Range Rover Roof removal

Hi all..

I have a 1985 RR which is going in for rust removal and a new coat of paint. As the original roof has some serious dents, I have found a roof from a 89 RR Vogue with operating sunroof which I'd like to fit..

Does anyone have a PDF copy of the panel removal guide for the removal of the roof?

Cheers,

Toby

Hi Toby, it's quite straight forward to remove the roof panel but take note, the roof panel with the sunroof is a hell of a lot heavier than one without. There are approx 50 cross head screws that hold the roof on. You will need to drop the headlining to get to the screws, assuming you still have a headlining in place. With the doors open you will see some black plastic plugs, remove these to get to the screws, the roof will also be held on with mastic which will need to be cleaned off and new mastic applied to seal the replacement roof. Lining it up can be a bit of a challenge, just remember not to tighten anything until you are happy you can all the screws back in.

Hello Toby,

I would agree with JD on his comments. I changed a roof on a two door 1985 with a later one with a sunroof. If you are going to go with the later roof, take out the old headlining, which most likely is in two parts, and will come out once you have removed roof pulls, visors, etc.
One thing to remember about a sunroof is that it has four drain points with associated down pipes. The two door model I had has a smaller A post which meant I could not use the front down pipes unless I was to make up some terrible looking covers - the later ones do not fit.
I coupled the front pipes to the rear pipes, and ran them down the D pillars as normal. Good solution to a point - bit of a problem if parked nose down hill in the ****ing rain - few drops came through as the gutters in the sunroof eventually overflowed as water made its way past the roofseal. I would recommend new seals on the sliding part, and the roof itself to reduce the problem. Other than that it was well worth making the change.

Ken

Thanks Ken and JD.. Am going to get the bodyshop to do the change as she is currently in to have some rust repaired and the original roof had large dents from where the original owner walked over it so he could tie stuff down on the roof racks..

I will do all the wiring etc.. Looking forward to having a smart unit to run around in..

Cheers,

Toby

Bob the Saudi 110 said:

Hi all..

I have a 1985 RR which is going in for rust removal and a new coat of paint. As the original roof has some serious dents, I have found a roof from a 89 RR Vogue with operating sunroof which I'd like to fit..
Toby

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Good to see that you've received expert advice re. the change of roof, but be warned - as a past & present owner of RRC's with sunroof's I can tell you that even when fully closed the 'roof tends to emit wind noise at speed, this is despite my current one having very good seals. Sometimes tilting the panel the slightest bit can reduce the turbulence but they are never totally quiet. Having said that neither of my two ever leaked but rain overflowing the gutter at the side can seep between the top of the door & the seal, dampening the headlining & giving the impression of a leaking sunroof. I endorse the advice re. keeping all 4 drains clear though.

norseman said:

Good to see that you've received expert advice re. the change of roof, but be warned - as a past & present owner of RRC's with sunroof's I can tell you that even when fully closed the 'roof tends to emit wind noise at speed, this is despite my current one having very good seals. Sometimes tilting the panel the slightest bit can reduce the turbulence but they are never totally quiet. Having said that neither of my two ever leaked but rain overflowing the gutter at the side can seep between the top of the door & the seal, dampening the headlining & giving the impression of a leaking sunroof. I endorse the advice re. keeping all 4 drains clear though.

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Thanks Norseman..