Do you prefer a Fiero with sunroof or not? What are the pros & cons of having a sunroof or roof? As 6' tall, will I have a problem with my head against the ceiling? I doubt it.
Pros: Roof is lighter for better control Less worries about leaks No sun UV raves shining on my head or inside my car Ferraris don't normally use sunroof Less maintenance
Cons: Leaks when seals are worn Hard to find seals to match up Don't use often when you have A/C & windows Heavier top w/ sunroof creates less control No sun shades for Fiero
I think a regular rooftop is a winner! It looks like a regular rooftop is better for less maintenance. I don't even use my sunroof in other vehicles as often as I thought. Share your thoughts!
Of course, upon others experience, I'm staying away from T Tops! Not worth the hassle for the price tag of $1K.
Share your thoughts! Thanks!
[This message has been edited by Fiero Vice (edited 06-29-2015).]
Do you prefer a Fiero with sunroof or not? What are the pros & cons of having a sunroof or roof? As 6' tall, will I have a problem with my head against the ceiling? I doubt it.
Pros: Roof is lighter for better control Less worries about leaks No sun on your head Ferraris don't normally use sunroof Less maintenance
Cons: Leaks when seals are worn Hard to find seals to match up Don't use often when you have A/C & windows Heavier top w/ sunroof creates less control No sun shades for Fiero
I think a regular rooftop is a winner! It looks like a regular rooftop is better for less maintenance. I don't even use my sunroof in other vehicles as often as I thought. Share your thoughts!
Of course, upon others experience, I'm staying away from T Tops! Not worth the hassle or the price tag of $1K.
Share your thoughts! Thanks!
The weight is nearly the exact same. They have shades for them. They are tinted. You can get the seal. The light is nice. What the heck does Ferrari have to do with anything?
Your pros and cons list isn't even pros and cons. It's pros of solid roof cons of sunroof
The weight is nearly the exact same. They have shades for them. They are tinted. You can get the seal. The light is nice. What the heck does Ferrari have to do with anything?
Your pros and cons list isn't even pros and cons. It's pros of solid roof cons of sunroof
Thanks for your feedback, Slammed!
Yeah, I was listing pros & cons for having a solid roof over sunroof.
In regards to Ferrari, a lot of Fiero owners often model their cars to Ferraris style wise. So, that's why I put that in there.
In other forums, people had struggles with their sunroof leaks when new seal that doesn't match up exactly as the old seal used to. They had to modify to make it fit.
Of course, you can add tint to sunroof to keep the sunrays out of your car. That could work. In Fiero, you don't have the option of pulling shades over sunroof with lack of room in the rear.
Actually, I've read from others that sunroof would weight more than a solid roof. Come to think of it, one would imagine that sunroof glass & frame around the roof would weight it down more. I could be wrong, but it makes sense when comparing to sheets of metal on beams. Have you removed a sunroof to put in the front storage before? It's pretty heavy for a small roof.
Listen closely at 0:53 -- the sunroof pops open, which as you can imagine at 200+ MPH might unsettle the aerodynamics just a bit. That's why they don't recommend sunroofs for racing.
the roof doesn't have a full metal frame like conventional sunroofs..there are metal tracks that should be inspected for rust.
There are sunshades made specific for the roof that are exceptional for keeping the harsh sun out. (remember the glass is already tinted also)When not in use they fit perfectly in the sunroof storage compartment under the front.
I never had noticed it as being heavy or cumbersome when removing or reinstalling ,and it fits snuggly in its front holder when out.
As far as the rattle and/or noise....that's one of the easiest fixes you can have.
The seal and rubber/plastic washers Are old , like 30+ years old. The seal should be replaced with a new one------ heres the catch though most people install the seal backwards so it will not seal right.
The high speed whistling/buffeting sound is mostly the rubber/plastic washers that the actual glass uses for the 2 front tabs and the rear hatch lock.
The four corners should have small drain holes to wisk away the water.(earlier models didn't have these and it was later added as a recall item.)
All of the replacement parts.Can and are readily available from vendors and are not at all hard to service (the rails are the time consuming and hardest part to replace)....
I actually changed all the hardware on one of my roofs while waiting on my girlfriend while she was shopping--Its not hard at all.
--Eric--
[This message has been edited by fireboss (edited 06-29-2015).]
I like the sunroof because of the air venting capability. Pop the vent open, roll windows down, turn on the blower fan... practically don't need the A/C and it gets the hot parking lot air out super fast.
the rattle is a pain but I fixed mine easily with an E-clip shimmed in the latch to eliminate side-to-side movement.
------------------ My Fiero: 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT, V6, 4-speed manual
the roof doesn't have a full metal frame like conventional sunroofs..there are metal tracks that should be inspected for rust.
There are sunshades made specific for the roof that are exceptional for keeping the harsh sun out. (remember the glass is already tinted also)When not in use they fit perfectly in the sunroof storage compartment under the front.
I never had noticed it as being heavy or cumbersome when removing or reinstalling ,and it fits snuggly in its front holder when out.
As far as the rattle and/or noise....that's one of the easiest fixes you can have.
The seal and rubber/plastic washers Are old , like 30+ years old. The seal should be replaced with a new one------ heres the catch though most people install the seal backwards so it will not seal right.
The high speed whistling/buffeting sound is mostly the rubber/plastic washers that the actual glass uses for the 2 front tabs and the rear hatch lock.
The four corners should have small drain holes to wisk away the water.(earlier models didn't have these and it was later added as a recall item.)
All of the replacement parts.Can and are readily available from vendors and are not at all hard to service (the rails are the time consuming and hardest part to replace)....
I actually changed all the hardware on one of my roofs while waiting on my girlfriend while she was shopping--Its not hard at all.
--Eric--
Wow! Thanks, Fireboss, for taking the time to explain in details about your experience. Your details has lean on my decision making toward to a sunroof, knowing that it can be solved. Indeed, I will keep that in mind. Thanks! BTW, where did you get those pictures of sunroof in details?
I like the sunroof because of the air venting capability. Pop the vent open, roll windows down, turn on the blower fan... practically don't need the A/C and it gets the hot parking lot air out super fast.
the rattle is a pain but I fixed mine easily with an E-clip shimmed in the latch to eliminate side-to-side movement.
What's E-clip? Any pic to show me so I can get the right idea? Thanks, FieroCat!
the picts are from this site and there are many indept threads on here to help u.
Many people love there solid roofs and most of the time it is from the negative things people have experienced . But most if not all those issue are from what I had posted for you.
I personaly have owned more than my share of sunroof equipped cars/trucks and can say that the Fiero has the best I have ever encountered.
Even with the roof out and the wind deflector NOT installed...it doesn't give the annoying wind buffeting that most will. Side windows down or up it still a blast to drive.
Like said before It is a 30+ year old car the seals and other weather proofing has to be maintained and/or replaced when they degrade.
Listen closely at 0:53 -- the sunroof pops open, which as you can imagine at 200+ MPH might unsettle the aerodynamics just a bit. That's why they don't recommend sunroofs for racing.
A) Your Fiero isn't going to be able to reach anywhere near the speeds that heavily modified 996TT can reach. B) The "sunroof" in a 911 is immensely different from what the Fiero moon roof is. I'm not sure what happened in that car to cause the sunroof to open, but it's electronically controlled. That just wouldn't happen in a Fiero where the moon roof is entirely mechanical. You would need an immense amount of vibration and air pressure inside the car, to force the roof open on a Fiero, with a properly secured and sealed moon roof. C) I wouldn't really call standing mile time trials "racing" so much. And this is not at all why any type of removable roof is generally recommended against for racing. The real reason is that most vehicles tend to have less structural integrity on the chassis for that roof. The solid roof and moon roof Fieros all have the same structural integrity and the exact same roof structure. The only difference is the roof/a-pillar panel, seals, and glass, on the moon roof cars. You will save maybe 2-3 pounds with a solid roof, and not have to ever deal with moon roof seals with the solid roof, but you won't have a removable roof either. Either one will be equally fine in terms of structural integrity or aerodynamics if you want to autocross or take it to a real track.
My 87 has a sun roof, my 88 does not. The 87 has "more" headroom" . In the Florida sun, the sun roof lets in lots of heat and I have to wear a hat when I'm driving. The venting capability is great with the sunroof and in cooler weather makes it great. With the 88 it stays cooler and "squeaks" a lot less. Both cars have AC, but in real hot sunny days, I install the interior sun shield in the 87. I have had the car since new and have had the sunroof out maybe ten times in those 28 years, again the sun beating on my head is not my favorite things.
Ive had a lot of cars with sunroofs. As a younger guy they were cool. For the last 20 years I think theyre a nuisance . There is no benefit of having one. I rarely use a/c in anything, I like windows down and theres more than enough air just from them. On my Ferrari kit that did have a sunroof, I sandblasted it and painted it black to match the roof and never opened it. If I wanted an open air top, I just bought a convertible...and I love those. On handling, and im just guessing weight, I doubt that 5 pnds of glass on the top affects it much driving on the street or legal freeways. Just about every Fiero with a sunroof has problems around it with roof panel rot from water. 2 things i hate most about having a car is rust on steel ones, and rot on plastic ones....both always return sooner or later. It dont make a difference to me buying a used car...it can have or have not, and dont affect my decision of buying it one way or the other. I know Ill never open it anyway.
Listen closely at 0:53 -- the sunroof pops open, which as you can imagine at 200+ MPH might unsettle the aerodynamics just a bit. That's why they don't recommend sunroofs for racing.
You're not hitting 200+ mph in a Fiero unless you are dropping it out of a plane at altitude....
Your reasoning for...well for everything...just doesn't make any sense. If you want a sunroof get one. If you don't want one, then don't get one.
My 85 SE does not have the roof glass. My 88 GT does. My personal preference is to not have the roof glass. I think the roof is more rigid without the glass. Here's a follow up question to those who DO have the roof glass: Do you, or have you ever, used the shade on the glass (velcro buttons)?
Just got back from a drive with my sunroof off at night. It is the closest thing you could have to a convertible. I have never driven a solid roof fiero but I'd imagine it isn't nearly as nice at night. If people are concerned with sun damage the fiero store has the cure for you!
Just got back from a drive with my sunroof off at night. It is the closest thing you could have to a convertible. I have never driven a solid roof fiero but I'd imagine it isn't nearly as nice at night. If people are concerned with sun damage the fiero store has the cure for you!
Actually, targa top would be the closest to having a convertible. But again, having a custom made targa top & add beams to Fiero is expensive. One of my commuter cars has a moonroof and I don't even use it that often. My first Fiero had a moonroof and I didn’t even notice it being there half the time until I was reminded with sunrays pounding on my head which is uncomfortable. But now they have a cover as a cure for that.
I think I'm gonna buy a Fiero without sunroof. I can live with that until they figure out how to make targa top for Fieros. Then, I'm in if the price is reasonable.
BTW, remember this pic? 30 years & it still cracks me up. LOL God bless Chevy Chase!
[This message has been edited by Fiero Vice (edited 07-01-2015).]
Ive had a lot of cars with sunroofs. As a younger guy they were cool. For the last 20 years I think theyre a nuisance . There is no benefit of having one. I rarely use a/c in anything, I like windows down and theres more than enough air just from them. On my Ferrari kit that did have a sunroof, I sandblasted it and painted it black to match the roof and never opened it. If I wanted an open air top, I just bought a convertible...and I love those. On handling, and im just guessing weight, I doubt that 5 pnds of glass on the top affects it much driving on the street or legal freeways. Just about every Fiero with a sunroof has problems around it with roof panel rot from water. 2 things i hate most about having a car is rust on steel ones, and rot on plastic ones....both always return sooner or later. It dont make a difference to me buying a used car...it can have or have not, and dont affect my decision of buying it one way or the other. I know Ill never open it anyway.
Yeah, I agree with you, RogerGarrison! There's really no benefit of having one. It's just gives a sexy look & helps vent hot air on a cool day when the sun is not blazzin’ in your face. Windows can take care of that hot venting easily. When I leave in my car that’s hot inside, first thing come to mind is to open the windows & don't even bothered opening my sunroof cuz I don't want the sun in my face. I wish they created targa top for Fiero. Now, that’s something I would consider & not having to worry about sun blazzin’ in my face when not using it.
[This message has been edited by Fiero Vice (edited 07-01-2015).]
My 87 has a sun roof, my 88 does not. The 87 has "more" headroom" . In the Florida sun, the sun roof lets in lots of heat and I have to wear a hat when I'm driving. The venting capability is great with the sunroof and in cooler weather makes it great. With the 88 it stays cooler and "squeaks" a lot less. Both cars have AC, but in real hot sunny days, I install the interior sun shield in the 87. I have had the car since new and have had the sunroof out maybe ten times in those 28 years, again the sun beating on my head is not my favorite things.
Thanks, Old Lar, for your comment! Yeah, you got a good point. After reading your post about more headroom, I took a closer look at one of my cars with sunroof the next time I went out. Yeah, just a little more, but not much. Anyone with a big hairdo might want to consider a sunroof. Haha
[This message has been edited by Fiero Vice (edited 07-01-2015).]
A) Your Fiero isn't going to be able to reach anywhere near the speeds that heavily modified 996TT can reach. B) The "sunroof" in a 911 is immensely different from what the Fiero moon roof is. I'm not sure what happened in that car to cause the sunroof to open, but it's electronically controlled. That just wouldn't happen in a Fiero where the moon roof is entirely mechanical. You would need an immense amount of vibration and air pressure inside the car, to force the roof open on a Fiero, with a properly secured and sealed moon roof. C) I wouldn't really call standing mile time trials "racing" so much. And this is not at all why any type of removable roof is generally recommended against for racing. The real reason is that most vehicles tend to have less structural integrity on the chassis for that roof. The solid roof and moon roof Fieros all have the same structural integrity and the exact same roof structure. The only difference is the roof/a-pillar panel, seals, and glass, on the moon roof cars. You will save maybe 2-3 pounds with a solid roof, and not have to ever deal with moon roof seals with the solid roof, but you won't have a removable roof either. Either one will be equally fine in terms of structural integrity or aerodynamics if you want to autocross or take it to a real track.
Thanks for the explanaton, dobey! I have no intention of going that fast in my next Fiero. Haha
My 85 SE does not have the roof glass. My 88 GT does. My personal preference is to not have the roof glass. I think the roof is more rigid without the glass. Here's a follow up question to those who DO have the roof glass: Do you, or have you ever, used the shade on the glass (velcro buttons)?
I never used the shade really. If the car's outside, then the roof is either popped or completely out. At home, it's parked inside a garage. The shade is also a pain to put in, because you have to pop the glass out of the latch, lift it up, put the shade in from the top, then get back in the car, and pop the handle back in the latch. It's faster and easier to just remove or install the glass completely.
My Avalanche on the other hand, I always use the shade, because it's built-in and just slides forward and back. Same in the Mini I used to have.
[This message has been edited by dobey (edited 07-01-2015).]
Originally posted by Fiero Vice: Yeah, I agree with you, RogerGarrison! There's really no benefit of having one. It's just gives a sexy look & helps vent hot air on a cool day when the sun is not blazzin’ in your face. Windows can take care of that hot venting easily. When I leave in my car that’s hot inside, first thing come to mind is to open the windows & don't even bothered opening my sunroof cuz I don't want the sun in my face. I wish they created targa top for Fiero. Now, that’s something I would consider & not having to worry about sun blazzin’ in my face when not using it.
While I appreciate the irony of you saying there's "really no benefit to having one" and then immediately stating the benefits, there are many ways to deal with whatever problems one may claim to have with the sunroof. T-tops not so much. And a with a solid roof you can't deal with wanting to remove the top one day by just pulling a panel out. You're stuck until you swap to a different roof.
While I appreciate the irony of you saying there's "really no benefit to having one" and then immediately stating the benefits, there are many ways to deal with whatever problems one may claim to have with the sunroof. T-tops not so much. And a with a solid roof you can't deal with wanting to remove the top one day by just pulling a panel out. You're stuck until you swap to a different roof.
That's probably as close to a "targa top kit" you're going to get for a Fiero, at a "reasonable" price.
Well, please notice that I also said that window will easily take care of the hot air inside the car. Some think venting hot air is a benefit. To some degree, yes, but it doesn't make me want to go out & install a moonroof on my next Fiero. Like I said about my other car, I don't even use my moonroof on hot sunny days. I just open the windows & let it vent out. So, if I'm not using my moonroof, there's no benefit to it. I'm using windows or A/C most of the time.
[This message has been edited by Fiero Vice (edited 07-01-2015).]
Thanks, Dobey, for the link! Interesting! I've seen few pictures of this hardtop on sunroof before. I thought it was a custom made. That's a nice idea so I don't have to worry about sun blazzin' & take advantage of venting.
Originally posted by Fiero Vice: Well, please notice that I also said that window will easily take care of the hot air inside the car. Some think venting hot air is a benefit. To some degree, yes, but it doesn't make me want to go out & install a moonroof on my next Fiero. Like I said about my other car, I don't even use my moonroof on hot sunny days. I just open the windows & let it vent out. So, if I'm not using my moonroof, there's no benefit to it. I'm using windows or A/C most of the time.
It vents better out of the roof, because it's the highest point. Physics.
But it's not necessarily about venting. You keep saying you prefer a removable roof, then you keep trying to make excuses like "I don't use it to vent hot air anyway." Make up your mind on what you want.
Oh, I forgot to mention another benefit of the moon roof. It is a huge help when going through the drive through, if you have the glass out, since Fieros are so low (especially if you have one that's lowered). Much easier to reach up to get the frosties with it.
[This message has been edited by dobey (edited 07-01-2015).]
It vents better out of the roof, because it's the highest point. Physics.
But it's not necessarily about venting. You keep saying you prefer a removable roof, then you keep trying to make excuses like "I don't use it to vent hot air anyway." Make up your mind on what you want.
Oh, I forgot to mention another benefit of the moon roof. It is a huge help when going through the drive through, if you have the glass out, since Fieros are so low (especially if you have one that's lowered). Much easier to reach up to get the frosties with it.
Removable roof as Targa Top? Yes, I'd want one if it was possible. Why? To feel the wind on cool days. But it's quite different from moonroof. Anyway, you do have good points and I value your feedbacks, Dobey!
Removable roof as Targa Top? Yes, I'd want one if it was possible. Why? To feel the wind on cool days. But it's quite different from moonroof. Anyway, you do have good points and I value your feedbacks, Dobey!
You won't want a true targa top in a Fiero, because there is nowhere in the car to stow it. You'd have to leave it at your abode, and couldn't remove it at whatever location you drove to. T-tops will be the absolute closest tenable option to a targa, if you're willing to deal with the possible sealing and noise issues, plus the lack of any shading options. The OEM moon roof is the best option here, because it gives you the most open area of the roof with the best stowage and shading options.
It could theoretically be possible to have custom fiberglass panels made for T-tops as well, but due to the way the T-tops are inserted and seal, there could be additional issues there.
If you really want to try to create a targa top car at some point, then a T-top would be the best platform to start from, as it gives you the hardware needed to lock the top on both sides, and has 90% of the roof cut already done. You'd just need to cut the rest, design and construct a proper top panel, and design and make the seals, along with reinforcing the chassis, particularly the frame around the windshield. And then install a hitch and build a trailer, so you can carry the roof with you when you take it off.
You won't want a true targa top in a Fiero, because there is nowhere in the car to stow it. You'd have to leave it at your abode, and couldn't remove it at whatever location you drove to. T-tops will be the absolute closest tenable option to a targa, if you're willing to deal with the possible sealing and noise issues, plus the lack of any shading options. The OEM moon roof is the best option here, because it gives you the most open area of the roof with the best stowage and shading options.
It could theoretically be possible to have custom fiberglass panels made for T-tops as well, but due to the way the T-tops are inserted and seal, there could be additional issues there.
If you really want to try to create a targa top car at some point, then a T-top would be the best platform to start from, as it gives you the hardware needed to lock the top on both sides, and has 90% of the roof cut already done. You'd just need to cut the rest, design and construct a proper top panel, and design and make the seals, along with reinforcing the chassis, particularly the frame around the windshield. And then install a hitch and build a trailer, so you can carry the roof with you when you take it off.
Yeah, it would be too much hassle with time & money. Thanks for the explanation, Dobey!
Actually, targa top would be the closest to having a convertible. But again, having a custom made targa top & add beams to Fiero is expensive. One of my commuter cars has a moonroof and I don't even use it that often. My first Fiero had a moonroof and I didn’t even notice it being there half the time until I was reminded with sunrays pounding on my head which is uncomfortable. But now they have a cover as a cure for that.
I think I'm gonna buy a Fiero without sunroof. I can live with that until they figure out how to make targa top for Fieros. Then, I'm in if the price is reasonable.
BTW, remember this pic? 30 years & it still cracks me up. LOL God bless Chevy Chase!
Im talking stock options. I have been in Firebirds with T-tops and that is also very nice. I heard the Fieros that have T-tops usually leak, but if they were taken care of properly, im sure it is very nice to have as well.
That movie is AWESOME. They have a new one coming out just called "vacation" but I doubt it will be nearly as good as the older ones.
Thanks, Dobey, for the link! Interesting! I've seen few pictures of this hardtop on sunroof before. I thought it was a custom made. That's a nice idea so I don't have to worry about sun blazzin' & take advantage of venting.
If you like it for 'venting', like I said do what I did and sandblast the glass, primer and paint it to match your car. Still opens or comes out, but no sun to bake you and your interior.
If you like it for 'venting', like I said do what I did and sandblast the glass, primer and paint it to match your car. Still opens or comes out, but no sun to bake you and your interior.
Don't destroy another OEM glass. Buy the fiberglass cover and be done with it. Save the glass for when you sell the car, or sell it off to someone who wants it.
If you like it for 'venting', like I said do what I did and sandblast the glass, primer and paint it to match your car. Still opens or comes out, but no sun to bake you and your interior.
Yeah, that would solve the problem. Is it really that hard to sandblast a glass? Never tried it before.
Don't destroy another OEM glass. Buy the fiberglass cover and be done with it. Save the glass for when you sell the car, or sell it off to someone who wants it.
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I forgot that.....
Im 6'2 and it does help a lot!
