An article on how to install a panoramic roof on a car: product types, installation process, important nuances and subtleties. At the end of the article - a video of facts and myths about panoramic roofs.
The content of the article:
Car owners are increasingly thinking about cardinal tuning of their car - namely, installing a panoramic roof. This is quite fashionable and ... completely useless if a panoramic roof is not provided in the factory for a particular brand of car.
But if you really want to, then you can make a glass roof on the VAZ 2101, without forgetting to reissue the registration certificate before that (if possible). Let's consider in detail all the options.
It is impossible to convert the body of a car on your own, where the factory equipment with a panoramic roof is not provided. Despite the fact that the “craftsmen” offer to do everything in the service station, not a single car mechanic will undertake to install a panorama on a model where the design is not provided by the manufacturer. The only option for those who like to drive with the breeze is to install a sunroof.
If, when buying a car, the option of converting a metal roof to a glass roof was included in the basic package, the service center is guaranteed to convert the metal roof and install the factory panorama. The cost of a panoramic roof is negotiated separately - depending on the model of the car, the price starts from $1,000.
Even if the car provides for the installation of a panorama, it is almost impossible to install a glass roof on your own. Requires special tools, equipment and at least two qualified assistants.
All design changes are registered in the traffic police with the relevant data entered in the vehicle registration certificate.
If the standard configuration initially included the installation of a panoramic roof, there will be no questions. If the car does not provide for alteration of the body, it is likely that the first inspector who stopped you on the road will draw up a protocol, write out a huge (up to 25,000 rubles in case of repeated violation) fine and you will have to return the original appearance of the car.
Almost all modern car models require the installation, if not a sunroof, then a panoramic roof with one or two sections. The main difference between the first and the second is that when the hatch is open, the interior is naturally ventilated, the panoramic roof gives only streams of sunlight and excellent visibility.
The designs of hatches are quite diverse, and such a hatch can be made independently in the garage, having enough tools and the necessary skills. The most common ones are:
- lifting structure. The manhole cover is made of transparent polymer or glass and is lifted electrically or manually by turning the handle. The design is simple and reliable, independent tie-in is allowed.
- lifting hatch provides only the exit of air from the passenger compartment and requires a systematic inspection rubber bushings, the wear of which leads to the leakage of the roof.
- Sliding hatches. They are installed by the manufacturer, since the design is difficult for self-assembly. The panel slides into a niche between the upholstery and the metal roof. Can move in both directions.
- Sliding sunroof, integrated and standard, always reduces the car's aerodynamics when fully open. The hatch can occupy up to 50% of the roof surface.
- A kind of sliding - lifting-sliding design. When opened, the panel does not go into the cabin space, but lies on the roof of the car. Of the advantages: the ability to install it yourself. Of the design flaws - increased aerodynamic resistance and rapid contamination of the drainage grooves. Needs systematic review.
- panoramic sunroof. It has a large glass area and a tinted curtain. If desired, you can close part of the cabin. This hatch design is closest to the panoramic roof, but unlike the latter, the hatch can be opened and stand in full growth. Among the design flaws, high cost and the possibility of installation only in dealer center maintenance
Transparent roofs give a unique driving experience, the driver gets a large viewing area, and there is always light in the cabin. Functionally, the roof does not move in any direction, it can be closed with a curtain. Widespread as an option in minivans, hatchbacks, crossovers latest generations.
The most popular car models, where you can order a complete set with a panorama:
- Citroen C1. The model is considered the most comprehensive. Panorama occupies 70% of the roof. The price range of cars is budget. Installing a panorama will cost 16,000 rubles. A distinctive feature is the absence of any jumpers on the windshield and the possibility of completing with multi-colored illumination.
- Citroen C3 Picasso. Kompaktven offers to order a panoramic roof in two configurations from 30,000 rubles. This is a glass top with no baffles from front to rear pillars. Square windshield is 2 sq. m. A separate panorama will add another 1.2 square meters. m of open space.
- Opel Astra GTC. Has a panoramic windshield, the cost of the roof will be up to 30,000 rubles.
- Peugeot 3008. The entire roof of this car in the configuration of panoramic glazing becomes transparent. A protective curtain is provided that will hide a significant part of the ceiling.
- Mercedes-Benz SL. The cost of a roadster panorama ranges from 28 to 150 thousand rubles. Given the cost of the car, it's not that expensive. A roof with a panoramic view can not only provide visibility, but also open like a hatch. The main element of Mercedes security is the installation of a security system that will automatically close the panorama if an emergency is suspected.
- BMW 5 Series Touring. The panoramic roof has a sliding section that works like a sunroof. Electric drive control. Dimming of the panorama is provided in three modes - from black to dark gray.
Panoramic roof changes dramatically appearance auto - any modification brings it closer to the premium class. The panorama is made of composite glass - it is a light and durable material that is not inferior to metal. The advantages of a panoramic roof are as follows:
- Visual increase in cabin space;
- Attractive car exterior;
- Increased visibility for the driver by 120%.
- Any sunroof or panoramic roof affects the rigidity of the body. Given the state Russian roads, this is a significant factor that reduces the safety of a car.
- Rapid soiling of the roof. Road dust and dirt is much more visible on a glass roof and affects the aesthetics.
- Difficult and expensive repair. Any panoramic roof requires a systematic inspection and cleaning.
- Glass has a much lower thermal conductivity than metal, and the microclimate is disturbed in the cabin. It gets colder in winter, hotter in summer. Both the air conditioner and the stove should work at maximum mode.
Video of facts and myths about panoramic roofs:
Nowadays, quite a lot of manufacturers use panoramic roofs in their models. This solution is positioned as an advantage, and in the case of an optional add-on, a glass ceiling is not cheap. In our article today, we will try to find out what advantages and disadvantages panoramic roofs have.
The design of the panoramic roof is absolutely identical to the standard metal version. The only difference lies in the material that covers the main space of its area. In the case of a glass roof, high-strength triplex or other types of damage-resistant composite glass are used. In terms of strength, they are in no way inferior to metal.
In the interior of cars with a panoramic roof, there is a movable false ceiling with which the glass can be closed. In some models this is done electrically, in others the movement of the flocked ceiling panels must be done manually.
What are the benefits of a panoramic roof?
Installing a glass roof has a number of advantages that turn out to be quite important for the driver.
- Transparent glass visually increases the size of the cabin, creating a feeling of almost unlimited interior space. While riding in a car, passengers do not experience a sense of isolation, which contributes to improved comfort. Of course, this is just an optical illusion, but it helps to change the perception of the passenger area.
- Providing additional visibility and improving the visibility of overhead traffic lights. Moving around the city, you get the opportunity, without getting out of the car, to inspect tall objects, read signs or just look at the sky, appearing through the stone "jungle" of buildings. This mainly concerns passengers, although the driver also has the opportunity to take full advantage of additional visibility functions.
- Tinted glass roof gives the car a stylish appearance, flavored with model personality. The car looks much brighter. It stands out from the general flow of vehicles equipped with a standard metal roof.
- There are also practical benefits of installing a panoramic roof. It is expressed in the improved properties of the soundproofing of the cabin. If the driver has to move in the rain, he will not hear the sound of the monotonous sound of falling drops. The glass will completely absorb it. Metal cannot boast of such qualities, which creates certain inconveniences on long trips.
Cons of a panoramic roof
Do not think that panoramic roofs are ideal solution. Their negative sides they also have enough.
- The main disadvantage of the glazed ceiling is the insufficiently productive work of the cabin heater and air conditioning system. Glass has a much more powerful degree of thermal conductivity than iron. In summer, the entire volume of scorching sunlight is transmitted to the salon. The situation is similar in winter. The interior receives and accumulates much more cold air than it could receive from a metal roof. In both cases, such phenomena have to be compensated. This is done by the air conditioner and the “stove”, which makes the engine work in the mode of increased power loads and entails increased fuel consumption.
- The winter period is characterized by another "minus". Condensation accumulates on the inner surface of the glass roof, which during driving brings unnecessary moisture into the passenger compartment, and during periods of parking the car for a long time, it contributes to the formation of a layer of ice.
- The design of glass roof vehicles implies some height limitation that taller crew members will no doubt notice. The ceiling level drops at least a couple of centimeters. This is due to the need for unhindered movement of the panels and the need to install guide elements.
- Additional mechanisms are quite fragile, which can lead to their failure. Repair of elements, especially electronic ones, can be quite expensive.
Can you install a glass roof in a car yourself?
If it is not provided by the manufacturer, definitely not. An obstacle will be a law prohibiting constructive change cars. The fact is that before installing such solutions, the engineers of automakers carefully calculate all the loads that arise in critical situations. It is important for designers to create such a strong roof, which in terms of its qualities will not be inferior to standard metal elements. Numerous tests are carried out, with the main focus being on the behavior of the glass ceiling in rollover situations.
On the other hand, referring to official dealers manufacturer, it is theoretically possible to install a roof. The main condition for this is the presence technical feasibility for the implementation of the plan. For example, your model may optionally have a glass top. When purchasing a car, you decided not to install it, but after some time you changed your mind. In this situation, you will not have any problems with the installation. The main thing is to have enough funds in the wallet.
Summarize
At the end of the article, we will say that the main advantage of having a glass roof is the image component. Of course, there is no unambiguous need for panoramic glazing, and the “cons” that such solutions have are more significant from the point of view of the practical operation of the car.
Auto engineers never cease to amaze car owners with new products and offer new solutions for a more comfortable ride. Perhaps everyone is familiar with such an element as a sunroof in a car, however, panoramic roofs differ from the usual "windows", as they occupy the lion's share of the "ceiling" of the vehicle.
They look very stylish, and the driver and passengers can enjoy the views thanks to the increased visibility. If someone is tired of looking at the beauties of nature or a person just feels uncomfortable, then the transparent roof can be closed with a special curtain - a false ceiling. Such a curtain can be equipped with an electric drive or closed manually. But as many people think, glass is glass, and it just can't be any more convenient or as safe as a metal roof. Is it so? To understand, consider the main concerns of car owners.
Is the glass roof really unsafe and degrades the strength of the entire body
Before explaining that this fear is completely groundless, it is worth asking the question, what is the windshield made of? If the car gets into an accident, rolls over several times, or a brick flies into the “front-end”, won’t a person get hurt? But, for some reason, there was an opinion that it was a sunroof or a panoramic roof that could cause the car to twist into an accordion, and rain from fragments would fall on the driver.
Such a statement can only be based on if the glass element was added to the design of the car by a handicraft method (which, by the way, is prohibited by law, just because of security measures). For example, the owner of a Zhiguli armed himself with a grinder, cut a hole in the roof and installed the first glass that came to hand in it. In this case, he violated the strength of the entire body and doomed himself to the risk that even with minor damage, the “stylish” hatch would harm his health.
What is a factory panoramic roof
In reality, such elements can only be installed in the design of a car at the factory. At the same time, the calculations of the strength characteristics of the same machine with or without a panoramic roof will differ significantly even at the design stage. This means that the power frame of the car does not become more flimsy if a glass element is added to it.
Not less than important point is the material from which glass is made. Many will be surprised, but it is not only not inferior in its strength to the “frontal”, but, on the contrary, surpasses it (both in thickness and in characteristics). This was made possible thanks to the composition of the glass, which is a "sandwich" of five layers:
- In the very center of the panoramic glass there is a sheet of polycarbonate film, which gives the transparent roof the necessary strength. In simple terms, polycarbonate is a polymer with high impact strength (1000 kJ / m2). Due to this, such a film is able to increase the strength of organic glass by 60 times, polystyrene by 150 times, and silicate glass by 200 times. Polycarbonate can be deformed, but it is almost impossible to break it (even if you hit it with a sledgehammer for a long time). Moreover, this polymer is lighter than ordinary glass. Polycarbonate retains all its properties at temperatures from -80 to +220 degrees.
- Layers of a liquid polymer are applied on top and bottom of the polycarbonate film, acting as an adhesive.
- Above them are glass.
The whole structure goes through the process of pressing and drying under extreme high temperatures. As a result, the product becomes homogeneous and very strong. The thickness of panoramic glass is 7.5 mm. At the edges it is thickened up to 9 mm.
Healthy! The panoramic roof is airtight, so you should not be afraid that water will begin to seep through it in bad weather. This is possible only with a handicraft installation of the hatch.
Metal, in comparison with such glass, can be called a more fragile material. Other than that, he's pretty tough. If the car gets into an accident, then both metal and glass are deformed, but not broken.
Interesting! Many experts even argue that the presence of such glass only improves the rigidity of the car body. Even if the glass is completely broken, it will not shatter into small pieces.
Therefore, you can safely forget about the idea that glass is fragile and breaks for any reason. But, since this is a relatively new trend, is it likely that the repair of such an element will cost a pretty penny?
If the panoramic roof is damaged, will the repair be more expensive
In this case, remember again that this element can be deformed, but not broken. Therefore, if a dent on the roof does not hurt your eyes, then there is no need to immediately run to a car service (glass is not subject to corrosion, so you do not have to fear that rust will start to creep around the defect).
Of course, the repair itself will cost a lot. But, you need to understand that if a block of ice collapsed on a car, then most likely the entire body was damaged. Accordingly, regardless of the presence of glass or metal on the roof of the car, you will have to perform expensive procedures to restore the power frame of the car.
Healthy! The most expensive mechanism is responsible for the movement of glass.
If we figured out the myths and reality, then it's time to talk about the other advantages of such modern varieties of hatches.
Benefits of a panoramic roof
First of all, the presence of such an element makes the trip more interesting. Passengers can enjoy beautiful views, look at a flying plane or a starry sky. A person ceases to feel like in an iron box and it is easier for him to relax.
In addition, the panoramic roof:
- Visually increases the space of the car interior.
- Gives the car a more stylish look (most of these windows are tinted at the factory).
- Acts as soundproofing. If it started to rain on the road, then the sound of drops on the metal roof is very annoying. The glass surface is devoid of this minus. The car owner and passengers will not hear the wind and other sounds. The five-layer material will resist this.
- Allows you to ventilate the car. There is no need to turn on the air conditioner again.
It would seem that everything is fine, but there is no smoke without fire. Therefore, it would be fair to say about the shortcomings of such elements.
Is it true that there are problems with heated glass
It really is. Most often, problems appear during high heat, or, conversely, in conditions of negative temperatures. If you leave such a car in the parking lot on a hot summer day, then the interior will turn into hellish hell in 10 minutes. Even if the shutters are closed, the element is multi-layered and there is a tinting material in the composition, the glass heats up quite strongly (since it has a high thermal conductivity) and cools down for a long time. In winter, the situation changes reverse side. The glass freezes over and stays cold all the time.
Important! In winter, the glass in the roof is covered with a layer of ice. It constantly rattles while driving. Not everyone will be pleased to hear such sounds overhead.
Because of this, car owners have to use the air conditioning system in more powerful modes. This, in turn, leads to increased energy consumption (and, accordingly, fuel) and time for heating. But even this does not solve the problem. The fact is that the engineers thought through the strength and other characteristics of the glass. But, they did not take care that other, more powerful air conditioning systems were installed in cars with panoramic sunroofs. Therefore, in such cars there are standard stoves and fans, which are designed only for metal with a thick layer of insulation.
Such glasses also have one more drawback - the cost. If you compare two identical cars in the same configuration, with only one difference - the presence of a panoramic roof, then their price will differ significantly. You will have to pay extra for a reinforced frame and a high-strength "window".
Also, do not forget that glass tends to get dirty. If there are windshield wipers on the “windshield”, then the panoramic roof is devoid of such elements. Accordingly, the picturesque picture of the sky overhead can be easily spoiled by a flying bird, succumbing to the call of nature. In order not to look all the way at the spreading feces, you will have to stop the car every time and wipe the glass surface.
In custody
So panoramic roofs are really safe and can change the way you drive. However, this does not mean that this element can be installed in any machine. It is dangerous to engage in the installation of such elements on your own. Therefore, it is better to either buy a car with a transparent roof from the manufacturer, or familiarize yourself with the shortcomings of such hatches and continue driving a car with a standard “ceiling”.
Over the past decades, sunroofs have become quite a popular upgrade, allowing drivers to get fresh air and extra light into the cabin without opening windows. The panoramic sunroof is a more recent discovery in the world of auto industry news, and is steadily gaining the sympathy of car owners. More on this later in the article.
The use of the term "sunroof" or "sunroof of a car" as a designation for an opening in a car is not infrequently attributed to the well-known American company Ford motors. Then the hatch was a glass panel with an electric drive and at the moment its design has not changed in principle.
A hatch is a working panel that slides over the surface and opens either manually or automatically. Can be mounted either at the factory or aftermarket. As a rule, this is an optional feature, when the car owner himself chooses whether he wants it or not.
The sunroof provides more efficient and reliable protection than a convertible body model, as it opens only the upper part of the car. In addition, the panel is an alternative to side windows, especially for those drivers who do not like headwinds in the face.
Car sunroof device
The car sunroof device is a removable panel, which usually consists of 3-4 main parts.
The largest part is a metal panel or glass. Metal removable panels include an interlock or locking mechanism where the perimeter glass panels can use a metal frame to provide locking.
Types of hatches
Car sunroofs are available in different shades, sizes, shapes and styles.
Although they all perform the same function, their principle of operation is different.
Lifting
A similar installation of the hatch on vehicle at home is quite common among car owners. This design tilts the panel with a control, which makes it possible to use it as an air vent.
built-in
An integrated sliding or built-in sunroof is usually a factory assembled product. Sliding between the metal roof and the interior lining, the sunroof provides full opening. Although most built-in models open to their full extent, some variations include a rear ventilation function.
sliding panels
Sliding panels have the function of shifting on outside roofs using an electrical appliance or mechanically.
folding sunroof
A retractable sunroof is an opening in a vehicle whose panel is made of waterproof materials.
folding panel
A folding panel made of waterproof materials is a canopy like a convertible. The panel folds back, leaving the car interior completely open.
What is a panoramic roof
A panoramic roof can cover either the entire top of the vehicle, or its predominant part. In other words, it replaces the traditional car top.
Such a panel is significantly larger than a conventional sunroof, and can be tinted or transparent.
Types of panoramic roofs
Panoramic roof is of the following types:
- Panoramic sunroof. A lot of light and fresh air while driving are two components of such a design. The panoramic sunroof is a large opening consisting of folding panels in the upper section of the roof.
- Fixed panoramic roof. Because the panel extends over the entire top of the car, the roof forms a dynamic design line. Its fixed components are made of safe laminated glass, which comes with the shadow system.
Operating principle
A car sunroof works on the same principle as windows. After the driver presses a button, a small motor pulls the plexiglass back, revealing a panel on the roof.
When the driver wants to close it, he presses the button again, which causes the reverse process. Other versions make it possible to open hatches at an angle from one side by pressing with a hand from the other side. Some motorists prefer to close the sunroof when driving and simply enjoy the extra light that comes through the transparent panel into the cabin.
The hatch can be opened:
- Automatically.
- With the help of a special lever.
- Manually.
What is the difference between a sunroof and a panoramic roof?
Although the panoramic sunroof and sunroof essentially perform the same function (increasing the amount of light in the cabin), some of their components are different.
designation
The hatch is mounted on the car in the form of a metal frame with a panel. It is a plate cut into the roof of a vehicle, the glass panel of which slides back to let in air and light. The panoramic roof is the same panel, but it is larger and allows light to pass through even when closed.
materials for the manufacture of a panoramic roof or sunroof
The materials used for the panoramic roof and sunroof are lightweight. Both in the first and in the second case, glass can be used. A waterproof fabric may also be used. Panoramic roofs are made of laminated glass.
panoramic roof and sunroof features
The disadvantages of a panoramic roof, in comparison with the sunroof, are its static nature. It doesn't open or move. As for hatches, they usually have natural ventilation available.
car panoramic sunroof installation
Installing a sunroof on a car is not uncommon. They are widely used by both manufacturers and craftsmen at service stations. But panoramic roofs are still rare on our roads. The factory installed panoramic roof can boast such cars as the Citroen Xsara, Maybash, Mercedes class S 221, as well as some Peugeot models.
the cost of installing a panoramic sunroof or panoramic roof
It is worth noting that the installation of a panoramic roof and a car sunroof will cost a lot. This applies in particular to the first option. Repairing a panoramic roof is also an expensive pleasure. In addition, only specialists can carry it out.
Benefits of a car sunroof
Installing a sunroof can enhance even the most practical and comfortable vehicle by providing configurations with a significant amount of light. In order to please consumers, many brands install such panoramas of light as classifiers for specific models.
The sunroof, which is one or two separate panels for passengers and the driver, makes it possible to fill the interior with natural light during the day, and also allows you to look at the stars and the moon at night.
It is often said that sunroofs are a great addition to air conditioning. Indeed, sliding or folding models make it possible to feel the wind in the car. In addition, air circulation in the cabin is increased. It turns out that ventilation after opening the valve improves up to 70 percent, but the most important thing is that when driving in a car it happens much quieter than with the windows open.
The sunroof controls are usually located near the interior rearview mirror. Panoramic roof or transparent windows on the roof of the car also have a lot of other advantages. For example, many drivers believe that such an additional window makes it possible to better view certain areas pavement especially at intersections.
Disadvantages of a car sunroof
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of hatches is the high cost of the machine. A car with such an addition is much more expensive than a similar model, but without it. Another important disadvantage is that the installation of a sunroof on the roof of the car entails an increase in air resistance, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption. In addition, if the sunroof breaks, water or other precipitation may enter the cabin.