08-10 SS Turbocharged General Discussion Discuss the 2008 - 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbocharged. On sale since the second quarter of 2008.

To sunroof or not to sunroof?

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Old 03-08-2009 | 03:59 AM
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To sunroof or not to sunroof?

Hey,

So, I'm trying to decide on a sunroof. I'm seeing that creaking is an issue w/ the cars. Does anyone know if the sunroof adds to this? Thanks!
Old 03-08-2009 | 04:19 AM
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yes.
Old 03-08-2009 | 04:23 AM
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Yea, I had a sunroof in my GT and while I think GM did a great job designing it so that there is very little wind noise when it's open, even at speed...BUT the thing rattled like a beast when closed or only partly open and it made the car seem cheap..er. I'm glad I decided against one in the TC, no more rattles. Comes down to personal preference though, if you don't mind the rattles then it's a good sun roof.
Old 03-08-2009 | 04:27 AM
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Do it.

I was driving around today in 72 degree weather (22 degrees for you north of the border Celsius aficionados and what Americans really should be using)

It was great. And dont listen to anybody telling you that it has a signifigant downside with weight and handling. The handling difference would be so minimal that you would never notice it even at a track and as far as weight is concerned, mine is TOTALLY stock and I weighed in 2 weeks ago without me in it and a full tank of gas at 2888 pounds. (1310 Kg ..... another measurement system we should be using!)

So get it...You will love it
Old 03-08-2009 | 05:07 AM
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thanks, guys. i'm still undecided. i really think that the sunroof would be worth it if it weren't for the noise issue. i foresee it being an even bigger problem with winters reaching -13C on average out here. do you know if it's really bad in the winter?
Old 03-08-2009 | 05:51 AM
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I've notice noise in mine...but I'm not sure if it's the glass or mechanism itself...or just the sliding cover...you'd think the dealers could so SOMETHING about it...
Old 03-08-2009 | 05:52 AM
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i did it dont! its lighter without it!
Old 03-08-2009 | 06:47 AM
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I have almost 9,000mi on my 08 Cobalt. I did notice a little bit of wind noise at highway speed. Fortunately, pulling the interior shade closed virtually eliminates this noise. Also, I used silicone grease to clean the edges of the sunroof AND the edges of where the rubber meets the car on the metal. This too helped in noise and creak reduction.

Here in New Jersey, we do get an ocassional -20 C day, and the sunroof was no more problematic or noisy than on a warmer day. Again, silicon spray for the rubber does wonders.

While I have yet to track the car, bringing your car to the track is a lot more taxing on the mind than most who have... yet to have even see an actual road course track will allow you to believe. A few extra pounds on the roof of your car will be the least of your concerns when you're at the edge of 1G of lateral force in the bends. There are more pressing matters at hand like... the tirewall fast approaching on your right, your speed, rpm, and current gear, what your line should be for the next two sweeping turns... yeah. Trust me, a few extra pounds on the roof is offset by the ability to enjoy your car on a nice day or night as you drive it day to day (which in all likelihood, your car will spend most of its life doing)

The lack of a sunroof can only hurt resale value, and if you really don't want to use the sunroof... that's sort of the magic of it. You can leave it closed and just... tell yourself you have a regular roof.
Old 03-08-2009 | 06:53 AM
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I'd get it. I love mine. I haven't had any problems with it. Yet..
Old 03-08-2009 | 11:57 AM
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i have no issues with mine what so ever
Old 03-08-2009 | 12:01 PM
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agree with the posters saying to just do it.

sunroof is great. it will creak some, but as noted above, a shot of silicon spray on the gasket, especially combined with using a good wax along the lip that the gasket meets, does wonders.
Old 03-08-2009 | 12:44 PM
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Not for me!!

Body flex, Creaking, squeeking, wind noise and additional maintenence are just SOME of what you will have to put up with. Wind buffeting when open,,, cant even hear yourself think sometimes. Reduced headroom is another drawback. Research around in here (and all other Cobalt/G5 forums) The slightest bit of trash, unexpectedly restricts or plugs the drain tube and you wake up to a floorboard full of water, even with a moderate rain. Then you will need that sunroom so you won't have to smell the moldy carpet smell and worse as long as you own the car. Of... and you get to PAY to have this feature.
I would pay that amount NOT to get one. But if you HAVE to have one,,, make sure it is O.E.M. and not some local cutting into your car with a etl saw and a template..

GTO 1

Last edited by GTO 1; 03-09-2009 at 08:59 PM.
Old 03-08-2009 | 12:50 PM
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If you lower your car the noises will get worse with the stiffer ride.
Old 03-08-2009 | 01:30 PM
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Get it. It just looks badass! And it's awesome!

No problems with both of my Cobalts concerning the sunroof (except the bezel).



GET IT!
Old 03-08-2009 | 01:40 PM
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ok ....heres the deal.... i have an 08 ss/tc and i have no no problems with the sunroof in mine but i also work in the body shop at a chev dealership and we do have alot of problems with the sunroofs. waterleaks, and windnoise(the biggest problem). if i was you i would deffinitaly get the sunroof. i mean sure there is a chance that u might have some problems with it but they can be fixed(not saying that you'll have problems tho).....and when u think about it, it's totaly worth the risk.....it looks f'in awsome and its just nice to have that option.
Old 03-08-2009 | 01:45 PM
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I see a lot more coupe guys with the sunroof issue then Sedan guys ...
Old 03-08-2009 | 02:31 PM
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great! thanks so much, guys! i agree that the weight doesnt really factor in for me. sounds like warranty will save my ass if issues creep up.
Old 03-08-2009 | 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by superchargedman
great! thanks so much, guys! i agree that the weight doesnt really factor in for me. sounds like warranty will save my ass if issues creep up.

if anything is going to happen with the sunroof, it will be after the warranty is over
Old 03-08-2009 | 03:03 PM
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That's what it's all about. I plan on getting my money's worth on warranty work before the car is gone...who knows, maybe I'll have the cost of the car added up on warranty work, lol.
Old 03-08-2009 | 03:10 PM
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My sliding thing was rattling. I closed it and slammed it open again and the sound went away. I feel weird with it closed. I don't think I could own another car without one.
Old 03-08-2009 | 05:21 PM
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yeah, i love my rsx type s's sunroof. i'd really prefer to have it in this one.
Old 03-08-2009 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Motorway Justice
I have almost 9,000mi on my 08 Cobalt. I did notice a little bit of wind noise at highway speed. Fortunately, pulling the interior shade closed virtually eliminates this noise. Also, I used silicone grease to clean the edges of the sunroof AND the edges of where the rubber meets the car on the metal. This too helped in noise and creak reduction.

Here in New Jersey, we do get an ocassional -20 C day, and the sunroof was no more problematic or noisy than on a warmer day. Again, silicon spray for the rubber does wonders.
While I have yet to track the car, bringing your car to the track is a lot more taxing on the mind than most who have... yet to have even see an actual road course track will allow you to believe. A few extra pounds on the roof of your car will be the least of your concerns when you're at the edge of 1G of lateral force in the bends. There are more pressing matters at hand like... the tirewall fast approaching on your right, your speed, rpm, and current gear, what your line should be for the next two sweeping turns... yeah. Trust me, a few extra pounds on the roof is offset by the ability to enjoy your car on a nice day or night as you drive it day to day (which in all likelihood, your car will spend most of its life doing)

The lack of a sunroof can only hurt resale value, and if you really don't want to use the sunroof... that's sort of the magic of it. You can leave it closed and just... tell yourself you have a regular roof.
Silicon Spray does do wonders. Virtually eliminates the noise for a month or two. I have noticed that when the weather gets below 30 degress F it doesnt make hardly any noise. But on a damp day its very squeaky. Get the lube and it should be good to go.
Old 03-08-2009 | 06:40 PM
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I opted not to get a sunroof mainly because I couldn't justify spending the $1100 (CAD) on it. The way I saw it was that if I already had a car, I wouldn't ever pay $1100 to get one installed, so why would I from the factory? Just my 2 cents. I do however, think they look pretty sweet. I'd still rather spend that money on something else though.
Old 03-08-2009 | 11:07 PM
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I have a sunroof in my Saab and have opened it 5 or 6 times in 3.5 years! I figured I would use the savings towards the Stage 1 kit.
Old 03-08-2009 | 11:15 PM
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06 ss/sc with sunroof and not one problem...35k miles



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