body and interior How To Replace '73 Sunroof Gasket?

[jd_sims6]

  I just bought a 1973 BMW 2002!  Originally a California car, it's in great shape for 40 years old.  Biggest problem is that the sunroof is missing the seal and will leak.  We lubricated the cables and it seems to open and close ok.

 

  Does anyone have a good procedure to replace the gasget and any other adjustments I would need to make?  Not sure if the sunroof needs to be removed to install the gasget and if I have to lower the headliner in the process.  I'd like to do the work with my son, but we don't want to bit off more than we can chew!

 

  Also, looking for a good place to buy parts.  It also needs a side quarter panel light and a muffler!

 

Appreciate all advice!

 

thanks, John

[creede]

Welcome John. 

 

Have you seen this link? 

 

http://www.my2002tii.com/spring_2005/sunroof.htm

 

 

It should have all the info you need for your sunroof.  If you are looking for parts, Blunt is great option.

 

http://bmw.blunttech.com/Contact-Us-17.html

 

 

Shoot him an email. He's very helpful and responsive. 

[nbcbird]

After installation I coated both gaskets with some clear RTV silicone.  It looks messy, but just rub it in until it smooths out.  This helps prolong the age of the felt--mine has lasted over 20 years.

[Matt_P]

Are the drains clogged or disconnected? Those seals don't really block the water out much, even when they are new. Water is mostly handled by being routed to the drains.

[adawil2002]

The short rear gasket attaches to the sunroof panel not the roof as shown in the pictures of the my2002tii link.

Edited May 9, 2013 by adawil2002

[jd_sims6]

These were very helpful comments and instructions. Thanks to all!

 

Since The headliner and Sunroof cover are still in place inside the car, do I need to remove them to replace the seal?  Or is there as way to remove the sunroof without messing with the headliner?

 

thanks for the great comments.

 

John

[adawil2002]

To remove the sunroof headliner, open the sunroof about 3 inches to half way.

 

Pull down on the leading edge of the headliner, it's held in place by 4 clips, then carefully slide it toward the rear.

 

Close the sunroof most of the way, there are 4 phillips screws at the front, and 4 hex bolts which hold a clip at the back.

 

There is a curved spring like hinged piece attached to the sunroof which needs to be moved towards the interior of the car.

 

The sunroof should be able to be lifted out.

 

Install short gasket on the sunroof, let it run around the corners.

Install long gasket on car, there are recesses towards the rear for the gasket to follow.

 

Installation of the sunroof is the opposite of removal. with the new seals it may be snug refitting the roof panel.

Edited May 14, 2013 by adawil2002

[dbmw2002]

Andrew,  Need help with my sunroof too, your tii article was excellent. Installed a new panel in my o2, have not been able to figure out the front and back adjustment, my panel slide forward smoothly and raises up but is touching the front edge of the recess, have not installed my seal yet as it just seems something is amiss. Does the panels headliner piece play into the equation? Does it keep the metal panel from going to far forward? Seem to have everything right it just goes an 1/8 of an inch too far forward, thanks for any input, your build site is inspiring me to do it right.

[adawil2002]

Andrew,  Need help with my sunroof too, your tii article was excellent. Installed a new panel in my o2, have not been able to figure out the front and back adjustment, my panel slide forward smoothly and raises up but is touching the front edge of the recess, have not installed my seal yet as it just seems something is amiss. Does the panels headliner piece play into the equation? Does it keep the metal panel from going to far forward? Seem to have everything right it just goes an 1/8 of an inch too far forward, thanks for any input, your build site is inspiring me to do it right.

The build site is not mine.

 

Install your gaskets that should take up that 1/8th inch at the front.