Sunroof - Aftermarket or Stock?

[H1_VLTG]

My 4Runner didn't come with a Sunroof and I am looking to have one installed.

If anybody has an aftermarket sunroof installed, how does it line up with the headliner? And where does the switch for the sunroof go? I am trying to weigh my options so any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.

Ohhh...if you have any pictures that would be outstanding.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WaterMan]

Hampton Roads Sunroofs. http://www.hrsunroofs.com/sunroofs.htm
I have to say I was extremely skeptical of having an after-market product put in. But I really missed having one, so a few months after buying my 4Runner I went to check this place out.
They were recommended by quite a few friends. After going there and touring the place and seeing first hand their work on some very pricey vehicles, I went for it. Total cost out the door was $1000.
The work was absolutely first rate. I have had it for two years now and haven't had a single problem with it. They warranty the work and product for as long as the car runs and the warranty carries stays with the car. It came with a 2 position programmable switch and it auto closes when you turn off the car. There is an additional 20 seconds available power so if you are going to park you can fidget with the opening. I can say I have had a good experience with mine.

 

[WaterMan]

here is a photo of the switch install:

 

[WaterMan]

and the roof itself:

 

[jonhul]

I'm extremely happy with the aftermarket sunroof I had installed.
I bought my 06 from a wholesaler in Dalllas and it was equipped exactly as I wanted except no sunroof. I was very hesitant to do an aftermarket and he assured me the only way I would know the difference would be the color of the switch. After reading a number of posts here on the problems with the factory sunroofs I consider myself fortunate to have an aftermarket. I had a Hollandia installed and the switch put in the overhead console where the factory switch would normally be. It would be just as easy to put the switch in the lower dash where the switches are in the older 4runners or in the the floor console by the seat heater switches as you must run wiring from the fuse box up to the sunroof. I bought a new overhead console with homelink and factory sunroof switch hoping to use the factory switch. Does not work. I had two different auto electrical guys try to wire but ended up using the switch put in by sunroof installer. Would I do it again- without a doubt. Just make sure you have a very competent installer.

 

[H1_VLTG]

Thanks for the input. You guys have made my decision much easier, I think I will go with the aftermarket set up. Do the after market sunroofs tilt up and down as well as slide? I really like that option for when it is too cold to open completely and you just want to vent the sunroof.

 

[WaterMan]

Mine is a Hollandia 700 series roof...and it does have the vent feature.

http://www.webasto.us/press/en/am_auto_sunroofs_792.html

 

[H1_VLTG]

Waterman,

What do the buttons do. I mean I see the arrows for sliding forwards and backwards . What does the "C" stand for what do the numbers 1, 2 do? How do you "Vent" the sunroof?

I went to the website and read up on it, please disregard my questions.

Thanks for the help.

 

[WaterMan]

No problem.
The arrow keys control opening direction. All the way forward, toward the front of the truck closes it. If you keep it pressed down forward, it opens to vent...about 2".
Push the key going towards the back of the truck will close the vent, and then open the roof.
The numbered keys are presets...position the roof where you want it to be with the arrowed keys...then hold down the numbered key until it beeps.
The "C" key closes the roof from whatever position it is in.
Auto close feature is nice...when the ignition key is turned off, the roof will automatically begin to close. If you want to keep it open, just press the arrow key to stop it. If you change your mind, even after you have turned the ignition off, you still have some fifteen seconds to position the roof where you want it.
The safety feature is nice too. Anything blocking the roof while closing causes it to stop instantly.
You can have them add a rain detection sensor that attaches to the windshield. Anything drumming on the windshield then automatically closes the roof.

 

[boston_kevin]

Do they warranty the sunroof from leaks and the roof and pillars from rust? One problem with aftermarket sunroofs is leaking after a few years, and the inside of the roof and pillars is untreated steel (factory sunroofs require the inside steel to be treated to prevent rust and also have drains down the pillars).

Looks good though!

 

[H1_VLTG]

I didn't know that, I'll have to ask around this summer before I spend $1000 and find out if they provide any treatment to prevent rust. Thanks for the info.