Roof swap: to cut or not to cut - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tompaah7503 · #1 05-28-2008, 05:54 PM

Here's the story:

My W108 300D has a aftermarket glass sunroof. It looks quite nice from the outside but it completely spoils the inside with it's UGLY mounting frame. And it doesn't slide open, just opens up a few inches at the rear.

Recently I got a parts car (also a W108) with a original MB sunroof. The sliding variety. Looks nice, headliner is in great shape and everything is fine.

I'm considering to cut the whole roof off the parts car so I can transplant that onto my 300D.. anyone done something like this before? The car needs a complete repaint anyways.

BoomInTheTrunk · #2 05-28-2008, 06:36 PM

if the parts car has no rust swap everything from the other. This would have a much nicer outcome rather than cutting the roof of a car. Have you ever done anything like this before because if not don't even try it with out someone who knows what they are doing. If you do this make sure both cars are completely start otherwise it will be problematic later down the road. You will need to re-enforce the roof so when you cut it it doesn't flex on you.

When i think of it again just don't do it, it most likely wont come out very clean.

vstech · #3 05-28-2008, 06:40 PM

I think he is just talking about cutting the entire roof off the parts car so he doesn't have to take the sunroof apart in the yard. he sounds like he is going to keep his car roof intact and just swap out the sunroof.

tompaah7503 · #4 05-28-2008, 06:48 PM

Sorry for being unclear.
I won't do this myself - I'm not that good at welding. This would be done by a professional.

I was told it's best to cut the whole roof off, since it's way easier to conceal welds and make them disappear if the roof is cut somewhere along the pillars (all the way down?). This might be true when you think about it, if only the sunroof is cut out, it makes a lot of welding on a very flat and nice surface that needs extensive working so it doesn't show..
(I have both cars at my shop)
The parts car is rear-ended, is a gasser and is registered as such, it's not an option to bring it back to the road..

BoomInTheTrunk · #5 05-28-2008, 06:53 PM

well if that the case then make sure that you look and shop for some one who does good stuff. And yes dont just cut the sunroof off it will be hard to weld without warping the roof. Where you cut it is up to the person doing the work. in the middle is the easiest. But like i said shop around and look at his work, just not after paint. You want to see some of the cars he has done right after welding only this will tell how good he is. he could just slap the bondo on like a mad man and call it a day.

bgkast · #6 05-28-2008, 07:39 PM

Go for it.

You should chop the top at the same time

BoomInTheTrunk · #7 05-28-2008, 07:49 PM

yah chop the top at the same time. It will give you a little better gas mileage due to the fact it is more aerodynamic.