Problems with sun roof and rust on roof of 2000 LC

[MetroCruiser]

I just bought a 2000 Land Cruiser with 175k miles. It is overall in appropriate shape.

The only think that bothers me is some rust bubbling on the roof, in the middle of the windshield. It is about 4"x1.5".

In addition, the sunroof was apparently closed with silicone and was duck taped closed. There is no leaking/wetness (and we live in a rainy area)

My body guy suggested to remove the bubble ($500 or so).

But is it possible to replace the entire roof in case I can find the part? He does not want to remove the duck taped area and check what is underneath.

I got it at a good rate mainly because of these items. I am fairly new to Toyota Land Cruisers (and have not owned a truck since 2007).

 

[RyanStl]

Do you mean replace entire roof or entire moonroof?

 

[MetroCruiser]

I am not sure if that is even possible with a land cruiser - but I was thinking to replace the entire roof part including the moonroof. Should I be able come up with such a part parted anywhere.

 

[Kabanstva]

I am not sure if that is even possible with a land cruiser - but I was thinking to replace the entire roof part including the moonroof. Should I be able come up with such a part parted anywhere.

You should be able to just order a new roof panel from the dealer. My dad is in the autobody business, they replace full roofs all the time if vehicle was involved in rollover and whatnot.

 

[MetroCruiser]

Thanks! What would you suggest where would I find such a part?

 

[Kabanstva]

Thanks! What would you suggest where would I find such a part?

Any dealer should be able to order it for you. Below, I did a quick search and found the part numbers:

2000 Toyota Land Cruiser Roof Panel & Back Panel

Based on the production dates, I believe this is the part number you need: 63111-60461

Obviously need to verify with your parts contact.

 

[Kabanstva]

The better question is, is it worth the hassle of replacing the entire panel. If it's minor rust, it will be alot cheaper to just fix the trouble area. Replacing roof will cost thousands.

Pic of the rust?

 

[Kabanstva]

Another thing to consider, is to contact a trusted bodyshop, and ask if they can source a new aftermarket replacement roof panel. Usually that ends up costing a small fraction of the dealer price. On that same note, the bodyshop should be able to source a clean OEM junkyard panel for you. This is assuming that full replacement is even necessary or is even the best way to tackle the issue.

 

[MetroCruiser]

Thank you very much for the advice. It's not so much the little rust on the windshield but that the moonroof is closed off with duck-tape around the edges from outside. Who knows what's brewing inside the frame.

I ll check with the body shop if they could locate a clean panel. Seems the best option.

 

[RND1]

It's not so much the little rust on the windshield but that the moonroof is closed off with duck-tape around the edges from outside. Who knows what's brewing inside the frame.

Sorry, I don't understand - why don't you remove the duct tape and see for yourself? I can't imagine you will want to replace an entire roof panel once you realize the cost!

 

[MetroCruiser]

Yup I want to. I will talk to the body shop guy. So far I only spoke to my regular mechanic. But I wanted to educate myself first. For which this is the perfect forum - thank you all!

 

[RND1]

Good luck with it then. Keep us posted.

 

[MetroCruiser]

Can somebody recommend junk yards or used part websites?

 

[El Cid]

That's a grab bag option. You just have to call them and ask if someone has one. Think whole days on the phone. Considering it's sitting outside, I think you'll have more work replacing then trying to fix. But i certainly understand the need for comfort.

I have the same year model and have bubbling on the front arms. Here is what I plan on doing:
1. Procrastinating. Frankly, I just keep telling myself it isn't noticeable. I'm only so tall, it's up high, you get the picture.
2. Since it's noticeable, i purchased a wire brush and have softly scrubbed away the rust that's visible.
3. Naval Jelly. This stuff is crazy effective on rust. I figure the paint is what it is. Just need to get the rust off that I can.
4. Touch up kit. It will need to be a foot or so in size before I commit to a big paint job, so I just want to paint over where possible.
5. There are 3m products that could serve as an active sealant against further paint loss. I haven't found it, but I'm confident I can put something over a spot that isn't that noticeable to begin with.


your other option is simply disassembling. And i think I would find a renovation shop that could get to the sunroof. My point in saying that is the problems here may simply be linings(rubber and plastic) rather than metal or glass. I think if you can disassemble it all, you'll see where the problem is, but I think a total replacement will be overkill.

 

[MetroCruiser]

Thank you El Cid!