Topic: Sunroof closure
New to Lemons, obviously. We have an open. Sunroof and are debating how to close it and not fail tech. Can we use copoly plastic or does it have to be sheet metal? Thanks in advance.
The 24 Hours of Lemons Forums → Lemons Newcomers → Sunroof closure
New to Lemons, obviously. We have an open. Sunroof and are debating how to close it and not fail tech. Can we use copoly plastic or does it have to be sheet metal? Thanks in advance.
To be "right" I'd use a piece of sheet metal (steel) in 20-24 gauge and just pop rivet it in place. You can also add some sealer before you do this to keep any rain/water out. The weight of that piece of metal isn't enough to be concerned about.
According to the rules:
3.J.6 No Open Sunroofs. All sunroof openings must be covered by either the original sunroof panel; a new panel securely fixed into place; or securely fixed mesh with openings no larger than 1/2-inch each. Glass T-tops or moonroof must be replaced with sturdy non-breakable material, or all drivers must wear arm restraints.
Before you close it up, consider welding in a helmet bar across the halo to extend the height of the cage. The bar will have one bend in it that puts the top of it up in the opening of the sunroof. It will create more distance between the top of the drivers helmet and the upper plane of cage. Then cover the sunroof hole with sheet metal.
Know that whatever you do, it's going to make a racket.
The previous owner was just welded the metal part in four spots. Given it is at the top, I considered replacing it with a sheet of aluminum instead, or at least cutting out the internal structure like I did with the hood and doors. However, when thinking of getting in a rollover, seems it be safer to keep it stronger so if you rollover something it doesn't punch through it into your helmet. So I am being lazy and saying it is safer. Works for me.
My previously built car came with the original sunroof mechanism gutted and the metal sunroof welded/bolted into place. There were significant gaps around it which we found was perfect for dripping water all over our driver in the rain.
Sounds like a perfect opportunity to practice your bridging technique with the welder.
Covered it with a piece of sheet metal and welded it all the way around. Has never leaked and makes no noise.
My previously built car came with the original sunroof mechanism gutted and the metal sunroof welded/bolted into place. There were significant gaps around it which we found was perfect for dripping water all over our driver in the rain.
Yep, duct taped the seams on ours. I bought some caulk to fill it as tape is not a permanent solution.
Know that whatever you do, it's going to make a racket.
No it won't. Our saab has a piece of 20gauge riveted over the opening with caulking sealing the whole thing. The only time it makes noise is when you smack it with something. It's never made any noise at all when racing/driving. When you rivet it down and force it to bend slightly in each direction you stiffen the panel a lot and it no longer vibrates and resonates like a free standing sheet.
Reading the rules makes it sound like a breakable sunroof needs to be closed up so driver and driver limbs don't go flying out.
Can we leave the glass panel in place but attach something non breakable and solid say sheet metal to the underside?
Reading the rules makes it sound like a breakable sunroof needs to be closed up so driver and driver limbs don't go flying out.
Can we leave the glass panel in place but attach something non breakable and solid say sheet metal to the underside?
You would need to cover the glass panel on the outside as well as the inside in order to contain the glass if it should break if you were to roll the car over.
But the rule states that glass panels must be removed so your question may be moot.
.
The 24 Hours of Lemons Forums → Lemons Newcomers → Sunroof closure