Sunroof Sliding Panel Install Question

[Scottjeffrey]

I just put my newly upholstered sunroof slider panel in, prior to the sunroof panel itself. It is not sliding freely back and forth requiring quite an effort. I don't want to put the metal sunroof panel back in because I am afraid to break the cables since the sliding, upholstered panel is so hard to move back and forth, so I am pausing. The upholstery of the headliner on the sliding panel looks good without any slack or bunching up around the its perimeter. I am tempted to shoot some WD40 into the track but fear it leaking down to where it would be visible from in the car, marring the clean material. Has anyone encountered this? Any ideas? Much appreciated.

Best Regards And Thanks,

Scott in Fort Lauderdale

 

[Mike Self]

Scott, I suspect that the clips on the underside of the sunroof sliding panel upholstery piece are catching on something up inside the roof space.  IIRC from my own experience with this process, you only need to slide that panel far enough back in the roof cavity area to insert the steel sliding panel and fasten it to the cables.  Then you can pull it forward and press the upholstery panel's  spring clips into their holes in the sunroof panel.  At least that's the way I remember it!

 

mike

[Scottjeffrey]

3 minutes ago, Mike Self said:

Scott, I suspect that the clips on the underside of the sunroof sliding panel upholstery piece are catching on something up inside the roof space.  IIRC from my own experience with this process, you only need to slide that panel far enough back in the roof cavity area to insert the steel sliding panel and fasten it to the cables.  Then you can pull it forward and press the upholstery panel's  spring clips into their holes in the sunroof panel.  At least that's the way I remember it!

 

mike

Hi Mike! Hope all is well. Perhaps once its clipped in it will stabilize things favorably. That would be great as compared to any alternatives, lol. Thanks so much!

Warm Regards,

Scott

[dlacey]

Hi Scott,  I wouldn't spray a liquid oil near the upholstery....it will get everywhere..and it smells... I have used wax to fix the problem (candle wax, ski wax...I dunno about bikini wax)..just rub it on the offending sections.

The wax is clear in colour and stays where you put it. After a while the fresh upholstery will confirm to the channel and things will keep moving.

[Scottjeffrey]

On 7/28/2021 at 6:16 PM, dlacey said:

Hi Scott,  I wouldn't spray a liquid oil near the upholstery....it will get everywhere..and it smells... I have used wax to fix the problem (candle wax, ski wax...I dunno about bikini wax)..just rub it on the offending sections.

The wax is clear in colour and stays where you put it. After a while the fresh upholstery will confirm to the channel and things will keep moving.

Thanks so much. I ended up spraying a high end lubricant on a small paint brush and applied it into the channel without making a mess. I  appreciate your help.

Scott