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Sunroof replacement panel


jimgood

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I'm in the process of building an e36 track/race car. I removed the sunroof and I'd like to just rivet an aluminum panel in its place. Will that pass tech? I have not targeted a specific class yet but the Spec 3 rules only say this: "The sunroof cassette mechanism may be removed so long as a replacement panel is either securely sealed (welded/bonded) or secured in place with retaining clips as specified in the CCR. "

 

The CCR has less to say about it so I just want to know if a bead of sealer and 30 to 50 rivets will equate to "securely sealed (welded/bonded)".

 

My plan is a plain aluminum panel with some beads rolled in to stiffen it. Laid on top of the roof and riveted around the edge. It will overlap the opening by 3/4".

 

Thanks

 

Jim Goodwin

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I have an aluminum blank riveted on my car. It passes tech. I used caulking on the inside to stop water from dripping on my visor in the wet.

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30+ rivets sounds pretty dang secure to me - unless we're just talking paper thin aluminum sheeting or something. If it's a reasonable thickness of material - no issue I can think of.

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I'm using .040" thickness 3003 aluminum. The panel is around 20" X 35" so it's a 140" perimeter. Spaced at around 4" it would be 35 rivets. So, that ought to do it.

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