Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

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CraigA
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Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by CraigA »

My sunroof didn't sound happy when moving it back and forwards; so as per YouTube videos I hoovered out the tracks, made sure the drains were clear, cleaned off all the old grease with a solvent and used a light machine oil to re-lubricate.
The sunroof now goes back fine, but I have to force it to tilt. Obviously my concern is not wanting to damage the mechanism.
Any suggestions would be welcome
Craig
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D366Y
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Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by D366Y »

When you say 'force it to tilt' what bit are you forcing? I guess you mean the handle/winder? Or do you mean you are forcing the switch to change between them?
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CraigA
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Sep 18, 2021 5:14 pm
Car(s): Feb 1987 2.8 Injection Special. Waxoyled and garaged from new - 99% original survivor
53,000 - consecutive MOT's
Being one of the last it is in Crystal Blue over Silver
Unpainted, unrestored - and I just love it!

Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by CraigA »

Thank you for the reply
But no, the switch flips smoothly. It's the handle/winder the I have to force?
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Andrew 2.8i
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Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by Andrew 2.8i »

CraigA wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 9:41 am But no, the switch flips smoothly. It's the handle/winder the I have to force?
I would stop using he sunroof until the issue is fixed. The handles have been known to snap and a replacement could cost you an arm and a leg.

As an indication, there's only one decent one on Ebay at the moment and it's £95.

Andrew.
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D366Y
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1993 Fiesta 1.1

Currently full up and no more space but I still want a 2.8...
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by D366Y »

Andrew 2.8i wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 5:09 pm
CraigA wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 9:41 am But no, the switch flips smoothly. It's the handle/winder the I have to force?
I would stop using he sunroof until the issue is fixed. The handles have been known to snap and a replacement could cost you an arm and a leg.

As an indication, there's only one decent one on Ebay at the moment and it's £95.

Andrew.
I can vouch for that - it's more annoying to have a broken handle than not use it, and definitely worth saving!
The fact that it sticks when trying to tilt is a weird one considering there should be little to no resistance... If everything is greased and cable isn't old then I am stumped beyond that I'm afraid
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pbar
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Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by pbar »

I keep thinking I'll fabricate a mild steel shaped 'sleeve' to neatly slip onto the orginal handle to reinforce it. Could also be used to aid repair of broken ones also as I assume they usually snap along the length of the handle itself.
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D366Y
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1980 3.0S, crash damage resto
1993 Fiesta 1.1

Currently full up and no more space but I still want a 2.8...
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by D366Y »

Mine snapped right where the handle things out to join to the mechanism as the metal goes from being thick and study to only a few mm thick
A wise man once said... "you can never have too many capris - buy another" :beer:
It's me, I'm the wise man.
CraigA
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Sep 18, 2021 5:14 pm
Car(s): Feb 1987 2.8 Injection Special. Waxoyled and garaged from new - 99% original survivor
53,000 - consecutive MOT's
Being one of the last it is in Crystal Blue over Silver
Unpainted, unrestored - and I just love it!

Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by CraigA »

All noted guys, your replies are really appreciated.
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pbar
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Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by pbar »

D366Y wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 9:05 am the metal goes from being thick and study to only a few mm thick

You can fill that thin 'void' with chemical metal/filler, or similar to strengthen it. There is a tab on the other part which locates in that void but doesn't appear to do anything, so that could be ground/drilled off.

The handle would be similar strength on the full length then, with no weak spot.
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D366Y
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Car(s): 1986 Laser 1.6, daily runaround project
1981 GL Auto 2.0, Barn-Find-Resto, now also a runaround project
1980 3.0S, crash damage resto
1993 Fiesta 1.1

Currently full up and no more space but I still want a 2.8...
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Sunroof grumbles (1986 2.8 Injection)

Post by D366Y »

pbar wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 9:33 am
D366Y wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 9:05 am the metal goes from being thick and study to only a few mm thick

You can fill that thin 'void' with chemical metal/filler, or similar to strengthen it. There is a tab on the other part which locates in that void but doesn't appear to do anything, so that could be ground/drilled off.

The handle would be similar strength on the full length then, with no weak spot.
I think I kept mine so will definitely have to give this a try! Thanks Paul.

Cheers
Danny
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It's me, I'm the wise man.
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