adapt sunroof to open?.....

[Skachbow]

I've finally found a replacement Berlingo (lost my last one in a flash flood...) This one has got the 4 sunroof panels and I jokingly said to my mechanic friend - could you make this to that it opens? He suggested I looked here for any ideas - the reason it would be really useful is that I'm a garden designer and it would occasionally be really useful to stick the top of a tree through the roof if it's slightly too long to fit inside... - slightly bonkers I know!... But any thoughts?...

[CandR]

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:whistle:

[Skachbow]

:justno: Hmmmm - brings back rather too many memories of being caught in the flash flood - though I guess the firemen could have rescued me through it, rather than via the door (wouldn't have got as wet that way...)!... ;-) Very classy though, I must say :-)

[CandR]

Yes, sincere apologies, I was out of order - especially since I should have realised you might have been in it during the flood. My bad taste. I had portholes in my head today having been looking at some with a mate for his boat.
For what it's worth, I have done something similar on a fibreglass motor cruiser. Strikes me that the main problem is making up a strong frame to be fixed around the hole on the inside of the roof, to give enough strength for hinges and lock. It was easy on the boat - I just laminated the frame to shape from hardwood veneers and epoxy, and didn't need to worry about getting glass with curvature. Much tougher job on a car, as I assume you'd want the thing to open by dropping slightly downwards, and sliding backwards out of the way neatly between the roof and the head lining.
If you do go the DIY route, you might find it useful to check out a boat chandlery for hatch hinges or latches, and sliders. There are some clever ones.
It's interesting by the way that the Webasto site doesn't seem to list Berlingo sunroofs for anything later than 2002.
So perhaps the best bet is if there's someone in your area building American style hotrods with custom bodywork! They'd know the tricks....
Just a few thoughts by way of apology....
Richard

[Skachbow]

Sorry - I didn't take offence at all!... It made me laugh - but probably too tired to respond properly!!...
Thanks for your thoughts too Richard - I'll talk to my very ingenious mechanic friend...
- Anna
Very happy - picked up my new Berlingo this afternoon (only problem is that I've discovered the wing mirror wouldn't adjust is that it's being held together with blue tack!...?)

[Ol'Jeffers]

You don't say which side is broken or what year the Berlingo is
so here's a link to a company which can supply all types
Make sure that you buy the correct type!
http://www.wingmirrorman.co.uk/Wing-Mirr...mitstart=5
Personally, I wouldn't make a modification to the roof.

[Skachbow]

Thanks so much for the link I'm calling the garage tomorrow - hopefully they'll sort it out for me- but if not I'll follow that up.
As far as the roof - I know - probably not a good idea, but would have just such a help as sometime I only need another couple of feet, to be able to fit a tree in....

[oldporridge]

Thanks so much for the link :) I'm calling the garage tomorrow - hopefully they'll sort it out for me- but if not I'll follow that up.
As far as the roof - I know - probably not a good idea, but would have just such a help as sometime I only need another couple of feet, to be able to fit a tree in....

I've had the same idea (though I haven't yet bought a Berlingo - just doing the research first!). I'm therefore keen to know how you got on........

[ron]

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:whistle:

Is that common on Dutch Berlingos?:lol:

[Coco]

That looks different from the last Dutch porthole I was shown.........