Disclaimer and Warning: the following ideas on sun-roof installation are meant as an explanation of what we might do in our Willys, not as instructions for any work on any other vehicle. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Any sun-roof installation work done on any other vehicle should be carried out only by qualified automotive structural technicians using the highest established standards of work and the best quality new parts.
Willys sun-roof: safety, feasibility & practicality? THIS PROJECT IS ON HOLD.
Several people have told me not to attempt installation of a modern sunroof in the Willys. They say making it water-proof and tailoring the headlining to the sunroof is too difficult. Also, I have been warned that a sunroof will decrease, perhaps even destroy the value of the vehicle. It may be possible however, to install an old style sliding sunroof like the excellent factory units in VW Microbuses. but I have not been able to find a donor wreck so far. The folding fabric sunroofs are more old fashioned and in keeping with the character of the Willys wagon.
StreetBeatCustoms makes a “Rag Top” sliding sunroof that is 35″ wide by 55″ long that might fit. The original VW bus sunroof size was an enormous 40″ X 70″ size. I need much more information about the installation before cutting into Bluebell’s roof. Questions include:
- how to build a strengthening frame around the opened roof that attaches to the transverse roof supports (these supports are concealed by the headlining). 1951-1967 VW buses with a sunroof had an additional steel frame support under the roof that made the roof far more rigid; it may be possible to make up a custom support to reinforce the roof as shown in red VW version below. Anyone who has pushed down on a Willys wagon roof knows how weak and easily distorted it is. Simply cutting a big hole in the roof will only weaken it further.
- the fabric – StreetBeatCustoms warned me not to use a white vinyl as it will discolor (turn yellowish) within a year. I require a white fabric and have seen many VW Rabbit convertibles with white fabric – they seem to last (and stay white) for 10+ years.
Craigs list yielded this Renault Fuego electric folding sunroof at a good price.
At 32″ wide and 19″ long, the opening makes this a large sunroof indeed. It did not fit the Willys wagon roof very well, the contours did not match.
I particularly like the well built stainless steel frame of this Italian made unit, but I sold it to a Fuego owner. Besides, the vinyl cover would have had to be stained white.
Here is the inside view – again, the vinyl colour would have had to be changed to match the blue headlining.
Warning: any change to the factory design of your vehicle has potential dangers which could result in injury or death. Make sure any design changes or repairs are performed by competent, experienced technicians.
This content last updated: Sunday, Feb 13, 2011. Uploaded Dec 24, 2023.
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