Sunroof Removal

[jdi]

I've got a question on the sunroof removal rule. I'm building an Integra GS-R for ITS. GS-Rs always came with a sunroof. The Integra RS was offered without a sunroof, but is listed in ITA. Is it legal to reskin the roof of the GS-R with an RS skin?

I believe the "All sunroofs may be replaced with panel or *replacement skin* [emphasis mine] of the same material as the original surrounding roof material" line in rule 8f allows me to, but I've heard others express different opinions.

And the entire rule, for reference:

8f. Convertible tops and attaching hardware shall be completely removed. Note: Convertible model cars are permitted if they were only available as convertibles (e.g. MG Midget), or if the convertible model is specifically allowed on the vehicle spec line. Convertible models may compete with their respective OEM hardtop. All latches shall be replaced with positive fasteners. Manual and electric sunroofs, original or aftermarket, where the panel is not normally removable shall be retained and run in the closed position. Components (motors, cables, rails) may be removed provided the panel is securely retained. Removable
sunroof or T-top may be retained if bolted or welded in, or removed completely. Glass sunroofs must be removed. All sunroofs may be replaced with panel or replacement skin of the same material as the original surrounding roof material.

[quadzjr]

That is a grey area. You are not alowed to perform modifications outside yoru spec line but yet you are replacing it with fatory sheet metal. That other than a sun roof provsision is idential. I believe that this would be 100% legal to the word if the a GSR came without a sun roof and you were to swap one on. I doubt highly that you would be called out on it, but I would like to see what others think. It does say however that you can remove all compents including the rails thus makign the roof identical to a RS roof with the exception of a small hole

[CRallo]

I believe this would be akin to puttin a 99 dif in a 90 Miata. The cars are on different spec lines, but the dif is open. no pun intended

check that, I just reread the rule for a third time. The rule allows only for replacement of the sunroof panel, not the entire roof...

[Greg Amy]

I'm building an Integra GS-R for ITS.

Don't do it; you'll be sorry...

Is it legal to reskin the roof of the GS-R with an RS skin?

I'll copy-paste here what I wrote in the Sandbox:

Originally Posted by krbobcat
Are you guys building another ITS GSR or a ITA RS/LS/GS? If it's going to be a ITS GSR, the general consensus has been that it's supposed to have a sunroof hole.

Trust me: it will start with a sunroof hole. However, our patching and repair job will be so flawless - so divine - as to appear to be a singular sheet of stamped steel. I, personally, will supervise the contracted old-school Italian craftsman who will trim, cap, weld, and grind, sand, and paint the repair to its penultimate completion - to my extreme satisfaction, of course, or he will face the whip, as many times as necessary.

Of course, once Geppeto's job is done, he will be rewarded handsomely. His craftsmanship will be such that I dare you - DARE YOU UNDER THE THREAT OF DEATH ITSELF, YOU DOG! - to prove that there was a sunroof there before. And, afterwards, you will marvel, simply marvel, and beg Kakashi Racing to contract the services of him for yourselves.

Hey, just sayin'...

P.S. Oh, and he's going to do the same thing with the auto-tranny hole, as soon as he gets done with that damnable puppet.

[quadzjr]

No matter how well your servents did on patching the roof it will be noticable. unless they remove parts of the roof that was to provide strucatal support for the once sun roof. If they were to remove said pieces then it would be just as illegal as having your "patch" consist of the enitre roof.

It mentions "replacement skin" what exactly does mean? That is later requried to be the same material as the original roof material around it. So if your patch was identical material thickness and metalurgy and you were to only use the center section of the roof wouldn't that be legit?

[spnkzss]

2008 GCR
9.1.3.8.f. pg GCR - 338

Convertible tops and attaching hardware shall be completely removed. Note: Convertible model cars are permitted if they were only available as convertibles (e.g. MG Midget), or if the convertible model is specifically allowed on the vehicle spec line. Convertible models may compete with their respective OEM hardtop. All latches shall be replaced with positive fasteners. Manual and electric sunroofs, original or aftermarket, where the panel is not normally removable shall be retained and run in the closed position. Components (motors, cables, rails) may be removed provided the panel is securely retained. Removable
sunroof or T-top may be retained if bolted or welded in, or removed completely. Glass sunroofs must be removed. All sunroofs may be replaced with panel or replacement skin of the same material as the original surrounding roof material.



Sounds ok to me. Same material, who cares where it came from

[Knestis]

With respect to Gepetto - and not knowing what the details inside a sunroof-equipped Acura roof look like - I think that there is indeed a difference between what's described by the rule and re-roofing.

When I did Pablo I, we went for a "hide it in plain sight" approach, using a single sheet of material the same thickness of the roof (a hair thicker, actually), just large enough to have a flange for riveting. We then painted it black to look like the original tinted moon roof.



The Golf III DID come without a sunroof so on Pablo II we used that option. If it had not, we could have skinned but I wouldn't be comfortable with the idea that cutting out the structure under the hole would be legal.

K

[Xian]

I'm going to side with Dr Khaos and Quadzjr here... the allowance for replacement skin doesn't say anything about removing the sunroof reinforcement structure around where the sunroof used to be. Now if tGA is planning to have Geppeto leave that structure in place, I think he'll be just fine.