Solid Roof Retrofit?

[Terry Stibal]

I've seen just that idea on a concept car at the Houston Auto Show about six years ago. The panel is simple to produce if somewhat more expensive, but I have never seen it in use on a production vehicle.

[JPaul]

Mercedes:

Mercedes Maybach
Mercedes relaunched the sleeping Maybach luxury marque in two distinct flavours: the 57 and the 62. The longer wheelbase 62 is like a private jet for the road, featuring all the amenities found in a modern luxury home and a few more you would never consider having whist travelling along at motorway speeds.

Motivated by a 6-litre V12 producing 550bhp the 6.17 metre long 62 is no slouch, but where it really impresses is in the rear cabin. Offering limousine-like comfort in accommodations that are more akin to those found in first class cabins than in a car, the Maybach allows endless personalisation.

Taking a theme from Japanese homes, an electrotransparent panoramic glass roof can be switched from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, and the infinitely adjustable reclining seats feature massage and foot rests. A small refrigerator in the centre console houses champagne flutes for the journey home.

[VinceLA]

JPaul: believe it or not, I have seen a Prada boutique equipped with those frosted glasses that surround the changing room. The idea is when the changing room door is open, all the glasses are clear (so you know that no one is in the changing room). Once the door is closed, all the glasses will frost up. But of course sometimes someone will forget to shut the door tight...and...well..


Another update from smartUSA.

1. I spoke to someone at smartUSA this morning. The retrofit is not a problem but he said due to warranty constraints, Daimler in Germany may not honor it. Reason is simple: the car is not equipped with the solid roof originally.

2. However, he is looking at a possible solution to work this out between the dealerships and smartUSA. Until then, he recommends that I hang in there.

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I am just curious...does everyone really like their panoramic roof? Been through two summers here in So Cal and I just loathe driving it in the day.

[PerryA]

I like it. Your bad luck with the screw and all may be good luck after all. Even if you have to pay some differential cost between the warranty replacement and the optional change to a solid panel, it would be cheaper than footing the whole bill yourself. If they don't want to do the replacement for free, you might negotiate since you aren't electing to change the roof panel, just the type of panel. (The fact that you wanted to replace the panoramic panel with a solid panel before the warranty issue came up is immaterial.)

[Dan1776]

The California Pop Top purchased from Smart Madness cured the heat problem for me for about $50. It installs in under 60 seconds, stores in a small self-storage bag and is something that actually works as advertised. Hope this helps, Dan Hall

[VinceLA]

Dan, appreciate the input. The pop top has one flaw though...the car has to be parked.

Whenever I park, I make sure it's covered parking or under a shade. The heat issue, at least for me, is while driving around town.

[VinceLA]

I actually suggested that I pay for part of the replacement. Sort of a 'thanks for the trouble and here's some $'.

In any case, I think I may have some good news tomorrow.

Originally Posted by PerryA

I like it. Your bad luck with the screw and all may be good luck after all. Even if you have to pay some differential cost between the warranty replacement and the optional change to a solid panel, it would be cheaper than footing the whole bill yourself. If they don't want to do the replacement for free, you might negotiate since you aren't electing to change the roof panel, just the type of panel. (The fact that you wanted to replace the panoramic panel with a solid panel before the warranty issue came up is immaterial.)

[Kermit]

I never got a reply from Mr. Schembri or from my "assigned dealer". I also suggested a partial replacement fee for "upgrading" to a solid roof. Might have to make the extra long trip to my dealer of choice instead of the closest dealer to get this resolved. Only 4,000 miles before the warranty is up.

[Krusty]

Have you considered using a sunroof shade?

They only cost $35, and can be left under the shade.



They have them at Smart Madness.

smart car Sun Roof Shade

It should solve your problem with out having to replace the top of your smart up.

[VinceLA]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

I never got a reply from Mr. Schembri or from my "assigned dealer". I also suggested a partial replacement fee for "upgrading" to a solid roof. Might have to make the extra long trip to my dealer of choice instead of the closest dealer to get this resolved. Only 4,000 miles before the warranty is up.

I may have missed your other threads...but what was the reason that you wanted a solid roof? Was it cos of the "crazing/frosting" issue?