Sunroof Any Last Words ?

[Andrey]

Well, after having my VX for 4 years I've decided to install sunroof. Most likely it will be Hollandia 743 (former 730) Any last suggestions from current users will be GREATLY appreciated. Have anybody had luck with larger 743.5 (former 735) or 744 (former 740) ?
I was quoted $950 install in New Hempshire. Did anybody from NE had good experience with any install shop ?

Many thanks and stay tuned for nice pictures some time next week... hopefully

[johnnyapollo]

Had mine done in Atlanta for $940 - great mod. Mine was the "43" (now the 743 I guess) as well. It'll be difficult to put something bigger in there as the roof rails limit the opening. I think dyanni put a different size in his - you may want to PM him.

-- Best, John

[UtahVXer]

I was told that a 743 would reduce head room by more than 3 inches so I opted for a Hollandia 300M (spoiler style). It opens without hitting the rack. Still reduces head room a bit.

[DaPenetrator]

I wanna get the sunroof mod as well. Anyone know any good deals and installers in the DC Metro area?

DC/MD/VA VX'ers that have sunroofs already, speak up!

[Andrey]

Originally posted by UtahVXer
I was told that a 743 would reduce head room by more than 3 inches so I opted for a Hollandia 300M (spoiler style). It opens without hitting the rack. Still reduces head room a bit.

So, UtahVXer what do you think about spoiler type sunroof ? Does it make additional noise ? I've read somewhere that people add external wind deflector. Hollandia has a "build-in" wind deflector.

[johnnyapollo]

I think I only lost about 2 inches of head room with the sunroof. To put this in perspective, my friend BigMike put the same sunroof in his VX and he's 6'2" - he told me it didn't affect his head room at all. Seems that when you're taller, you sit back further to accomidate reach and leg lenth, so the loss didn't make any difference to him.

The Hollandia does have a retracting deflector, but this does not help out with issues of back pressure when the windows are closed. You get this whap-whap ear-popping pressure at speed when the sunroof is open and the windows are closed. The external, smoke-clear plastic add-on deflector solves this problem. It does reduce the amount of actuall sky you see when you look up, but the open air feel is the same. If you can't get this thrown into the deal with the sunroof, it's cheaper to purchase on eBay (about $30 - most shops want double that).

I would think that you would experience the same pressure issue with the external sunroof (though I could be wrong), which would still be fixed with the use of an external deflector.

-- Best, John

[Andrey]

John, thanks a ton for your input ! So do they glue external wind deflector to the roof ?

[Tone]

Spoiler Hollandia roof I have does NOT exhibit that noise at ANY speed up to 115MPH. The pop up deflector does do an incredible job for it’s size and maybe the outside plastic deflector would help that noise that I’ve heard before in the cheaper removeable panel roofs.

[johnnyapollo]

Wind deflector clips on using two spring-metal clips, that attach with two black bolts through holes in the deflector.

When I say whap-whap, I'm not describing wind noise at all, rather a middle-ear back pressure from the draft effect from having the opening on top at speed. Seems to cause negative pressure, drawing air out of the VX and into the opening. I used to get the same effect from my 4Runner when only the side front windows were opened. By cracking the back window in the 4Runner, the back pressure was relieved. My girlfriend's new Highlander has the same issue so I don't believe it is uncommon.

If those types of pressure changes don't bother you, then you can forego the external (add-on) deflector. It could be the very high humidity in Atlanta that makes it more noticable.

-- Best, John

[Andrey]

John, I would definitely notice unpleasant change in preassure (like in airplane changing altitude)... so basically I will try to talk shop into including external deflector as a part of a deal.

Tone, I thought your sunroof is internal (not external, spoiler like)


Andrey

[Tone]

Spoiker and I know the noise you are talking about and the 5 vx roofs I know don’t ever have it at ANY speed, windows up, down, or any combo.

[Daver]

I have the Webasto/Hollandia 742, and I really miss the headroom. I'm only 5'10", too.

Not much choice with the rack I have, but still sux.

Just some OT FYI, this morning I was installing a Bluetooth kit in my BMW and I noticed it has a Webasto sunroof also. Can't go wrong with them I guess.

-Daver

[Andrey]

now I am worried, I am 6'2".. so should I recline seats more ?

[UtahVXer]

Originally posted by Andrey
So, UtahVXer what do you think about spoiler type sunroof ? Does it make additional noise ? I've read somewhere that people add external wind deflector. Hollandia has a "build-in" wind deflector.

I have a bit of noise, but I believe it is from the rack rather than the sunroof. Think I'll remove the cross bars, since I don't use it much. The 300M is considerably smaller than the 743; but it is the largest size Holandia-Webasto recommends for the VX. The installer told me they could put a larger one in, but that it would "reduce the structural integrity of the roof". I didn't want to take any chances; and didn't want to lose any more head room. I am only 5'8" and I can't imagine how you taller guys fit. It works great; well worth the dough to let a little air and sun in. I haven't figured out how to leave it open when parked though, closes automatically when the key is removed. I also think they messed up the overhead dome light during the installation, since the push-on switch only works intermittently now.

[DaPenetrator]

Still no ideas, sugguestions, or recommendations for a retailer/installer in the DC Metro area?

Come on guys... Help Me Out!