I've read the old threads about sunroof and moonroof deletes. Doesn't seem like anyone makes a fiberglass, metal or carbon replacement. Thought I'd ask if anyone knows of any options for a replacement sunroof that is NOT made of glass before I commit to removing the glass roof and riveting in some aluminum sheet.

Thanks!

 

on mine we took a spot weld cutter, went all the way around the roof panel and removed the entire roof. a new roof was duplicated (i use that term loosely as i am a novice at sheet metal work and it was only my second project on an english wheel). after the cage was installed we installed that aluminum roof in where factory roof went and except for my bad metal work looks really good, almost oem but with about a 30lb weight difference. i think if i tried two or three more times could get it looking really good

 

Thanks. We are going to replace with an aluminum sheet.

 

Looking at the same thing here, doesn't look like there's any good options available.

I do have the resources to make a mold, but not sure what the demand it like, or if it would be cheap enough.

 

Demand is probably low judging by the responses to this thread and the lack of other threads on it.

Mine is done. Aluminum sheet molded and riveted in place. I should take some pics once I get it out of it's slumber in the trailer.

 

it's been a while since I've seen people discussing this mod.
10+ years ago, I want to say Mazdatrix (?) had a roof replacement to delete the sunroof but I could be mixing up my vendors.

 

Truth. I think folks who have recently purchased RX-8s aren't necessarily on here though. I might post in the RX8 Autocross/ racing group and see, but I think most go the route you did. (I did this on a different car and it's FINE, but I think a bonded panel from underneath is much cleaner.)

 

How much does the glass itself actually weigh?

 

Its less about the glass itself usually, but the mechanism and rails. 10lb? but its also at the highest point in the car, so great from a CG-lowering perspective.

I feel like it's more common for these cars to want to remove the sunroof because of head clearance, since the roofline is fairly low.

 

Yup, I didn't know I would be going down the autocross rabbit hole when I bought this car, and unfortunately started with a shinka, had I known I would've gone with a base sport model without the DSC and extra stuff. Have always wondered exactly what the weight is up there, haven't seen it measured before.

 

Adding a couple of pics of the sunroof delete on my car. The rules don’t allow glass. Safety concerns.

 

That little panel saved 30lbs! Wow I'm quite shocked. But pleased at the same time. I'm in San Ramon. I forget where you are?

 

@gnx7 Mark, down in San Jose.

Will be at Sonoma labor day weekend for the SCCA race (in my Spec Miata)