Saratoga Sunroof - Bulk-Buy

[944 man]

Id like one. Im not sure how I missed the first buy as Id been watching the development progress on RL for years!

 

[Waylander]

Oops, not sure how you missed but it was hot topic on here for about two months

i just could not be without mine now

 

[Ewan]

Count me in. I'd be using Steve Bull in Devizes to fit mine, as DIY is not my thing.

 

[Waylander]

So do you take your own targa roof out now, if so you can save yourself some money because it’s easier, it weighs half as much so easy to do on your own

 

[DavidL]

I was fully prepared to have someone fit mine if it seemed at all tricky but frankly it wasn't. Take the old one out, grease the rubbers on the hole and the new roof and put it in. I found that if you leant fairly firmly on each of the fittings at the front from above you could get the clips to do up. They are quite tight but that's sort of the point. I didn't adjust anything and I couldn't see a way to although from the pics of the broken ones there are clearly threaded components that should undo. I didn't try too hard as I marked the black paint a fraction trying and it didn't actually need it.

After that the lifting arms at the back picked it up and away we went. No rattles or more importantly leaks and its been out in some fairly wet weather since.

One thing that doesn't work is the central metal arm, its a bit heath robinson really. It doesn't press on the central microswitch when down so the switch doesn't work. If you press on the arm its fine. I'm sure it could be adjusted (bent!) to make contact but I haven't done that yet.

 

[Waylander]

Never ever ever put petroleum based products on rubber seals, bushes or whatever they will rot at 4 times the rate of normal.

only use Gummi Pflege on the roof seals, door seals, hatch seals what ever else it will increase the life of these parts

this stuff

[link=https://www.amazon.co.uk/nextzett-91480615-Rubber-Stick-White/dp/B004B8GTQG/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=52905363963&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyr-Ar_Dp5gIVF-DtCh2BOgYMEAAYASAAEgIcCvD_BwE&hvadid=259044820737&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9044934&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3276663397369624290&hvtargid=kwd-301624467095&hydadcr=28147_1724764&keywords=gummi+pflege&qid=1578138704&sr=8-1]https://www.amazon.co.uk/nextzett-91480615-Rubber-Stick-White/dp/B004B8GTQG/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=52905363963&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyr-Ar_Dp5gIVF-DtCh2BOgYMEAAYASAAEgIcCvD_BwE&hvadid=259044820737&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9044934&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3276663397369624290&hvtargid=kwd-301624467095&hydadcr=28147_1724764&keywords=gummi+pflege&qid=1578138704&sr=8-1[/link]

shop around you can get it cheaper

 

[vitesse]

I always use Silicone spray with a cloth on sunroof/door/hatch seals.

 

[Chrishazle]

Cheapest place for Gummipflege is invariably Micks Garage on eBay, look for his listing for 2 sticks rather than 1 as that gives a much better price per stick - been using it for 8 years now on both cars (968 cab and C220 estate) and will shortly be treating the SLK with it.

 

[Waylander]

I always use Silicone spray with a cloth on sunroof/door/hatch seals.

if you use dash shine silicone it has a bunch of plasticisers in it that helps rubber bits a lot, but that cherry smell makes me feel sick and it can be very slippy, gummi is Matt finish and no smell

 

[944Turbo]

Cheapest place for Gummipflege is invariably Micks Garage on eBay, look for his listing for 2 sticks rather than 1 as that gives a much better price per stick - been using it for 8 years now on both cars (968 cab and C220 estate) and will shortly be treating the SLK with it.

is this the same stuff from a different manufacturer?

[link=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000U42S42/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE]https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000U42S42/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE[/link]

 

[944Turbo]

Cheapest place for Gummipflege is invariably Micks Garage on eBay, look for his listing for 2 sticks rather than 1 as that gives a much better price per stick - been using it for 8 years now on both cars (968 cab and C220 estate) and will shortly be treating the SLK with it.

is this the same stuff from a different manufacturer?

[link=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000U42S42/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE]https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000U42S42/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE[/link]

Answered my own question by ordering both, one is a liquid with a sponge applicator the cheaper amazon is more like a prit stick - will try them both when the weather is warmer,

Tony

 

[Chrishazle]

I suspect you'll find the liquid version easier as most seals have parts that are awkward to get to but you can push the sponge applicator into those areas. Would not think a pritt stick type will get into all the nooks and crannies.

 

[dlknight]

Could be interested if there is another group buy as the other guys earlier in the thread never got back to me and must have decided to hang on to theirs!

 

[944Turbo]

I thought Pilkington ended up with a few after the first group buy - might be worth a call?

 

[PhilKent]

So I contacted Pilkington and the reply I got was: "I am afraid that we no longer produce the roof panel for this vehicle."

No stock available, not very helpful. I don't have any contacts or relationship with them. Looks like not enough interest in a group buy either, so I'll keep an eye on the second hand market I guess...

 

[Waylander]

Seen a few come up at around £500

 

[danmason]

Could be interested if there is another group buy as the other guys earlier in the thread never got back to me and must have decided to hang on to theirs!

To be honest the price wasn't sufficiently motivating at this time. The customer service I received from Pilkington was so appalling that the whole thing left a very bad taste in my mouth. So at the moment, in the hope of redeeming something positive from the process, I think I'll keep it in the box for a few more years in the hope it gains some rarity value. It was a bit of an impulse buy really and it turns out I'm 100% happy with the car as it is. That said, I'm selling the 951 later in the year so might just advertise it on here or eBay when the car has gone.

 

[CraigF263]

I've read on a Facebook group that a group buy organised

I can't 100% work out if the organiser is UK or USA based, it's in the Porsche 944 Owners Group

It seems all will be revealed next week. I'll update when I know

 

[Waylander]

I am on the 968 USA forum, there are some noises on there about another run of roofs

 

[fniikks]

Is there any chance to order it nowadays? Or is it gone by now? I suppose those who placed the order received it in time and were happy with the purchase. I am trying to investigate where to read the feedback from the users. I am from [link=https://populationstat.com/united-states/colorado-springs]https://populationstat.com/united-states/colorado-springs[/link]. Do you think I can order from here and my order will be delivered without issues?