When it comes to building trucks for show, as well as daily enjoyment, generally the first modifications we make are to ditch everything that looks factory. We go through the entire truck and shave everything we can possibly pull off and lay it out as low as possible. However, the one thing that we've always enjoyed from the factory is the phat hole in the roof that offers unlimited sunlight and a cool breeze in the cab. In years past, it was a difficult decision whether to add a sunroof or ragtop due to a fear of leaks. Now, the products available are of a much higher quality and you can enjoy a factory-style quality sunroof in your mini-truck no matter what make or model you cruise. Installation techniques have also been stepped up to ensure years of trouble-free operation.
We teamed up with Advanced Specialties in La Habra, California, and the guys showed us just how easy it was to make this factory luxury an everyday reality in any type of mini-truck. Advanced Specialties uses Webasto Products' sunroofs, which supply more than 42 percent of the OEM market and offers an excellent warranty on its products if installed by a dealer. Webasto supplied us with a SolAire Model 3430 Spoiler Sunroof that features a rolling sunshade, a generous look-through opening of 27-1/4x10-1/4 inches, and a factory-installed appearance. This sunroof offers one-button electric operation with an illuminated switch and a vented position. Advanced Specialties is one of the largest sunroof installers on the West Coast and has all the right tools and parts to do the job right the first time. Follow along as we see just what it takes to execute a factory-quality sunroof installation. For more information, contact the companies listed in the source box.
1.This is the factory roof...
1.This is the factory roof of our Toyota, which is blocking all the sun we could be taking in. Not for long.
2.This is the Webasto SolAire...
2.This is the Webasto SolAire Model 3430 Spoiler Sunroof, with the switch kit upgrade. This sunroof is perfect for our application and will hang way off the back of the cab when all is said and done.
3.Jeff, Advanced Specialties'...
3.Jeff, Advanced Specialties' sunroof expert, began the install by cutting out the template that comes with the sunroof kit.
4.After the template is centered...
4.After the template is centered on the bottom and is positioned where we want the sunroof to be installed, two holes are punched through the template to give a reference point on the top of the roof side.
5.The headliner is then stripped...
5.The headliner is then stripped of all items, including the visors, dome light, mirror, and pillar panels.
6.Next, Jeff and Scott cut...
6.Next, Jeff and Scott cut out this particular headliner because it was glued in. Most headliners are not glued in and can be reused, but our Toyota will need to have a new headliner made after the hole is cut.
7.Jeff cuts away all the insulation;...
7.Jeff cuts away all the insulation; if any of it is left when he goes to cut the hole, he could run into trouble.
8.The template was then centered...
8.The template was then centered on the roof using the two punched humps as a guide. Measure each edge to make sure that the sunroof will be centered and straight.
9.Once the template was centered...
9.Once the template was centered and marked, Jeff taped an outline around the template to line up exactly where he would be cutting.
10.The template was then removed,...
10.The template was then removed, showing the outline of the hole. The inner line is the cutting guide.
11.Jeff then cut the starting...
11.Jeff then cut the starting hole into the roof using an air chisel.
12.Advanced Specialties used...
12.Advanced Specialties used electric sheers to cut the hole in the roof. The crew prefers this tool because it slices like butter and leaves a clean cut that doesn't require finishing or grinding.