It's not the usual hardcore off-roading question, but I'm planning to have an aftermarket pop-up/removable sunroof put in my '87 4runner. For ~$300 it seems like a great way to get around finding a rig with a factory sunroof and no other major issues. It'll also complete the top-off experience which is half the reason I got a 1st gen vs. the others.

So the questions are:
1. Has anyone else done this, either to 1st gen or any other truck?
2. Can you recommend any manufacturers of the basic glass pop-off roofs?
3. Can you recommend any body shops in the San Francisco/Bay Area to do the work?
4. Anything I need to be careful of, or other words of warning?

Thanks all.

 

mine leaks, but i didnt install it. maybe i could have done a better job, maybe not? luckily i live in vegas, so it does leak often... oh yeah '87 PU

 

Mine didn't have the sun/moon roof so I picked one up at the yard for $10 out of a Berretta (biggest one I could find). Marked it out moved the dome light and wiring and used a air nibbler (sheet metal cutter) to make the opening. Applied a good amount of bedding/glazing compound and popped her in. No leaks going on 4 years.

 

Well, I definitely won't be doing the bodywork myself, but it's good to hear even your DIY job has been problem free.

 

I installed an SFC (Stretch Forming Co.) pop up sunroof on my old VW pickup. Install was easy and it worked great, no leaks or anything.

 

i put one in my Nissan pickup, the largest popup they had, it was awesome, never leaked once and it was cool cause the whole sunroof could actually come out if i wanted more than to pop it up...but i got it installed in a truck shop in NJ

 

I am gonna get one off of performanceproducts.com and do it its like 170 for the sun roof itself. I figure ill use a ton of clear caulk to get it not to leak

I think the biggest issue is gonna be the main cut. You know if you cut too much your S.O.L...

 

Don't do the clear caulk. Most caulks may stay plieable but also stiffen and shrink causing leaks. A better seal is a bedding/glazing or "butyl joint sealant", this is what is typically used on automotive fixed window installations. Anyone who has ever taken a rear side window out of a 4Runner knows just how good it holds and seals. 3M sells it specifically for sunroofs comes in rolls and tubes.

 

and if you do use caulking make sure to go with a 100% silicone caulk, you should have no cracking, stiffening, or shrinking with 100percent silicone...

 

good thing i axed or stated.

 

i too have been thinking about getting a sunroof, it would be a real nice addition as ive been very used to having one in all the cars i owned...i dont need motorized, just pop up and removable...it just worries me cutting into my truck lol...im already worried about installing my snorkel, lol...im gonna measure like nine billion times lol