alfasud ti / Webasto Folding Sunroof ??

[david44]

I have an ongoing alfasud ti S3 project currently striped, I'm aware from previous experience with my series 2 Alfasud ti, the Glass Hatch Style Roofs do tend to leak.

I'm debating on wheather to replace the Glass Hatch Sunroof (as fitted to most late S3 cars) with a Webasto Folding Sunroof or have the Roof Panel Welded to make a solid water tight panel again, before I have the car Repainted.

The cost of Professionally Welding the Roof Panel or fitting the Folding Vinyl Sunroof seem fairly similar.

Interested to hear other peoples thoughts & experiences with the Folding Sunroof.

Look forward to hearing soon

Cheers

david44

[PETROLHEAD]

welding it up shouldn't be too much drama David, and it is something i've considered doing myself before too so have kinda got a plan in mind if ever did it.

one sunroof or another, they all have the same issues after time regardless of design in my opinion, unless you can maintain the integrity of the seal with youthful replacements from time to time, they're all as bad i fear.

that said, i've not had to much issue with sud roofs to date, maybe i've been lucky?

[KevJTD]

i'm in the middle of refitting a webasto fully folding sunroof to my S1 ti, so have had chance to take a look over it all.
must say i'm not at all confident of it not leaking due to the design.
a wet day will see water being driven up the screen, along the roof and over the tiny front lip and thus into the car.
hope i'm wrong though, but saying that it will hardly get any wet weather driving so maybe nothing to be concerened about!

have you considered taking the S3 roof out and re-sealing it?
quite a simple one to take out, a row of screws from inside the car holds the 2 halves together that merely clamp the roof skin.
clean up all the crud that will have gathered between the top half and roof skin, apply a good layer of sealant then bolt it all back together.
also don't forget to lift the glass out and clean the seal and underside of the glass, this will help greatly with sealing. a thin smear of vaseline on the seal will also help prevent leaking.