Sunroof help needed - UPDATED
#65805
05/29/08 08:08 PM
05/29/08 08:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 923
Missouri
convertriple
OP
super gas
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OP
super gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 923
Missouri
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My 73 manual crank A-body sunroof doesn't move. I have it out of the car, and it needs a major cleaning. Is there any special chemicals I should use or avoid? Any tips on disassembly, cleaning, and assembly of the unit? Any help is greatly appreciated. 
Last edited by convertriple; 06/03/08 11:20 PM.
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Re: Sunroof help needed
[Re: convertriple]
#65806
05/29/08 08:36 PM
05/29/08 08:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,144
Arkansas
340727dart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,144
Arkansas
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Does the crank turn?
The first thing you need to check is the gear on the crank assembly and the channels for the cables.
The channels wear and allow the cables to move away from the crank gear.
You can gently squeeze the channels together. But, don't go crazy as it is pot metal and will break.
Take the cable channel covers off and clean that 35 year old grease out of there. Then, use new grease.
Your life is not my fault.
My life is none of your business.
Speech is free only if you agree with those in control.
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Re: Sunroof help needed
[Re: convertriple]
#65807
05/29/08 08:54 PM
05/29/08 08:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 245
Western PA
OldMoparMan
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 245
Western PA
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I had my sunroof apart this past summer and it's not very hard to disassemble it mostly phillips screws. Keep in mind that if the handle doesn't turn don't twist it very hard or you may strip the drive gear or wires. When you take the track covers you will see the drive wires that sort of look like pipe cleaners and they will have some type of lube on them so do this on a surface that won't hurt to get dirty. If you disassemble the drive section which is a good idea to do just to make sure the pot metal part is not worn out then you will have to make sure you get the drive wires back in correctly so that they pull at the same time. Lastly since you have the sunroof down you should change the four drian tubes or at least blow air through them to make sure water can drian off. Hope this helps 
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Re: Sunroof help needed
[Re: convertriple]
#65808
05/30/08 12:32 AM
05/30/08 12:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,270
Missouri
MY340
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,270
Missouri
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Lubriplate white grease is a good choice after a thorough cleaning of the parts. Inspect your cable/gear retainer where your crank gear mounts for wear and the gear teeth for wear. As you probably already know parts are hard to find but you can always beg for parts on Moparts as some guys like to hoard them. 
1970 FE5 Duster 360/904/3.91's SOLD
1973 TB3 SpaceDuster 340/4spd/4.10's SOLD
Moparless for now but when the opportunity is right I'll have another one.
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Re: Sunroof help needed
[Re: MY340]
#65809
05/31/08 01:10 AM
05/31/08 01:10 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 923
Missouri
convertriple
OP
super gas
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OP
super gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 923
Missouri
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Yeah, afraid I know about the parts situation.  I'm embarrased to say that it's been so long since i tried the roof, that I can't remember if it wouldn't turn, or it would turn with no slide action.  I just remember that it didn't work, and while waiting on some parts I decided to tear into it. I was thinking of using wheel bearing or synthetic grease on the assembly, I hadn't thought of lubriplate though. Can I use brake cleaner to clean the cables, or is that too strong? Thanks
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Re: Sunroof help needed - UPDATED
[Re: sunroofgtx]
#65812
06/04/08 12:17 AM
06/04/08 12:17 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 923
Missouri
convertriple
OP
super gas
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OP
super gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 923
Missouri
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It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Sorry to say, I'm not sure what a "rear closer" and "front guide bracket" is.  I don't know all the terms for the parts. I do know the following parts: -cables, -rails, -front channel (that the retainer sits in) and the front channel cover, -the gear and crank handle, -the cable covers that have a hump in them to push the roof upwards at the end of its travel. If this is what you are calling a "rear closer", I didn't see any adjustment in it.
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Re: Sunroof help needed - UPDATED
[Re: convertriple]
#65821
06/06/08 12:28 AM
06/06/08 12:28 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,270
Missouri
MY340
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,270
Missouri
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Not sure what was original but I use the plastic round flat buttons with the barb thingies  You can find them at the autoparts stores under the HELP or Dorman brand names normally. By using them you can remove the inner interior panel from the outer sunroof panel which is needed when removing the outer sunroof panel for repair or paint work for example. The inner interior panel will flex enough to pop in and out with alittle effort after the barbs are removed and sunroof is cranked fully open. Most people use a thin cloth, ABS plastic or vinyl to cover that inner interior panel. Watchout for excess material at the edges which causes excessive drag so trim back as needed. Then just punch holes in it at the locations so the barb thingies can go thru and attach to outer sunroof panel so both pieces now move together. 
1970 FE5 Duster 360/904/3.91's SOLD
1973 TB3 SpaceDuster 340/4spd/4.10's SOLD
Moparless for now but when the opportunity is right I'll have another one.
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