replace electric sun roof w/manual sun roof?

[cliff79sdturbo]

My 79 SD has sun roof issues, where it won't close completely. My regular mechanic has replaced the cable three times w/oem cables. Even the local dealership is stumped. It is as if the cable is too short. I am tired of looking at the duct tape around the roof/sun roof seam. The only other meaningful suggestion I've encountered is from a great guy up in Tornonto with a similar problem, who resolved it by replacing the electric sun roof with a manual sun roof obtained from a local salvage yard. I can't find anyone who can even tell me what other models and years are compatable for fit and finish. Any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks. Cliff

[300SDog]

Sounds like logical fix and darned fine improvement where tracks will probably bolt right in.

The manual sunroof is work of art with excellent twist handle and smooth action, makin the sunroof fun to operate.

But good luck finding 116 manual slider anywhere in the USA. Even with w123's MB stuck us with electric junk like the idiot climate control. Canada gets European models.

If it was me, I'd compare parts numbers between manual and electric sliders (116 and 123) at the dealership parts counter. Bribe the parts guy with half pint of whiskey if he whines about taking the trouble to look up parts numbers. Dunno why, but dealerships generally treat parts numbers like top secret information.

Keep in touch with us on this project - its something we havent heard much about.

[rs899]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the mechanicals of the W116 and W123 are identical. The cutout size is the same and they were in production at the same time. I would pop the inside cover on yours and look for a junked manual W123 in a boneyard. I have a manual in my 240D and I am just dying to convert the other W123 and eventually the W116 to manuals whenever I can find the parts. The manual is THAT good.

[cliff79sdturbo]

Thanks for the advice. I hope to start the project next week with a trek to the dealership and some phone calls to local salvage yards. First though, I need to finish the seat up grade with pool noodles - who would have thought.....

[Jim Anderson]

I converted the power sunroof in an old Peugeot I had, although the cheese factor was pretty high. I pulled the inside liner off, and took the cable off. There was a second piece that pushed the back up that I put a handle on to grab it, and just pushed it open and shut. I also glued some carpet on the inside as a replacement for the liner. It scared the pants off passengers when they heard that big piece of sheet metal slam shut for the first time

[cliff79sdturbo]

That's an iteresting project you made Jim. I'm not a MB purist by any stretch, but my sun roof already blew out of the opening once last year - it went eight feet straight up in the air while I was traveling 40 mph. When it landed it just missed the car following me. I don't think I'm ready for a Peugeot repair just yet, although I am really tired of the duct tape. Thanks all the same though.

[Marks Benz]

My Benz has an electric sunroof which has had a few problems in the past but it is now working perfectly thanks to the boss of a local Benz shop. Send John Green an email - he has an incredible knowledge of old Mercs and is always eager to help enthusiasts. His web site is also worth looking at.

mbspares.com.au Johns email link is in there.

Cheers,

Mark Anderson

i have a complete manual sunroof assembly from a 1984 300TD, i will sell it complete with everything intact. let me know if anyone is interested.

[rsar888]

i recently purchased a 1972 350slc with the sun roof welded because of all the water that was leaking inside the car.
while looking for a car for my daughter yesterday, i saw a ford rs with a good manual sun roof that when you open has a glass/plastic panel over it. giving it no chance for it to ever leak and you can have the thing open at night time and still have the ac on. is this a good idea? will installing this lower the car's value?

[cliff79sdturbo]

Speaking only for myself, an admittedly rank amature, I figure just about anything I replace that is not oem will diminish the car's value. On the other hand, I had also thought about welding the sun roof closed, and having the whole thing painted to look (on the outside) as if it never had a sun roof. I gave up on that idea when I couldn't figure a way to make the inside look like it never had a sun roof, and to be honest about it - I really want a fully fucntional sun roof. Also, the cost to eliminate the thing is probably a wash with the cost to get it fixed right.

Originally Posted by carson356

i have a complete manual sunroof assembly from a 1984 300TD, i will sell it complete with everything intact. let me know if anyone is interested.

let me know if any one wants it, the car is going to be shipped out to the junk yard soon, tick tock tick tock....

Shipping would be what ever it cost me to send it and not one cent more; probably ups would be the best method. I am not sure what it is worth, what will fit in your budget?
Ray