Power Skyview Roof?? Dream?
06-09-2007, 02:00 PM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Houston, TX
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Power Skyview Roof?? Dream?
ANYBODY EVER THOUGHT IF THERE WAS A WAY TO CONVERT THE SKYVIEW ROOF TO A POWER SKYVIEW ROOF? I HAD BEEN THINKIN ABOUT THIS ALLLL DAY LONG AND JUST DECIDED TO SEE IF ANYONE THOUGHT ABOUT IT LIKE ME OR IF ANYONE HAS EVER TRIED IT... HOLLA BACK AT ME AND LET ME KNOW.... 
06-09-2007, 02:36 PM
#3
I would pm a fellow here by the username 'skep'. He has done a lot of custom work to his car and can probably point you in the right direction. I think it would be aweome to have a power skyview. The only reason I didn't want one was because they didn't come powered.
Swee
Swee
06-09-2007, 08:03 PM
#5
Originally Posted by skep
anything is possible, with money. u got money, u got a power skyview.
itll be a lot of work. so expect to be payin a lot if u really wanna do it
itll be a lot of work. so expect to be payin a lot if u really wanna do it
06-09-2007, 11:22 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
Anything can be done.
BUT
This has been discussed half a dozen times since spring of 2003, and as a result, lots of us have been examining the geometry involved.
A close look at the skyview shows it will only be able to move to the side unless it is made of lots of folding slats that could be scrolled toward the back.
Additionally, due to the curvature and arch of the top of the 6th gen, there is not enough room on the sides of the present ceiling area to hold the skyview, should it be movable. So the ceiling would have to be lowered, giving up a few inches of headroom.
As the shape of the skyview is unlike that of any current power sunroof, everything would have to be custom made. There would be a lot of work involved. If REALLY DONE PROPERLY, in a way that would be reliable long-term and not leak, and maintaining the sliding inside sunshield, I would guess we are talking between $5K and $8K.
I personally do not feel the result would be worth the effort, as, because of the long opening, and no practical way to have this shape longitudinal opening serviced by a wind deflector, it would be impractical to have it open at any speed over 45 MPH.
I would rather use the money to trade up to a Maxima two years newer.
BUT
This has been discussed half a dozen times since spring of 2003, and as a result, lots of us have been examining the geometry involved.
A close look at the skyview shows it will only be able to move to the side unless it is made of lots of folding slats that could be scrolled toward the back.
Additionally, due to the curvature and arch of the top of the 6th gen, there is not enough room on the sides of the present ceiling area to hold the skyview, should it be movable. So the ceiling would have to be lowered, giving up a few inches of headroom.
As the shape of the skyview is unlike that of any current power sunroof, everything would have to be custom made. There would be a lot of work involved. If REALLY DONE PROPERLY, in a way that would be reliable long-term and not leak, and maintaining the sliding inside sunshield, I would guess we are talking between $5K and $8K.
I personally do not feel the result would be worth the effort, as, because of the long opening, and no practical way to have this shape longitudinal opening serviced by a wind deflector, it would be impractical to have it open at any speed over 45 MPH.
I would rather use the money to trade up to a Maxima two years newer.
06-10-2007, 05:08 AM
#8
Originally Posted by Elimackman
I can't wait for the drop top Max...
06-10-2007, 04:29 PM
#14
Yeah I actually took my car to a shop to get the skyview roof to open like regular sun roofs. I was quoted at 2 grand for the job. The shop was going to cut the piece in 2 and have the front window slide left and rear slide right (1st option). Or make the whole piece rise up and slide back about 8 inches. I figured it wouldnt look to good like that. The first option sounded pretty neat. Saving is the only problem. lolol
06-10-2007, 05:29 PM
#17
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Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
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skep -awesome conversion. Absolutely first 6th gen Maxima convertible I have seen. Tooling around town in that beauty would be mind-boggling.
GrimMax - I had not thought of splitting the skyview into two pieces. Even then, getting it powered for $2,000 is a steal. They must love the idea of doing it, because I don't see them making a profit at that price if they really do it right.
Heck, the result is essentially two powered sunroofs, and Nissan charges $2,000 for two powered sunroofs ($1,000 per car) when done on the assembly line. And the standard powered sunroof is much easier to fit so it will slide back into the roof than the ones your guy says can be fit to move sideways.
I personally think he just likes the challenge.
GrimMax - I had not thought of splitting the skyview into two pieces. Even then, getting it powered for $2,000 is a steal. They must love the idea of doing it, because I don't see them making a profit at that price if they really do it right.
Heck, the result is essentially two powered sunroofs, and Nissan charges $2,000 for two powered sunroofs ($1,000 per car) when done on the assembly line. And the standard powered sunroof is much easier to fit so it will slide back into the roof than the ones your guy says can be fit to move sideways.
I personally think he just likes the challenge.
06-10-2007, 11:50 PM
#20
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Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
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jingiko - I beg to differ vehemently with your opinion the skyview is 'pointless'.
The skyview was not an option. It was part of the base Maxima. Nissan had the option of having a plain empty blank roof or a skyview on the base Maxima.
I am very glad they chose the skyview. Not only do I think it is rather eyecatching and attractive; I rode in the back seat of a skyview-eqipped Maxima through downtown Atlanta, and was able to look through the skyview and see right up to the top of all the tall buildings. I can't do that from the back seat of my power sunroof-equipped SL.
And once we were out of town, I found the skyview made the interior brighter, and actually made it seem a little roomier.
Just because the skyview is not very useable to the driver does not make it 'pointless'. We need to understand the Maxima is a four door vehicle that can carry three adults in the rear seat. Or, better yet, my three granddaughters.
Yes, Nissan could have had an option wherein a powered skyview was available. But I guarantee you that option would have added upwards of $2000 to the invoice.
Those who say the skyview is pointless would not understand how to turn lemons into lemonade.
The skyview was not an option. It was part of the base Maxima. Nissan had the option of having a plain empty blank roof or a skyview on the base Maxima.
I am very glad they chose the skyview. Not only do I think it is rather eyecatching and attractive; I rode in the back seat of a skyview-eqipped Maxima through downtown Atlanta, and was able to look through the skyview and see right up to the top of all the tall buildings. I can't do that from the back seat of my power sunroof-equipped SL.
And once we were out of town, I found the skyview made the interior brighter, and actually made it seem a little roomier.
Just because the skyview is not very useable to the driver does not make it 'pointless'. We need to understand the Maxima is a four door vehicle that can carry three adults in the rear seat. Or, better yet, my three granddaughters.
Yes, Nissan could have had an option wherein a powered skyview was available. But I guarantee you that option would have added upwards of $2000 to the invoice.
Those who say the skyview is pointless would not understand how to turn lemons into lemonade.
06-12-2007, 02:58 PM
#22
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Houston, TX
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Lol I Love Those Screens?
THATS SO CRAZY HE HAS SCREENS IN THE BACK OF THE SEATS.. IS THAT FOR PEOPLE RIDING BEHIND HIM ON THE INTERSTATE CAN HAVE SOMETHING TO DO AND AVOID FALLIN ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL?
Originally Posted by skep
06-12-2007, 03:09 PM
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 966
I Love Your Perspective!!!
THATS SO INTERESTING HOW YOU PUT IT.. AT FIRST I JUST THOUGHT, AS A DRIVER, THAT IT WAS JUST CUTE AND NOBODY ELSE HAD IT.. BUT THEN I SAT IN THE BACKSEAT AND I TOTALLY UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROOF! I SIT BACK THERE AND ITS LIKE... BEAUTIFUL.. ITS LIKE I SIT BACK THERE AND LOOK AT THE STARS WITH MY BOO BOO AND WE DONT HAVE TO BE BOTHERED WITH THE MOSQUITOES OUTSIDE... GOOD POINT THOUGH... AND U KNOW MAYBE IT WOULDNT NEED TO BE POWERED.. MAYBE IT COULD JUST BE SLIDE OPEN OR SOMETHIN LIKE THAT.. YA KNOW AS LONG AS IT COULD OPEN AND I COULD GET SOME AIR I WOULD BE HAPPY!
Originally Posted by lightonthehill
jingiko - I beg to differ vehemently with your opinion the skyview is 'pointless'.
The skyview was not an option. It was part of the base Maxima. Nissan had the option of having a plain empty blank roof or a skyview on the base Maxima.
I am very glad they chose the skyview. Not only do I think it is rather eyecatching and attractive; I rode in the back seat of a skyview-eqipped Maxima through downtown Atlanta, and was able to look through the skyview and see right up to the top of all the tall buildings. I can't do that from the back seat of my power sunroof-equipped SL.
And once we were out of town, I found the skyview made the interior brighter, and actually made it seem a little roomier.
Just because the skyview is not very useable to the driver does not make it 'pointless'. We need to understand the Maxima is a four door vehicle that can carry three adults in the rear seat. Or, better yet, my three granddaughters.
Yes, Nissan could have had an option wherein a powered skyview was available. But I guarantee you that option would have added upwards of $2000 to the invoice.
Those who say the skyview is pointless would not understand how to turn lemons into lemonade.
The skyview was not an option. It was part of the base Maxima. Nissan had the option of having a plain empty blank roof or a skyview on the base Maxima.
I am very glad they chose the skyview. Not only do I think it is rather eyecatching and attractive; I rode in the back seat of a skyview-eqipped Maxima through downtown Atlanta, and was able to look through the skyview and see right up to the top of all the tall buildings. I can't do that from the back seat of my power sunroof-equipped SL.
And once we were out of town, I found the skyview made the interior brighter, and actually made it seem a little roomier.
Just because the skyview is not very useable to the driver does not make it 'pointless'. We need to understand the Maxima is a four door vehicle that can carry three adults in the rear seat. Or, better yet, my three granddaughters.
Yes, Nissan could have had an option wherein a powered skyview was available. But I guarantee you that option would have added upwards of $2000 to the invoice.
Those who say the skyview is pointless would not understand how to turn lemons into lemonade.
06-12-2007, 07:45 PM
#26
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 65
Nice ride Skep... definately let us know when that S.FL meet will be held.....
As for the skyroof...it does make the Max looks nicer instead of no skyroof...but I would also like it if it did open up to get some of that South FL night breeze
As for the skyroof...it does make the Max looks nicer instead of no skyroof...but I would also like it if it did open up to get some of that South FL night breeze
06-12-2007, 11:36 PM
#27
Originally Posted by skep
anything is possible, with money. u got money, u got a power skyview.
itll be a lot of work. so expect to be payin a lot if u really wanna do it
itll be a lot of work. so expect to be payin a lot if u really wanna do it
06-16-2007, 06:06 AM
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 25
haha same here, I have to have that conversation all the time... esp when the people in the back are trying to open their skyview with their domelight buttons
Originally Posted by jingiko
lol everyone that gets in my car asks if it opens. and im like nope and they;re like why do you have it then? its pointless
06-16-2009, 09:04 AM
#34
No one has done it. you would be the first.. now can we stop bumping 2 year old threads?
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