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Sunroof manual conversion?
#1

Wondering if there is any way to convert the electric sunroof to manual? Any body done it? Can the early style 944 latches be used?
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#2

Why on earth would you want to mess with the fabulous, bullet-proof, uber-reliable Porsche sunroof? <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



To be fair, sunroofs are a pretty common failure item on lots of different cars, not just 968s, so yes, the simpler, the better. I've never heard of anyone trying to come up with a manual design for our cars, though.
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#3

Oops. I just noticed I put "subroof", instead of sunroof.<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/laugh.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Yeah its unreliable, and annoying. Id change it for a manual system like the pre 85.5 944's had. Ive never actaully taken a look at the sunroof in one. I know the early ones were manual tho. I need to stop by, and look at my buddy's 931 maybe. Im not sure if I would need the whole sunroof, and all to do it. Id bet theyre all the same size, but fittings are different. I bet it can be done, and has been done before....... I have two new gears, but really dont wanna mess with it. Id prefer just replacing it all with manual latches.
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#4

Cloud: While doing some googleing, I found this on another forum:

"I've converted 3 cars to manual sunroofs including both of my 86's. All that is needed are the two manual latches found on the 83 944 or any 924 before that date. The lifting arms are removed from the section attached to the car and tucked away or removed entirely. The rear sections on the actual sunroof are also removed. The manual latches screw into the same two hole and fit perfectly. When they are snugged down they latch against the plastic box that holds the old lifting arms. The main problem is they sort of lay a bit cockeyed when the roof is down and contact the sunroof liner. The fiberboard on the liner can be trimmed to make them lay flatter if it bothers you or a complete manual sunroof panel can be used and paint matched to the car. On a manual sunroof the latches are set upright in the rain groove to use the tilt feature. Nothing in the front needs to be changed. Some people add a safety strap for when the roof is tilted like the 83 944 has. Mine has been without a strap for over 3 years and has never lifted even at 140 mph but it's probably better to have one.



The manual conversion is pretty common, especially for the early electric sunroofs (single-gear box, track arm at the motor) that require constant adjustment and frustration. The later style electric sunroofs are less prone to problems but still fail on a regular basis."



Looks like all you need are the latches themselves.



Which seem to be here: http://www.vertexauto.com/ShowItem/981%2...0Rear.aspx
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#5

Nothing on mine has ever actually broken. It just needed to be adjusted a couple of times. Its also not the easiest contraption to work with. i do see the appeal of a worry free roof. GL with the install
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#6

And I thought this thread was going to be about a super 968 that even goes underwater! "Subroof" indeed! lol



Bill
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#7

I thought he was trying to get more bass out of his roof................[Image: laugh.gif]
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#8

lol - i fixed the title
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94 Midnight Metallic Blue Cab Porsche 968 w/deviating cashmere/black interior and WAY too many mods to list - thanks to eric for creating www.968forums.com



"It isn't nearly as expensive to do it right as it is to do it wrong."
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#9

This sounds like a good idea - I'm afraid to even touch my sunroof button...
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#10

"This sounds like a good idea - I'm afraid to even touch my sunroof button..."



I know the feeling...
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#11

<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/laugh.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />:lol:<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/laugh.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> Stupid little laptop keyboards.



I think I may do this on the 951 now that Ive been doing road trips, and want to take the roof off, and on. Its more of a priority than the 968 right now, which Im pretty sure just needs adjusting. I wonder if their will be any weight savings at all. Any weight taken off the top should contribute to an overall lower center of gravity. That motor has got to be a solid lump. I havent pulled it from the parts car yet. Will be interesting to see the weight savings. At this point every 7ish lbs I shave = 1 hp. IIRC Was somehwere around 1:7 in the 86' right now.Thats at the wheels.
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