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.

 

[cvollers]

Slate Auto's website contains very, very little detailed information about ANYTHING about this truck. The website seems to be just a pleasant tease to get people interested and excited, while not informing. Of course, it's still very early and maybe they don't want to promote a feature they may later withdraw prior to the beginning of production, so who knows?

I have not seen an actual picture or video of the rear roof panel removed from the vehicle. However, I've watched dozens of videos about the Slate Truck, many produced and posted by notable auto industry media outlets, and I know of 2 videos posted to YT that have the journalists saying implicitly that the optional SUV shells' large roof panel quickly and easily pops out for open air driving. Both of these videos are filmed in Slate Auto's offices, so it's safe to assume the journalists are being monitored by Slate reps feeding them this information. I've posted links below at the time mark where the rear roof panel is discussed.:





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. It's frustrating how I'm getting a lot more useful information from auto journalists than I am from Slate Auto themselves. They really ought to build up their website.

I have to believe that a lot of what has been shown so far is not production-ready and thus subject to change. It’s smart of Slate to be purposely vague on the website. As things get locked down, more details will be shared.

 

[cvollers]

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.

It’s altogether possible that the topper roof panel being discussed will eventually be able to be replaced with a panel that allows for open air driving. Something like the Scout cabana roof. Whether this is a Slate accessory or a 3rd party product remains to be seen. Regardless, I think the roll bar is more about rear seating safety and less about topper structural support.

 

[sodamo]

It’s altogether possible that the topper roof panel being discussed will eventually be able to be replaced with a panel that allows for open air driving. Something like the Scout cabana roof. Whether this is a Slate accessory or a 3rd party product remains to be seen. Regardless, I think the roll bar is more about rear seating safety and less about topper structural support.

I agree. If the non seated top requires interior support I hope it is more in line with the Tower rack.

 

[cadblu]

It’s altogether possible that the topper roof panel being discussed will eventually be able to be replaced with a panel that allows for open air driving. Something like the Scout cabana roof. Whether this is a Slate accessory or a 3rd party product remains to be seen. Regardless, I think the roll bar is more about rear seating safety and less about topper structural support.

Agreed, also note that the rollbar contains airbags for the rear seat passengers. It will indeed add structural integrity and perhaps torsional rigidity to the rear compartment area with added roof height. The government five-star rating system covers frontal / side crash and rollover risk. According to Slate, those tests are ongoing. It will be interesting to see what the test results look like, being they expect a 5-star rating.

 

[sodamo]

I’m also thinking the cabin rear panel, mid-gate or whatever is proper name stays in place in the non passenger model for increased strength. Some may remove after the fact, but my dogs are used to that separation, relocating the window portion is fine.

 

[sodamo]

I’m also thinking the cabin rear panel, mid-gate or whatever is proper name stays in place in the non passenger model for increased strength. Some may remove after the fact, but my dogs are used to that separation, relocating the window portion is fine.

Hopeful, but cautious. Got burned by the Aquion saltwater battery back in Obama times. Company went bankrupt a month after I installed 18 of them. They lasted about 2 years. My LiFePos are 5 1/2 yo and going strong.

 

[cadblu]

I’m also thinking the cabin rear panel, mid-gate or whatever is proper name stays in place in the non passenger model for increased strength. Some may remove after the fact, but my dogs are used to that separation, relocating the window portion is fine.

Sorry to inform that, according to Inside EVs: The partition between the cab and the bed gets taken out. Perhaps there is a workaround, but there may be some hardware that needs to be accessed in the partition area to properly install the SUV kit. Please don't shoot the messenger.