From: bay@unislc.uucp (Bethanne Yukman)
Subject: Re: Aftermarket sunroofs - are they any good?
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Organization: Unisys Corporation SLC
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 20:03:30 GMT

Sharen A. Rund (sharen@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com) wrote:
: In article <1992Oct3.173609.2733@leland.Stanford.EDU> nathanc@leland.Stanford.EDU (Nathan Chan) writes:
: >Hello netters:
: >
: >I am interested in the new Nissan Altima. When I went to the dealer
: >and looked at the GXE model, he said that a factory sunroof was
: >not available, but that a company called "American Sunroof" could
: >put one in. (power tilt/slide with sunshade)
: >It would be done before I took delivery and would cost
: >about $1000. Has anyone out there had experience with this company
: >or with aftermarket sunroofs in general? Is the quality the same
: >as a factory-installed one? If I put one in, does that void any
: >part of the new-car warranty? Any comments would be appreciated.
: >
: sounds like the same company my sister had put a sunroof in her
: car - they did a good job...one comment, call the company itself
: and see if you can get a better price....
: 
: -- 
: ________________       __        ________________   "They that can give up
: \_________      \     /_ \      /      _________/  essential liberty to 
:  \_________      \_____/  \____/      _________/  obtain temporary safety
:   \___________________      __________________/  deserve neither liberty 
:                      /______\                   nor safety."  
: ALL disclaimers apply ....                           --Benjamin Franklin
: 	  

Well, I purchased the very same sunroof you are considering, for
my 1991 Camry that I bought last year.  I'll fill you in on my
experiences....

Installed, my sunroof cost $1000.  American did a good job installing
it, except that I didn't know the actual sunroof has about a 4-inch
perimeter around it, which forced it to be installed further back
 than I wanted.  This results in my not getting direct sunlight on
 my face, except in the middle of the summer.  If I were you,
 I would take a measuring tape and find out exactly where the
 sunroof will be installed (ask someone at American to  look at
 the car) , so you can determine exactly where the sun will come in.
 My Camry has a  long sloping windshield, so I would have had this
 problem with any sunroof (factory or aftermarket).

 Installation took about 3 days -- they cut a hole into the top and have to
 replace the headliner.  Make sure to take a look at the fabric they will
 use.  When I visited the installer myself, he showed me this pathetic
 fabric that looked like cheap corduroy(it had a bias, with lines running
 in one direction).  Then I had the Toyota dealership actually take the
 car down, and they specifed this nice felt-like fabric with no nap, which
 looks  a thousand times better!

 American warranties the sunroof for three years -- after that you are
 on your own.  I have only had mine one year but it has worked quite
 well so far.  In fact, I use it just about everytime I jump inmy
 car and drive somewhere.  

 I was in the same boat  as you when I bought my car -- it was one of the
 last 1991 Camry's and I just couldn't find one in white with a sunroof.
 So, I bought the basic car and color I wanted and had the aftermarket
 one installed.  Except for the problem with the placement of the sun
 roof, I would have to say it's been a good deal.

 In general, you shouldn't really have any problems with a sunroof.  I
 hear that if you do have a problem, it's usually either the fuse, or
 a little pebble that has gotten stuck on the  sliding track.  

 One other really nice thing about the American sunroof that you are
 looking at is the fact that it automatically closes when you
 turn the car off.  So you don't inadvertently leave the roof open
 to theives.

 I hope my experience has been helpful to you.  Whatever you decide...
 good luck!!

 Bethann Yukman BAY