Been after one of these kits for a while, the roof vent/flap from the Impreza STI RA, this kit I got from Bez (cheers matey )

This is one fitted to another car and the overall aim for me....yes, I've decided to do it myself!


My kit



Paint and materials - Halfords specials lol. The paint is actually a really good match.


After 2 and a half hours of sanding! I got to this point



I could see the layers in the paint when sanding, I counted 7 layers of Sonic Blue paint, not including the lacquer. I ended up going right down to bare metal in some places as the paint was a lot thicker in places.

Finally, after 3 and a half hours of sanding I got to the point of priming.


After a 3 coats I took the flap to the car to check the colour match in the daylight.


Pretty spot on I think, a few more layers of paint then lacquer and it should be done.

I put the seal round the edge and laid it on the roof (carefully!) to show roughly what it will look like in the closed position.




Coming on nicely so far...

 

Looking good mate, a pretty big undertaking and brave cutting the roof

seriously though a methodical and measured approach will see you through, check out this Link Clicky to a step by step on how to by Simon (Silver Scooby Sport) I am sure he wont mind.

good luck

 

Ayup Mick, long time 'n all that, hope all is well?

Would you believe, that is the exact thread I've been studying for the last 3 weeks haha, Simon really has made it look straight forward with that thread so I definitely will have him to thank if it all goes to plan.

 

this could also come in handy mate http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t117...-template.html

keep us posted on how it goes

 

these look really nice when fitted,i wouldnt mind having a go at putting one in mine.good look with the cutting an hope it turns out ok.

 

Brave man !

dunx

 

That will definitely come in handy thanks!

Thanks guys, I'll update the thread as I go

 

Looking good Ric.
Now for the hard part, Get the roof cut.

Bez

 

Ive done 4 on classics now and have a spec c one for my newage.... but just cant do it on the new car for some reason

Think this weekend im going to go for it

 

They do look the DBs

 

I'm thinking about doing mine this weekend too, there's no point waiting about if the painting is done.

Yep, cheers Bez, check out Jap Performance Parts, they've got 4 or 5 sets in now, think they're all for classics though.

 

They did have a spec c one but it went very fast

Hopefully we will both have after pics for Monday then

 

If all goes to plan mine will be up Sunday, if it doesn't, I'll be looking for a new shell for the car...lol

 

well guys all i can say is make sure you do all the cutting before you have any thing to drink.

 

The flap has now got lacquer on it, currently it's second, another coat will be going on tomorrow morning.



My newly purchased weapon of choice for the task



Never realised just how good the Dremels are in comparison to other rotary tools.

Started stipping all of the roof bits, mirror, visors, handles etc




After sliding the headlining back



I mounted the flap trim brackets - this gives me my centre so I know exactly where the hole has to be.





That's it for now, the cutting starts tomorrow!

 

Holy thread double post bat man

I bet you have a lump in your throat when drilling the forst hole, but you know the order of the day, steady away joe, measure twice cut once

 

Don't want to tell you how to suck eggs but just make sure you protect your roof whist grinding as you don't want tiny burn marks in the paintwork.

Good luck mate, it will look spot on when complete

 

Oh I'll be doing this VERY carefully! Only gutting when I'm absolutely sure.

Got a load of dust sheets with work I'll be covering the car with them

 

you carnt leave us in this much suspence.its like watching a realy good film and just as some thing exciting is going to happen a big TO BE CONTINUED comes up on screen.get on with it man.
p.s good luck.

 

Now finished, got to be honest, it wasn't as straight forward as it was supposed to be thanks to the rear bracket been the completely wrong one! But, with some modification it was all fitted up...

The patient it prep'd....




Marker holes drilled



After the cutting - Dremel Mods FTW


There's a bag on the inside of the roof to catch all of the shavings and the section of roof cut out.

With the main seal in, this took some getting it.



And finally all the interior trim back in and the flap seals on...




It's been tested and is water tight and seals very well as well pulling lots of air in when open.

Thanks for following

At this point I would like to say a BIG thank you to Bez for coming over and helping out at short notice with the bracket modification, you really did save the day with that and it is hugely appreciated!

 

Well done dude!!! Looking great!!!

 

looking good.

 

Looks spot on

What did Jap Performance say about supplying you the wrong part?

 

Thanks

I didn't get it from Jap Performance Parts, I bought it from a club member who got the kit from eBay, I can only assume that the seller on eBay wasn't organised and probably had a few kits, but instead of keeping them separated, must have bundled them all into a box and they've just picked out parts to make kits up without checking them.

 

i like it alot

 

Nice one mate, got a lot further than me

 

Cool !

dunx

 

fancy fitting mine when i get hold of one :P

 

In all honesty, I really wouldn't want to do another one, I can help no problem but the pressure of cutting someone else's roof scares the crap out of me if it goes wrong lol but thanks for looking at my work

 

no worries mate, i'll probs be getting sfrayz dto do it, as he's done a fair few now. i dont blame you, im scared to try it myself. i'll have shakey hands lol.

Top job you did there!