Hey guys, what's the scoop on non-factory sunroofs? I have my '05 Civic and I want to put a sunroof in it. But I heard they leak? Can you get automatic ones or can u only have a manual roof when u install them after market? Thanks.

 

I've never put one in but as far as I know aftermarket ones are all manual...and from what I know they all tend to leak. Maybe the newer ones are better though...*shrugs*

 

in the past, they've had cases from leaks, depending on the quality of the sunroof and the install. i considered getting one a long time ago, but i weighed the two and figured it's not worth the extra trouble and worry.

 

When you got your LX you should have known that you're never going to get a sunroof in there... accept it.

 

you can get powered aftermarket sunroofs. and when they are new they should not leak. but after time thye probably will start to leak. but a lot of factory sunroofs leak too.

usually whena sunroof leaks, the drain tubes get clogged and the water has nowhere to go but inside your car, so you might never have a problem with one, or it could be the worst idea ever.

 

I say dont do it. I only hear bad things about aftermarket.

 

i say don't do it but the leaking is all gonna be based on the quality of the sunroof and the quality of the install. if it is too cheap, or if it is put in badly it will leak for sure

 

my buddy has an aftermarket fully automatic moonroof in his jeep cherokee and it doesnt leak or anything. the only problem he has is you can hear mad style whistling, but i doubt you would get that unless you get a light barlike he has....................but seriously it costs 2-3g for a good unit installed by a pro

 

My mom bought her 98 Celica with an aftermarket sunroof installed. It's pretty nice, it definitely doesn't leak but there is one problem...the thing creaks like all hell when cornering/hitting bumps. The car has drop springs and sway bars so the suspension is real stiff, and you can definitely hear the sunroof and area around the sunroof creaking around. Also, the whole interior ceiling had to be gutted I guess and they just put a sheet of fabric over it and strectched it real tight. No leaks though.

 

well if you go aftermarket sunroof then DEFINATLY ya get what you pay for!!!!! and instal it realy good...

one thing most people dont think about is the sunroofs contor... some are flat... some are curved. so which one you get and where you mount it both matter! and also when mounting and cutting... MEASURE TWICE BUT ONCE! you can cut more out BUT adding more metal is awhole new ballgame

and i would sugest profetional window sealer... the stuff that is goo and then hardens NOT that bead style rubber stuff... it doesnt seal very good! the goo soft that is soft and then dries hard is the best stuff to use cause it will form to the window... the other stuff you have to sandwich the windshield realy hard and still posible it wont seal and will leak... and silicone isnt that great either as it always flexes... BEEN THIER DONE THAT!

so use that good @ss sealer and also use some loctight on all the bolts....

if done right it shouldnt leak... at least not for a few years at least! but all rubber seals are prone to wear.