WTF? Do I need roof support?

[zachattack_5491]

Ok I have a pignose s13 hatchback. I swear it's a base model but the VIN comes up as an SE. Anyways, I took my headliner off last night and was very happy to find no rust. BUT there's supposed to be a bar running parallel with the car across the roof. That bad boy was cut to fit this stupid aftermarket sunroof in. It's just hanging there. When pulling out of my driveway and when I hit bumps you can hear the sunroof squeeking. So that means my roof is twisting however it wants.

So what I'm wondering is if it would make any difference in handling if I welded in a couple bars along the sunroof. Or if it would even matter at all if I had a strong roof. I'm trying to concentrate on handling and rigidity on my s13 project right now, and I'm on a tight budget. I guess I don't mind the roof flex unless it's contributing to my body roll. I don't have strut bars or anything yet.

This is the front, You can see that it's cut and theres a make-shift domelight area cut out too.

And that's the other side.
Modified by zachattack_5491 at 12:22 PM 2/12/2009

[Vegascorbin]

I am no expert but just in case you end up in a roll-over will that roof protect you?

If you have the skil and such to renforce the roof without a drastic addtion of weight I would say do it.

I will let others with more experiance discuss the best way to renforce it.

[zachattack_5491]

Yeah I highly doubt it would protect me in a rollover. Even with that extra bar though it wouldn't help, that metal is thin. If a fat guy sat on my roof he'd probably crush me. And if I'm going fast enough to roll my car I plan on dying anyways lol.

I'm thinking I'd just put in 2 bars in on the front and back of the sunroof if I do anything. And that should be <10lbs

[!Zar!]

That install is so ghetto.

Sad too, Yours was a SE that came without the moonroof option.

I'd first put some primer or something over that raw metal.

As for what else, I'd just leave it alone.

[kraf]

well 1st off an SE is a hatchback model.

but if i were you id sand those rust sports down to bare metal then primer it, and welding in a few bars doesnt sound like too bad of an idea incase you flip for a little extra support

[!Zar!]

well 1st off an SE is a hatchback model.

but if i were you id sand those rust sports down to bare metal then primer it, and welding in a few bars doesnt sound like too bad of an idea incase you flip for a little extra support

Not all fastbacks are SE's.

But either way I still don't see where you are going with that.

[Vegascorbin]

Actualy that thin metal has more strength than you would think. The key is in how it is bent.

Also, planing on dying in a crash is not a good outlook to have. Best plan is not to crash

I understand what you are saying though. Add the metal you said and go for it.

[zachattack_5491]

That install is so ghetto.

Sad too, Yours was a SE that came without the moonroof option.

I'd first put some primer or something over that raw metal.

As for what else, I'd just leave it alone.

Yeah I'd much prefer to have had the slicktop SE than have my roof mangled to put in an aftermarket sunroof.

well 1st off an SE is a hatchback model.

but if i were you id sand those rust sports down to bare metal then primer it, and welding in a few bars doesnt sound like too bad of an idea incase you flip for a little extra support

Most of that orange stuff you see isn't rust. It's some sort of glue. I live in the desert so rust is minimal

Actualy that thin metal has more strength than you would think. The key is in how it is bent.

Also, planing on dying in a crash is not a good outlook to have. Best plan is not to crash

I understand what you are saying though. Add the metal you said and go for it.

Yeah, I just hate hearing my roof twisting. I'm anal about little sounds while I'm driving. I'll probably do a little something to add some strength.And I don't neccesarily plan on dying, I just couldn't imagine doing something crazy enough for me to roll my car lol

[dblanehopr]

why don't you weld in the roof off a junkyard ride?

[adrenalineMOTORWERKS]

here is a link to show how the roof is supported from the factory.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/2....html

if it was my car, i would start looking for a non sunroof junk yard car to get the supports and roof skin. with this being a unibody it is critical that these supports be present. especially if you are racing it.

option 2: CAGE!!!

[Cone Junky]

The only thing I hate more than sunroofs is aftermarket sunroofs. Why take a perfectly good roof and cut a hole in it? The roof is a very vital part in the rigidity of your chassis. Ever drive a convertible? After driving for about 30 seconds with cowl shake I prefer to just drive the car off a cliff.

I say get crafty and start putting in some braces. Unless you go overboard, the chassis upgrade is well worth the few extra pounds.