Aftermarket sunroof - Suitable for Slate

[Adam W]

My reading on both of those videos is that they're talking about reconfiguring the Slate to the open-air beach cruiser style.

This is something you do in the garage and have parts you leave at home. That's a big difference from a sunroof that you can open and close on the fly if it starts raining.

In any case, it's too early to say anything definitive about what Slate will or will not ship. I think it's cool that aftermarket companies are already reaching out to see where they can support the DIY builder & customization markets, and maybe fill in gaps that Slate isn't interested in creating solutions for as official partners.

 

[Swinefuzz]

My reading on both of those videos is that they're talking about reconfiguring the Slate to the open-air beach cruiser style.

This is something you do in the garage and have parts you leave at home. That's a big difference from a sunroof that you can open and close on the fly if it starts raining.

In any case, it's too early to say anything definitive about what Slate will or will not ship. I think it's cool that aftermarket companies are already reaching out to see where they can support the DIY builder & customization markets, and maybe fill in gaps that Slate isn't interested in creating solutions for as official partners.

I respectfully disagree. In both videos, they clearly say the ROOF easily pops out, not the shell. The shell walls (the side walls with the windows) are BOLTED ONTO THE ROLL BAR, WHICH IS BOLTED TO THE BED FRAME. The roof panel, which is what I'm talking about, has 4 large L-shaped latches, one in each corner, that appear to be for easy tool-less removal of the roof panel, which means it is essentially a sunroof. Jeeps and other SUVs have similar easy on-off roof systems, they're not that unusual.

 

[Sparkie]

My reading on both of those videos is ....

... I think it's cool that aftermarket companies are already reaching out to see where they can support the DIY builder & customization markets, and maybe fill in gaps that Slate isn't interested in creating solutions for as official partners.

^^^
Brother, your point in that last part! -- I agree!!

 

[Adam W]

...The roof panel, which is what I'm talking about, has 4 large L-shaped latches, one in each corner, that appear to be for easy tool-less removal of the roof panel, which means it is essentially a sunroof.

So, you’re at the beach. Decide you want the top open. Unlatch it and then... what? Put the whole roof panel in the back seat?

I get what you're saying about the potential tool-less removal. That's a cool option. But there's an argument to be made that both options - a fully removable roof panel and a smaller inset window that can be cracked open - can coexist and have utility simultaneously. I don't see that as an error or mistake on the part of a potential vendor that's spitballing mockup ideas.

 

[Swinefuzz]

So, you’re at the beach. Decide you want the top open. Unlatch it and then... what? Put the whole roof panel in the back seat?

I get what you're saying about the potential tool-less removal. That's a cool option. But there's an argument to be made that both options - a fully removable roof panel and a smaller inset window that can be cracked open - can coexist and have utility simultaneously. I don't see that as an error or mistake on the part of a potential vendor that's spitballing mockup ideas.

I merely pointed out that it's funny to install a sunroof on a sunroof. Pffft!

Meanwhile, you seem to be arguing about the perceived inconveniences involved with removing parts off a vehicle. I drive a Jeep, like millions of other people. We remove tops, windows, doors all the time in clear weather. All the time. What's the problem? If the weather is clear, a Slate Truck owner might want to pop off their roof and enjoy the open air and it would be just grand if that didn't require tools. My Jeep's top and windows pop off without tools.

The Slate Truck has clearly been designed to have the SUV shell's roof pop off quickly and easily without tools. There's literally nothing unusual about this. It's a feature, not a bug.

Actually, said potential vendor did not seem to realize that the Slate's SUV roof panel removed until I pointed it out to him (or her?).

Would I install a small glass sunroof onto a larger easily removeable roof panel? No.

 

[Adam W]

Would I install a small glass sunroof onto a larger easily removeable roof panel? No.

We disagree on the placement of a piece of glass. Thats fine, and, really, is the essence of what makes the Slate exciting. We're in agreement that a tool-less conversion is a cool feature in any vehicle.
If something I said came off as heated, that was not intentional.

 

[Swinefuzz]

We disagree on the placement of a piece of glass. Thats fine, and, really, is the essence of what makes the Slate exciting. We're in agreement that a tool-less conversion is a cool feature in any vehicle.
If something I said came off as heated, that was not intentional.

All is good.
Really, I wish for Slate Auto to release more information about their product to put an end to all the confusion. People like me who like a cool truck are low-key arguing over roofs and Amazon's intentions and how many USB ports is too many.
Peace!

 

[DONMAR Sunroofs]

Come on. You have to admit that it's kinda funny that you photoshopped a picture of a sunroof being installed on another larger sunroof! It's an understandable error considering the lack of real info about this truck....

Thanks for the detail. Any info on the slantback top having a removable section?

As for installing a sunroof into a larger opaque removable panel, that is not so uncommon... consider www.JeeTops.com or adding sunroofs to removable hard tops (for convertibles & Jeeps). You can't remove the opaque panel/top while driving and still must store it. Adding a sunroof provides light in all weather conditions, as well as anytime airflow.