Moonroof Rust -- Need Advice

volvobbq · Post by **volvobbq** » 18 Mar 2006, 12:39

Hi, I have a 98 S70 T5. The moonroof "frame" that the glass and outer rubber seal attaches to is badly rusted, so much that the seal has seperated. I've posted some pictures at http://www.acmebbq.com/moonroof.htm if you care to take a look. The last photo is what it looks like when I just jam it back on there. Motor works fine, and everything else seems to be okay.

Called the dealer yesterday afternoon, and from what I could describe for him over the phone, he's saying around $750 for parts. I've looked around some and found several "sunroof assemblies" listed on Strandberg's salvage site for $175. I assume they're closed today as I can't raise them on the phone.

Does anybody know if I'm looking for an "assmebly," or can this frame thing be found seperately? Any advice on a temporary fix so we don't get wet? My instinct is to scrape out the loose rust, silicone the seal to the glass, and don't touch the switch until I can find a buyer for my kidney. You help is greatly appreciated.

Randall

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:08

I've heard that Florida is rough on cars, but wow!

I've got the same problem with my '98 T5 but not as bad as yours. I first noticed this when water started leaking and I investigated. I hate to tell you this but I'd say yours is too far gone to repair and you'll have to buy a new sunroof at least. Can't really tell if the rails are as bad from your pictures. If they're okay, then you might be able to get just a sunroof from www.erievovo.com for a reasonable fee. This would include the so-called "frame," (part around the glass that the weather stipping/rubber fits around) as the way I understand it, the "frame" does not come (nor is sold) as a separate piece from the glass.

A guy had a write-up with pictures on fixing this a while back and from that I gained the confidence to do the same repair myself. I have the weatherstripping and sealant to do it but no time yet. Pictures here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/410686/6
Discussion here: http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=52360 Unfortunately I have not found a way to completely get rid of the leak without the replacement. I did slow it down considerably by using the weather stripping sealant (and with the rubber piece in place) and squirting it in the cracks with a ink-jet, ink filling syringe. Hope this helps.

volvobbq · Post by **volvobbq** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:11

Thanks for responding. I appreciate the information and the links. I'll probably try to get a replacement assembly from one of the salvage places once I figure out exactly what they mean by "assembly." I wasn't sure if they meant the whole moonroof without the motor.

I'm third owner of this car, and it started out in Canada, actually. It's lived there and Ft. Lauderdale, so it's gone from one weather extreme to the other.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:31

Volvobbq,
Try to get a sunroof that is in really good shape to begin with (even if used) so you don't have to go through the repair in the future. Good thing about just buying the glass with the weatherstripping on it already is that you don't have to worry about matching colors, etc. There does seem to be 2 different sizes, though so make sure and measure yours before ordering. At least that's what I've been told.