Sun roof won't push up all the way to seal (1 Viewer)

[shimmy]

My new-to-me 80 series has a sun roof that won't close all the way. I haven't tested it, but I'm certain it would leak. And given my limited garage space, and desire to have a functional sun roof, I am interested in repairing this part to regain general weatherproofing and functionality. In the photos you can see the gap left at the rear of the sunroof when completely "closed." Driver has a slightly larger gap than passenger. The video shows how you can press up from the inside, 2-5mm of vertical movement. (video link)

Having searched here, there are a variety of different issues with sunroofs that I'm seeing, but I'm struggling to identify which one most closely resembles my issue. It looks like I might be in for a guide rail replacement. But that being a fairly expensive part ($500 per side) I would love to hear a second opinion before going down that route. I also see some complete sunroof assemblies on Ebay for ~$500-700 - not sure if that's a good route. Concern would be that they have a similar issue unbeknownst to the wrecking company. Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[BILT4ME]

My new-to-me 80 series has a roof rack that won't close all the way. I haven't tested it, but I'm certain it would leak. And given my limited garage space, and desire to have a functional sun roof, I am interested in repairing this part to regain general weatherproofing and functionality. In the photos you can see the gap left at the rear of the sunroof when completely "closed." Driver has a slightly larger gap than passenger. The video shows how you can press up from the inside, 2-5mm of vertical movement. (video link)

Having searched here, there are a variety of different issues with sunroofs that I'm seeing, but I'm struggling to identify which one most closely resembles my issue. It looks like I might be in for a guide rail replacement. But that being a fairly expensive part ($500 per side) I would love to hear a second opinion before going down that route. I also see some complete sunroof assemblies on Ebay for ~$500-700 - not sure if that's a good route. Concern would be that they have a similar issue unbeknownst to the wrecking company. Any advice greatly appreciated!

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You have a broken cable on the left side.

These parts are available, but hold onto your shorts. Each cable is several hundred dollars.

I suggest finding a sunroof cassette from a disassembler such as @arcteryx.

My truck has the exact issue as yours and I have read every article and studied the FSM about how to go through it.

I like a sunroof and want to have a non-leaking fully functional glass.

I have a replacement used cassette I bought several years ago but have not had time to install. I plan on going through it and cleaning it, lubricating it, and making sure it's fully functional before I take out the bad one.

Until then, I have a giant magnetic "Band-Aid" on the roof of mine that covers the entire sunroof. It measures 24" long x 52" wide that I bought on Amazon. I get a piece that's enough to cut two of them. Then I cut it to fit, I cleaned the area, and I squirted silicone caulk on the glass only of the sunroof so it stays on. Yes, I've had a couple wind events that ripped it off a couple times, usually driving next to or meeting a semi.

To rebuild the sunroof you have with new cables, seals, corner drains, and all that you should do in there, you will spend over $1500 in parts alone. Then you have to disassemble, clean and install. Hopefully you have a 1995 or newer, as you don't have to complicate it with the bow and clip headliner of the 94 and earlier version.

 

[shimmy]

You have a broken cable on the left side.

These parts are available, but hold onto your shorts. Each cable is several hundred dollars.

I suggest finding a sunroof cassette from a disassembler such as @arcteryx.

My truck has the exact issue as yours and I have read every article and studied the FSM about how to go through it.

I like a sunroof and want to have a non-leaking fully functional glass.

I have a replacement used cassette I bought several years ago but have not had time to install. I plan on going through it and cleaning it, lubricating it, and making sure it's fully functional before I take out the bad one.

Until then, I have a giant magnetic "Band-Aid" on the roof of mine that covers the entire sunroof. It measures 24" long x 52" wide that I bought on Amazon. I get a piece that's enough to cut two of them. Then I cut it to fit, I cleaned the area, and I squirted silicone caulk on the glass only of the sunroof so it stays on. Yes, I've had a couple wind events that ripped it off a couple times, usually driving next to or meeting a semi.

To rebuild the sunroof you have with new cables, seals, corner drains, and all that you should do in there, you will spend over $1500 in parts alone. Then you have to disassemble, clean and install. Hopefully you have a 1995 or newer, as you don't have to complicate it with the bow and clip headliner of the 94 and earlier version.

Super helpful info, thank you! When you say "sun roof cassette" are you referring to something like this? It appears to include all the parts, but it's impossible to tell the condition of the constituent components. Fortunately I have a 97, so i should be able to remove the formed headliner without too much damage.

For the official Toyota parts, do the rails come with the cables? (such as these ones)

 

[BILT4ME]

Super helpful info, thank you! When you say "sun roof cassette" are you referring to something like this? It appears to include all the parts, but it's impossible to tell the condition of the constituent components. Fortunately I have a 97, so i should be able to remove the formed headliner without too much damage.

For the official Toyota parts, do the rails come with the cables? (such as these ones)

The cassette is twice the length and more than half of it is buried behind the headliner. It's about 100 lb and is bolted to the roof of the truck. About 54" long and 48" wide.

That description is very vague and they may be trying to sell you just the glass.

The cables are separate from the rails.

Go to partsouq.com to search all the part numbers you may need and begin to understand what it takes for a rebuild or replacement.

 

[jonheld]

When I picked up my LX450 from the seller in Phoenix, as soon as I opened and closed the sunroof for the first time I heard a series of snaps and crunches as several of the internal plastic parts said their farewells. I needed to get back to Jersey so I stopped at a local hardware store and picked up a bag of wood shims and wedged the glass up for the ride home.
Jason @arcteryx once again came to the rescue with a decent used complete assembly including glass that I swapped in.
It's a lot of work, but not difficult, and gives you a chance to really clean things up on the interior panels, headliner, etc.
IMO, it's easier and more productive then trying to fix a 30 year old mechanism.
Just a few of the many good folks that part out 80s on this forum that I have purchased from. You will find more in the classifieds section.
@slow95z
@arcteryx
@swamp-thing

 

[shimmy]

When I picked up my LX450 from the seller in Phoenix, as soon as I opened and closed the sunroof for the first time I heard a series of snaps and crunches as several of the internal plastic parts said their farewells. I needed to get back to Jersey so I stopped at a local hardware store and picked up a bag of wood shims and wedged the glass up for the ride home.
Jason @arcteryx once again came to the rescue with a decent used complete assembly including glass that I swapped in.
It's a lot of work, but not difficult, and gives you a chance to really clean things up on the interior panels, headliner, etc.
IMO, it's easier and more productive then trying to fix a 30 year old mechanism.
Just a few of the many good folks that part out 80s on this forum that I have purchased from. You will find more in the classifieds section.
@slow95z
@arcteryx
@swamp-thing

Awesome, appreciate the idea. I put a wanted listing on the classifieds, looking for a sun roof assembly. Never used it before, fingers crossed!

 

[jonheld]

Awesome, appreciate the idea. I put a wanted listing on the classifieds, looking for a sun roof assembly. Never used it before, fingers crossed!

Your wanted listing has a good chance of being overlooked as many just do this as a side gig.
I found it best to contact the sellers directly.

 

[1FZj80]

depending on what broke, it might be easier to just fix. unless you get new parts they are likely to be just as worn as what you have currently.
there are several post that describe fix options. here is one:

Sunroof Stuck

I have the same problem. I bought my LC in May with this problem. Everything else about the truck was perfect. I found this thread 2 weeks ago after the sunroof button magically started working and my wife opened the sunroof. With rain forecast for the next three days I went out to the truck...

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