one.

A more luxurious ride i guess

Shintsu have you no lust for life!?!?!?!

J/k

I just like the open air feeling of a sunroof sometimes , on a nice sunny day its really relaxing , i use it whenever i can , some prefer the quitness and sanctity of a car without any wind , and thats cool too , and i enjoy that sometimes as well. Its a good comprimise for those who like the open air feeling of a convertible , who dont wanna pay extra insurance ,comprimise the structural integrity of their car , or just don't like the look of convertibles ( me , although that converta)ble 8th gen riv looks awesome , but then again what riv doesnt?) its just gives the car a different feeling than just windows down.

I'm a big fan of sunroofs. In my last car, I had it open all the time. I HATE not being able to open mine in the riv. I definitely like my open windows. If they made the side wind deflectors for the riv, I'd probably buy them so I could have the windows open in the rain without getting wet, despite my opposition to sticking pieces of plastic to my car.

Speaking of which, does anyone know where I might be able to pick up such an item for a riviera? Maybe it's out there and I just haven't seen it..

When I've owned a vehicle with a sun/moon roof, it was open ALL the time, unless it was raining or mid-winter. I love 'em, can't beat the more open feel it gives. Esp in spring. It's really the only option not on my Riv that I really want.

I use the moonroof as much as possible this time of year, mainly because I like being in the sun. It's the only way to soak up rays in a car. Windows are just a way to tan your forearms!

Shintsu wrote:

Perhaps going a bit off on this but why do you so desperately want moonroofs for? I've got one but I swear I don't ever use it. I pop it up only once in awhile and that's just because I have it. Panoramic moonroof would be cool but eh, I don't see so much thrill in a regular one.

Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, mine is open all the time. I only close and A/C it when I'm on the phone.

turtleman wrote:

Speaking of which, does anyone know where I might be able to pick up such an item for a riviera? Maybe it's out there and I just haven't seen it..

I don't think that'd be possible with the design of the door. Since the window is frameless there is nothing for the plastic to clip to and if you somehow put it in between the door and the window it'd hit that every time you closed the door unless you rolled the windows down every time you closed the door. I like the looks of the frameless design but I hate how rattly the doors sound when I close them with the windows down and the inside panels move some when I do.

Getting back on subject, I only pop the moonroof up - I almost never slide it back. It makes way too much noise if you're going over 35 mph. I don't see how some of you drive down the expressway with the windows down, far too noisy and loud especially since the speed limit on the expressway here is 70 mph. Not to sound like a nerd but it also makes more drag and kills some of your gas mileage.