Webasto sunroof

[JAM]

Greetings to all. Just joined the board, but have enjoyed the postings for a while now.

A question: do any of you have any experience with a Webasto sunroof? Are they noisy? Are they prone to leak? Are they prone to break? What is the expected life?

I have searched the various posts and have found a handful, in which installing a Webasto was discussed, but I would be interested in hearing what it is like to have one.

Thanks in advance.

[GREG]

The full Webasto I had in my 408 had been in almost from new. Not much more noise than having a rear window open, if any.

Webasto in Doncaster have a list of approved fitters for repair and maintenance. The can even convert to electric if desired.

I don't know what the life span is but it's about 200 quid to have it re covered / fitted in Bradford.

[JAM]

Thanks for your reply. When you said that it was comparable in noise level to having the rear window open, I assume you meant when the roof was open. was it comparable to a normal car when closed? Also, was it draughty when closed? I ask, because it can be chilly in my part of the world.

[GREG]

When the roof is closed it's still possible to listen to the radio and talk. But a bit noisier than a saloon. Certainly not draughty.

When open you will need the heater to be in good fettle. When closed the heater was great in all weather, except when I couldn't turn it off in summer ! Knackered heater valve.

What car are you thinking of ?

[JAM]

I have been obsessing about a 410 or 411 for a couple of years now, hence my lurking on this forum. My wife would like me to get a Blenheim, but that's not in the cards I was thinking Series 6, as I would love a "classic car", but want something I can use as my primary car. That, and I'm not too handy.

[John Keighley]

My question is: If it doesn't already have one, would you really want to be cutting a hole in the roof?
John Keighley.

[GREG]

Originally Posted by John Keighley

My question is: If it doesn't already have one, would you really want to be cutting a hole in the roof?
John Keighley.

No - it's just something else to maintain. Maybe a metal electric one but then again, Bristol electrics ! :-)

[Anthony]

Hi,
We have a 401 from 1951 (UML 999) which we were told was one of two cars fitted with a webasto in period. (I think it was Geof Kingston, he owned the car in the early seventies and he sold it to my wife´s late father in 1976 or 1977).
We were told that the webasto weakened the roof (its not exactly Bristol quality!). It also affected stability at high speed since the rigidity of the shell was compromised. Bristol didnt offer it as an option.
The car is undergoing restoration (we are rebuilding an engine to replace the original which was stolen a couple of years ago). The car is in terrible condition but i can send you photos of it and the roof. We are going to restore the webasto it but need to find a supplier for spares since the interior structure is all but rusted away!
I will try to upload some photos

Anthony

[GREG]

Webasto have agents all over and the headquarters in Doncaster can put you in touch with a local fitter.

Alternatively I am breaking a 401 body that has a good roof on it

Or try an old style VW Beetle specialist as a lot have the same style of roof fitted

[Anthony]

Hi Greg,
could you post here or send me photos of the roof and dimensions.(anthony@laboxdesign.com)

Thanks

Anthony

[GREG]

It's still on a complete car

So maybe easier to swap the whole body ! Ask advice from Bristol or SL Jones

The car I have has a good body but chassis has gone ( rotten ) along ith the drive train -- so only useful for body parts

Come and have a look if you want ..