Sliding softtop sunroof

makarov9mm · May 10, 2011, 12:37:05 PM

Thoughts on installing one of these on a MGB-GT? The main concern would be how much structural rigidity would I lose by cutting a big hole in the roof.

http://www.slidingragtops.com/25.htm

makarov9mm · May 10, 2011, 12:45:06 PM

http://www.slidingragtops.com/

makarov9mm · May 10, 2011, 12:50:48 PM

The second link works. Not sure why the first one didn't. Or just google the name slidingragtops. They are about $400 US dollars, but would really open up the car. Be good ventilation, since the inside of the car gets pretty warm with a small block V-8 up against the dash...

Bill Young · May 10, 2011, 03:01:23 PM

David, you won't loose much structure as the GT is pretty strong to begin with and that area of the top really doesn't add much in the way of support. I'm not a fan of sun roofs, too many experiences with leaks and I find them hotter than a closed top when the sun is out in really warm weather. I'd suggest spending your money on some good insulation for the floors and firewall such as DynaMat or Lizard Skin instead. You still have the heater installed, that with a good three speed blower from a GM car installed and a good shut off valve can supply a nice amount of outside air to the interior making it more comfortable and if you really want comfort you can add AC to the GT very easily. Bill Davidson installed a very neat under dash heater/AC unit in his GT and it's really clean and neat. Not as cheap as the sun roof, but in conjunction with the insulation makes for a nice quite and cool ride. Something to save for in the future I suppose.

Moderator · May 10, 2011, 03:36:25 PM

Before cutting a hole in the roof, you might want to try a quick and easy experiment: driving your GT with its side windows removed! I made lightweight replacement windows out of 1/8" polycarbonate mounted on simple steel frames that seal tightly into place held by three Dzus fasteners. I like how much ventilation they provide while the roof still provides shade. When I clip the windows back into place, the car is snug, secure, and quieter. (No one would ever describe my car as quiet!)

After test driving my car, Mike Maloney (who often posts here too) accomplished the same thing without Dzus clips - as I recall, the drip rail trim on his GT helps hold his removable windows in place.

deltadave · May 12, 2011, 09:34:48 PM

I think the sliding sun roof would be cool for a VW micro bus, but not an MG-GT. I agree that some good insulation would be the bigger bang for the buck. I found some suff on the web that is just like dyndmat, but half the price. Go to fatmat.com and check it out.
take care, Dave

Moderator · May 13, 2011, 03:19:17 PM

Sliding sunroofs always made me think of Renault 2CVs... until I inspected Paul Schils' GT in person. His looks very nice.

J Man · May 14, 2011, 12:29:59 PM

I vote for insulation as well. I know I few guys from my mini truck days that put them in. They all like them but they said in heavy downpours they would leak. Also later on if you ever decide to sell the car that is one item that will detract some buyers.

makarov9mm · May 15, 2011, 02:47:00 AM

I've decided to leave the roof intact. I'll work on other ways to get ventilation into the car. You are right about the sun beating down on you. I had the sunroof out of my MR2 the other day and it is fun, but you really notice not having the shade even from the tinted glass.