Hi everyone, what is best: remove the sunroof with the tracks on the side attached, or remove the panel alone after having removed the headliner?

__________________
1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

BUMP

__________________
1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

On a 126 there is 1 bolt on each side that releases part of the frame. It is a hassle to align the roof if you unbolt from the frame. What car are you working on?

It's a 1983 W123 300TD. I just don't know if it's best to keep the frame attached which involves removing the four I think screws (not sure how you get a screw driver in that last screw with roof panel in the way though). Or, if you just undo the hex bolts from the bracket and remove just the panel (but it's obvious they do have adjustments to those bolts).

__________________
1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

It looks like I'm not getting any help here. I guess I'll have to buy the video from that overpriced Mercedes Source.

__________________
1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

OK, so for anyone else who might want to do this:

Remove the headliner from the sunroof by unscrewing the one screw attaching the cover for the pull handle that releases the sunroof.

Once that is free, carefully unsnap the liner panel from the front of the sunroof by pulling down gently, if it's difficult (like mine was) then look between the liner and the roof panel and gently pry each clip with a door panel clip pry tool. Slide the roof back to about 2/3rds open, and close the t-handle so it won't poke the liner material as you slide it forward. Then slide the headliner panel forward and up over the top of the car headed toward the windshield.

Once that's off, release the t-handle again, and slide the roof all the way back. Now you can see all five screws on top of the track rails. Remove them all, the front one is longer and fine threaded remember that for installation. Once both sides are done, pull the sunroof forward and as you near the wind deflector lift it up at the front, keep going wiggling it gently till you can get your fingers under the back of the panel, and begin lifting while wiggling till it comes free and you can then lift it up and out.

I removed the seals too as the point is to paint the car. The front seal is really in there, but luckily it was a warm day and the sun had been on it for an hour, so I could gently pry it loose, I think I could reuse it, but I don't think I will. The rear seal is on the roof panel itself, and mine was very cracked and ruined. I also found some rust back there on that lip I'll have to remedy.

Attached Thumbnails

         

__________________
1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

Now the next question: My felt side seals are pretty hammered, they are NLA is there any ideas for repairing them?

__________________
1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

Source some felt, make your own?

__________________
Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC