Fixing a snapped sunroof bracket, and avoiding those cheap stick on wind deflectors
08-26-2013, 12:12 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 06-17-2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 161
Fixing a snapped sunroof bracket, and avoiding those cheap stick on wind deflectors
I've read the thread where people have said it takes hours to fix this if you want it back to factory stock.
There is no need to spend hours removing the headliner. These steps can all be done with everything still in place. All of this is done on the top of the sunroof frame.
There's no need to put a (cheap looking, in my opinion) stick on, aftermarket deflector.
Parts:
-Parts are readily available at a Chevy dealer (I paid $12.00 for both left and right sides)
-Get a long shaft Cobalt bit (if you can find a bit that will stop at 1/8th of an inch, all the better. This will avoid drill contact with the paint)
-Drill with variable speed and torque setting
-Appropriate diameter 1/8th inch length (Stainless steel) self drilling screws)
Steps for removing wind deflector:
(note how the spring mechanism sits under removing the deflector arm)
1. Unscrew netting from sunroof frame (two small, black hex head screws)
2: Pull deflector arm out of remaining bracket hook.
3. Set deflector assembly and screws aside. There is no need to replace any of this part of the assembly.
Bracket replacement steps:
1: Drill out small pilot hole in rivet with small cobalt bit (start off with high torque and low speed) (do not put high pressure on the bit, it will do the job on its own.
2: Bore out rivet completely using self threading screw. (this will ensure that the self drilling screw will fit properly
3: Remove self threading screws
4: Remove old bracket, clean area of all metal shavings. (I recommend greasing the track as well)
5. Using the old brackets as a guide, mark the spot where the holes will need to be bored on the new part.
6: Use self threading screws to create new holes (do this with the new brackets in place) and drill until screws are properly seated.
Steps for reinstalling deflector:
1. Slide catches into new retaining brackets
2. Ensure spring mechanisms are properly placed under deflector arm.
3. Hold arm down far enough that you can screw the netting back into their stock holes.
4. Release arm, and ensure smooth motion.
5. clear sunroof area of debris and tools
6. Open and close sunroof a few times to ensure proper function
There is no need to spend hours removing the headliner. These steps can all be done with everything still in place. All of this is done on the top of the sunroof frame.
There's no need to put a (cheap looking, in my opinion) stick on, aftermarket deflector.
Parts:
-Parts are readily available at a Chevy dealer (I paid $12.00 for both left and right sides)
-Get a long shaft Cobalt bit (if you can find a bit that will stop at 1/8th of an inch, all the better. This will avoid drill contact with the paint)
-Drill with variable speed and torque setting
-Appropriate diameter 1/8th inch length (Stainless steel) self drilling screws)
Steps for removing wind deflector:
(note how the spring mechanism sits under removing the deflector arm)
1. Unscrew netting from sunroof frame (two small, black hex head screws)
2: Pull deflector arm out of remaining bracket hook.
3. Set deflector assembly and screws aside. There is no need to replace any of this part of the assembly.
Bracket replacement steps:
1: Drill out small pilot hole in rivet with small cobalt bit (start off with high torque and low speed) (do not put high pressure on the bit, it will do the job on its own.
2: Bore out rivet completely using self threading screw. (this will ensure that the self drilling screw will fit properly
3: Remove self threading screws
4: Remove old bracket, clean area of all metal shavings. (I recommend greasing the track as well)
5. Using the old brackets as a guide, mark the spot where the holes will need to be bored on the new part.
6: Use self threading screws to create new holes (do this with the new brackets in place) and drill until screws are properly seated.
Steps for reinstalling deflector:
1. Slide catches into new retaining brackets
2. Ensure spring mechanisms are properly placed under deflector arm.
3. Hold arm down far enough that you can screw the netting back into their stock holes.
4. Release arm, and ensure smooth motion.
5. clear sunroof area of debris and tools
6. Open and close sunroof a few times to ensure proper function
Last edited by DaytonaBlueMetallic; 08-28-2013 at 12:40 PM.
06-21-2016, 11:40 AM
#3
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Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg,VA
Posts: 25,326
I don't see that in the directions. I see a reference to 1/8 length screw (self-tapping). Which would make it a stainless steel sheet metal screw.
I don't think I've seen a self-drilling screw that short, usually that's the length of the drill end of the screw.
From the repair manual:
I don't think I've seen a self-drilling screw that short, usually that's the length of the drill end of the screw.
From the repair manual:
06-24-2016, 07:59 AM
#5
Premium Member
Join Date: 03-31-2010
Location: Bradenton, Florida
Posts: 154
I had the same problem and I removed all and placed a "stick-on" in place. It's been on for 3 years now, been thru many carwashes. Bought it from one of the advertisers on this forum .
Good luck on trying to repair the original.
Good luck on trying to repair the original.
03-31-2021, 02:33 PM
#7
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