Hi All,

Has anyone had the headliner out of their removable hardtop? If so, does anyone have some pics they can post? I am getting ready to install a Sunroof into the romovable hardtop on my Convertible and want to se where wires are runn and how far back into the roof the latching system goes. I have installed Sunroofs into Removable Hardtops before, just not an E36. This way, when the hardtop is on, I am not totally without an open-air option.

Dude that crazy! (as in awesome!)

Someone here posted a pic of the headliner off. Let's see if I can find it.

I did! Don't have any more. Hope this helps a little. Front latching system is only at the very front.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4765/hardtopxy3.jpg

Ok! That gives me something to work with. Yeah, I always buy the removabe hardtop options for my convertibles but I never liked the totaly-enclosed feling. So, a few years ago I started installing sunroofs in my hardtops and it realy makes a great improvement! Also, since the E36 hardtops came with moonroofs, this will really help make the car a bit more like a regular Coupe when have the hardtop on.

that would be interesting to see: an e36 vert hardtop with a sunroof:)....i guess it's possibe-can't see why not,can you post pics?

I'll post pics just as soon as I complete the project.

the pic above was originally taken by me, but i can tell you that there is nothing going on in the middle of the main roof panel. its just a single layer of sheet metal. it was so boring that i didnt even take a picture of it.

were you planning on installing the factory powered sunroof, or a manual flip-up aftermarket one?

I wonder if the thin aluminium will ever hold the weight of a sunroof.

no way, not a chance. not without being reinforced, and even then, probably only a small, manual flip-up one. the metal panel felt pretty thin & flimsy when i had the top apart. those glass panels are heavy, so are the motors & other necessary fittings. maybe he could add 2 reinforcement beams going front to back, and place the sunroof in between the beams. they'd have to be thin though, to clear the headliner. i dont know if he planned on doing something like that anyways though.

the original poster's other convertibles are both tiny little cars, so the glass would be attached closer to the edges, where the top is stronger.

no way, not a chance. not without being reinforced, and even then, probably only a small, manual flip-up one. the metal panel felt pretty thin & flimsy when i had the top apart. those glass panels are heavy, so are the motors & other necessary fittings. maybe he could add 2 reinforcement beams going front to back, and place the sunroof in between the beams. they'd have to be thin though, to clear the headliner. i dont know if he planned on doing something like that anyways though.

the original poster's other convertibles are both tiny little cars, so the glass would be attached closer to the edges, where the top is stronger.


I figured it'd only be a flip up, but he didn't really specify. So, just thinking out loud: what if he used plexi or Lexan to achieve less weight??

that would definitely be lighter. its not scratch resistant like glass, but there are coatings that can take care of that. i want him to post more about his hardtop sunroofs.

is it sunroofs or sunrooves?

the plural of hoof is hooves, not hoofs. i think its sunrooves. :az

Sunroofs are flip-up and usually removable. A moonroof is the sliding type. So as I said, I will be installing a sunroof. The factory hardtop will indeed support a sunroof as I have already installed one in a friend's E46 (no bracing required) and it was very firm and secure. The E46 Hardtop is made of the exact same material as the E36.

Keep us updated!!!


Look forward to seeing some:kewlpics: