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Is a sunroof install possible on a 94 Base 850?

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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ashitaka695
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Is a sunroof install possible on a 94 Base 850?

Post by ashitaka695 »

This may be a little over-ambitious but here goes.
I have a 1994 850 base model N/A. It came from the factory without a sunroof but I would like to have one. So is it possible to get a complete sunroof from the pick and pull and cut a hole in my roof and install it so it looks factory installed? I got my 850 from a friend for $300 bucks and I've been doing little upgrades and improvements here and there. The last upgrade I installed was the keyless entry system and it works marvelously. I have my own mobile repair shop so all the tools and equipment that may be needed I probably already have. I've also done a lot of crazy modifications to many many vehicles. I know there are other parts I will need to make it look factory but for now I just want to know if it is possible and if anybody here has attempted the same thing? If so what problems did you run into during the install?

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abscate  
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Post by abscate »

I think it's possible but I've never heard anyone doing it here. Making it look factory would be hard unless your are expert with body, tin, mechanicals, interior trim, and electronics. And, I mean expert. I am not expert in any of these areas.
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Ozark Lee
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Post by Ozark Lee »

Given enough time and money anything is possible but that one really stretches practicality. The headliner is totally different as are its mounts and I don't think the drain lines are there on a car that doesn't have a factory sunroof. The drain lines are tucked in behind a bunch of other stuff and they would be a challenge to install.

...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
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beigg
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Post by beigg »

If reverse engineering is a specialty of yours and you can replicate all the no longer procurable parts as well as parts never made for replacement (supporting bracing, channels for drip drain lines etc) then you should have no problems making it happen and I say go for it!
ugh smh 850 Turbo fridge

ashitaka695
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Year and Model: 1994 850
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Post by ashitaka695 »

I kinda knew that this was a long shot but when I installed a keyless entry system off of a newer 850 and it worked (after I figured out that the hood closed switch needed bypassing because my vehicle didn't have one from the factory) My hopes of installing anything else I wanted went a little high.

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Post by tryingbe »

It's possible. The company I worked for did that for a living. But I wouldn't recommend it to do it yourself.
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Post by abscate »

I'm channeling the 1970s when a guy named Mike would put a sunroof into any car for 129.99

They started with a chain saw.

:-)
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ashitaka695
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Post by ashitaka695 »

I think if I want a sunroof I had better start looking for a Volvo that had one from the factory!! Ha ha
Thanks Guys now I can put this idea to rest.

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Post by MadeInJapan »

Wow- never heard of such!! It would be tough tough tough to do as others have said here as well.
If I were going to cut a hole for a sunroof, I'd be tempted to make a "convertible" out of one of these 850's!
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ashitaka695
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Post by ashitaka695 »

A convertible hmmm.....
Now you have me thinking of something else!!!!
Ha ha ha!!

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