Sunroof Types Sunroofs are available in many shapes, sizes, and styles, and may be manually oper­ated or power driven. Various types of sunroofs are known by many names, however we will use the generally accepted industry terms as defined below to categorize both aftermarket and OEM models.

Pop-up sunroofs are manually operated tilting and removable glass panels. They provide a vent in the roof, or a full opening when the panel is removed. Pop-ups can be installed in most, vehicles and are the most economical sunroof option. Spoiler sunroofs (a.k.a. tilt-and-slide) combine the features of a pop-up with those of a sliding sunroof. They tilt to vent, and slide open above the roof, requiring little headroom or roof length and the convenience of a self-storing panel. Most are power operated, with optional features like integrated sun­shades and electronic controls. Spoilers are ideal for short roof vehicles where other types of sliders can't be installed. Inbuilt sunroofs (moonroofs) slide open between the metal roof and interior headliner, providing a full opening in the roof. Many feature a tilt feature for venting and electronic control. Inbuilts require drain tubes, are labor intensive, and the price orients them toward the upscale or luxury market. Folding sunroofs (often called ragtops) are a European tradi­tion. They offer the convenience of a sunroof with an opening more like that of a ragtop roof on a convertible. The panel is made of fabric (vinyl), which folds back as it slides open. After­market versions are now available in powered versions. Top-mount sliding sunroofs (topslider) have been popular in Europe for years. A glass panel slides open in tracks on the roof, with no loss of headroom. Most feature an integrated wind deflector. The Peugot 205 and early Toyota Previa minivans included top-mount sliders. Aftermarket options, such as DON­MAR's SKYROOF, are no longer common, but they will be returning in the form of large roof systems. Large roof systems are new large or multi-panel sunroofs, which offer openings above both the front and rear seats and may be operable or fixed glass panels. Familiar factory options include the Mercedes ML430 SkyView Power Top, Cadillac SRX Ultra View Roof, BMW Mini's Panoramic Roof, and Nissan Maxima Skyview Window. Large operable openings are often accomplished with topslider mechanisms (which have tracks in top of the roof). Removable roof panels (T-tops and Targa tops) open a vehicle roof all the way to the side windows, providing a wider opening than other sunroofs. T-roofs have two removable glass panels, and leave a T-shaped structural brace in the roof center. Targa roofs, like on today's Corvette, include only one panel and have no cross brace. Aftermarket kits are no longer made, however several companies sell replacement and remanufactured panels, parts, and accessories.