How to Install a Spoiler Sunroof

Spoiler sunroofs are one of the sportier styles of sunroof. Available in both powered and manual versions, a spoiler sunroof pushes upwards at the back and slides backwards, leaving the opening at the front of the sunroof with the glass tilted inwards to direct the wind away from inside of the car. Though the process is pretty straightforward, you'll likely want to enlist the help of a friend who already knows how to install a spoiler sunroof if you've never done it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Installation kit
• Screwdrivers
• Blanket or large towels
• Grease pencil or chalk line
• Masking tape
• Laser level (optional)
• Drill
• Jig saw, reciprocating saw or nibbler
• Tin snips
• Rubbing alcohol
• Utility knife

1. Measure the area on your car where you would like to install your new spoiler sunroof. To maintain the structural integrity of your car and the sunroof, twelve inches of roof space should remain on either side of the opening.

2. Purchase an installation kit that best fits your car and your wallet. You can shop and compare prices by exploring several different retailers online.

3. Remove the headliner and any headliner board from the inside of the car. You may need to remove the visors, the grab handles and the dome light to get the headliner down. Store the headliner in a safe place, since they tend to rip easily.

4. Cover your seats with a blanket or several large towels. This will keep any metal shavings or other debris from ruining your upholstery.

5. Find the center of your roof by measuring and marking the location with a grease pencil or using chalk lines.

6. Using the center marker as a guide, determine how far forward or backward you would like to place the sunroof. Mark this with the grease pencil.

7. Secure the template to the roof of the car with masking tape, making sure it is straight and centered. You may find that a laser level will come in handy to ensure that your sunroof is positioned properly.

8. Trace the template onto the roof of the car. Use a grease pencil or follow the lines with masking tape, and remove the template from the roof of the car.

9. Drill a pilot hole in one corner of the traced pattern. Remember that you'll want to drill this hole on the inside of the traced line so it doesn't make the opening larger than it needs to be.

10. Saw just inside the traced template lines with a jig saw, reciprocating saw or nibbler.

11. Test the fit of your sunroof once you have removed the metal piece from the hole. If the sunroof snags or needs more room to slide into the hole, trim out the pieces with tin snips.

12. Use rubbing alcohol to make sure the sunroof's frame is perfectly clean. Any dirt or debris left on the frame can eventually lead to wear, which will leave you with a leaky sunroof.

13. Coat the newly exposed metal edge of the roof with a sealer or paint primer to prevent corrosion.

14. Apply the adhesive provided in the spoiler sunroof kit to the frame and carefully fit the frame into the hole.

15. Wire your sunroof to your car's power supply if you are installing a powered spoiler sunroof. Each sunroof kit will come with separate and detailed instructions on how to lead the wires and install the fuse.

16. Cut the headliner board and material using the same template as the sunroof. This will give you another perfect fit without having to balance the board over the hole while you trace around it.

17. Reinstall the headliner board and headliner.

18. Insert the rubber gasket or pinch molding over the edge of the headliner to secure it in place around the frame.

19. Clean up any ragged edges of headliner material carefully with a utility knife.

20. Fit the spoiler sunroof into the tracks at the pivot point, snapping it into place. Handle the glass gently since it is possible to shatter the glass by bending it too much.

21. Slide the sunroof closed, checking the seals to make sure there is proper contact all around.

22. Install the lift-and-lock bracket at the back of the glass if you are installing a manual-style sunroof.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your paint by carefully laying strips of masking tape down around the hole before using the adhesives. Use the temporarily installed frame as your guide when you check it for fit, and put the tape just around the edge. When you permanently apply the frame, any extra adhesive that may bead up around the frame will squeeze out onto the tape instead of your paint job and will lift up easily when the job is done.