Sunroof woes...

[Gilbern74]

About 3 years ago I had my Britax Weathershield sunroof sent off to a well known expert in restoring these things, along with headlining material I provided to match the interior, which he duly restored and sent back.
At the time I opened the box, took a look at what a great job he'd done, closed the box and put it in the garage rafters to await fitting.
That time has now come (I'm a slow worker!) so I took the box down, got the sunroof out, and noticed that side rails for the roof looked a lot shorter than I expected. Taking the full kit out and holding it up to the car roof, to my HORROR, I discovered that the sunroof was not the one I had sent. It was in fact several inches shorter! Whilst the headlining material was the stuff I'd sent, he had restored a different sunroof and sent it back to me.

Now after such a long time I do not expect anything can be done, but I have been in touch with the guy and he has no recollection of mixing up roofs, nor has anyone complained to him about receiving back the wrong (longer) roof from him, but he has agreed that a mistake has taken place and offered to re-trim another roof if I can find one (even though he has since retired).

So I am in a pretty awkward situation in having a hole in my car roof with nothing to fill it.
The tops themselves do come up for sale from time to time and I may get one off eBay. The real problem is getting the correct side and rear rails which I just don't think I can get hold of.
Looking at old photos I took when dismantling the car the rear section in particular looks to be a certain type compared to other more curved rails used on similar MGB GT sunroofs, and I am not confident of finding the correct piece.

So if anyone happens to have any photos of the correct rails used on the Mk3 Invader that I can use as a better reference (my photos are not great for detail), or an ideas how to source replacements, then please let me know!

Original rear section 2008

Roof that was sent back to me!

[rocketman]

I have a sunroof that you can have, it will require recovering, came out of my Mk3 which is a little younger than yours. I'm just over the Welsh border at the end of the M56.
Stuart.

[Gavin McArdle]

We have I think, a frame from a MK2 that the Club is breaking. I think it is only the frame and not sure how easy it will be to remove or dimensions. Still can't visit our stores but let me know if I should investigate further.
Gavin

[Gilbern74]

Hi Stuart & Gavin, thanks very much this sounds promising...would you be able to take some photos inside and out and send them to me so I can check the frame and top is really the correct one?
My email is gilbern74@gmail.com

Happy to travel any distance to pay and collect! I have today booked my car in the trimmers for a full interior makeover next month. A (expensive) landmark for sure and having the sunroof available would be fantastic.

[Gavin McArdle]

If you need this urgently I suggest you accept Stuarts offer, if his is the correct part. I am unable to visit our stores for the time being.
Gavin

[Fareham GT]

How long should your side rails be, as I have some parts from a sun roof that came out of a GT many years ago, let me know.

Regards

Brian

[Gilbern74]

Unfortunately the pics that Stuart sent me of his roof do not look like it is the same hood (different handle-opens opposite way) and I don't think he has the rails so I am still on the lookout.
I plan to call TheTrimming Centre (Bristol) who may still supply alternative replacement sunroofs so here's hoping...

With regards to the rail sizes, the side rails should be 33 1/4" (77cm). I did buy another roof off eBay recently and it is the correct size and handle, along with the side rails which are the correct length, but the rear rail is not correct - it came with a thinner one than I had on the Mk3 originally and is more arched, probably for an MGB roof.

So I'm still on the lookout for these sunroof parts. If anyone has any lying around and can get dimensions and pics to me that would be awesome.

[Gilbern74]

More sunroof woes..!

I had decided to bite the bullet since the last post on here, and was preparing to book my car in with The Trimming Center in Lewes who are the only remaining Webasto sunroof supplier and fitter out there. I spoke to Steve there and was going to book the car in with them as soon as my interior was finished. That was delayed due to Covid and is now due for completion in a couple of weeks.

So in preparation I tried to get back in touch with Steve Camp at The Trimming Centre yesterday, only to sadly find out that Steve passed away in November and the company has ceased trading! A great loss indeed - Steve took over the business from his father (also a Webasto specialist), so had a lifetime of knowledge. The company also purchased all the original Webasto tooling I believe, so were the only remaining UK classic sunroof specialst afaik

With Peter Harvey retired and now The Trimming Centre gone I do not know anywhere else that can supply and fit a sunroof, and nor does anyone else who I have spoken to in the trade.

If anyone here knows of somewhere that could do the job please let me know

[Gavin McArdle]

Hi Jason, It might pay you to contact a specialist trimmers, if they can't do it, they must know someone who can? Try Larry Piper at Pipers Trimmers of Sparkford Somerset, they have worked on a number of Gilberns, I think they have one in now. Larry can be a bit 'independent' at time especially if they are busy but their work is second to none.