If you love the idea of a sunroof but you don’t want to buy a car that already has one, you’re in luck. It’s possible to add a sunroof to any vehicle that meets the following criteria:
- The vehicle must have a strong enough roof to support the weight of the sunroof (except for sliding or pop-up models)
- The roof should be large enough to fit the desired type of sunroof
- The vehicle should be able to support the weight of a fully opened sunroof
An aftermarket sunroof will not have the same safety features as a factory-installed sunroof.
Aftermarket sunroofs are often less expensive than ordering a sunroof as a factory option. A factory-installed sunroof will be installed by the car manufacturer at the same time that the vehicle is being built and must meet safety regulations. An aftermarket sunroof will not have the same safety features as a factory-installed sunroof. Aftermarket sunroofs are often made from lower quality materials and do not have government approval to be fitted to vehicles of any kind.
If you choose to install an aftermarket sunroof, you may save money on installation costs but there is no guarantee that it won’t leak or break in future years. Even if your car did come with a factory-installed sunroof, there’s always a chance that it can develop leaks over time as well. You can choose to install an aftermarket sunroof on most cars, but don’t expect it to last as long as a genuine OEM part would have done.
The cost of the installation will depend on the type of sunroof.
The cost of the sunroof itself will depend on the type of sunroof. The most common types include:
- inverted-tube roof
- panoramic roof
- shark-fin roof
The prices for all three are about $500, but the price and installation will differ depending on your car. For example, the Shark-fin roof costs $550 in Canada, but if you live in a New York state with higher sales tax, it would cost you another $100 or so to get it installed.
Aftermarket sunroofs can leak, but this is preventable.
If you have an aftermarket sunroof installed in your car and it’s starting to leak, keep calm. The good news is that it’s usually preventable by choosing a reputable installer and taking care of your sunroof with proper maintenance. Leaks are typically caused by one of the following:
- Poor installation
- Damage to the roof
- Lack of maintenance
Note that most leaks aren’t related to the type or age of your vehicle, except in cases when a sunroof was not available in that model year. If you notice water stains on the headliner or seat upholstery, rusty hinges, or electrical issues (such as blinking lights on your dashboard), there may be leaks that need to be addressed—the sooner, the better.
It is possible to add a sunroof to a car, and there are several options for doing so.
It is possible to add a sunroof to a car, and there are several options for doing so. The cost of the installation will depend on the type of sunroof you choose and other factors.
Adding a sunroof is a project you can do yourself, as long as it’s a vehicle you own. With the right tools, it’s not too difficult, but there are some risks. If you don’t have any experience with auto body work or installing sunroofs, then it’s best to hire someone who does.
