Sunroof is coming?

[Heavy351]

Just came from the Pittsburgh auto show. 2 Marauders on display 1 Silver and 1 Black on the platform. Silver car had Traction control, heated seats and the light grey interior. There was another button next to the traction control that I could not tell what it was. anyone know?

Anyway, the wife said the silver with grey interior was ugly. :( So I took her over to the platform where there was the Black/ Black version.

"Oh, now that looks really sharp" Yeessssss!! I now have full support from the other half. Financial arrangements can now begin.

Question for all of you in the know. The guy at the show said there were going to be sunroofs in Marauders within 3 months or so. I have heard elsewhere (maybe here?, no luck with search) that sunroofs were being cancelled for the CV and GM lines. I saw a picture of a GM with a sunroof at the show, not that it makes it official. Anyone know for sure?


On another point, I saw the Aston Martin Vanquish(?) That is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen...

[Cooper]

Heavy351- Perhaps I'm not "qualified" to answer this (since I don't own a Marauder), but I'm pretty sure the button you saw next to the TC button was the adjustable brake pedal button. That's how it's set up on my CV LX Sport.

I'll decline to respond about the sun roofs because I have exactly the same info as you. I'm waiting for a factory installed sunroof option before I purchase a MM.

[Logan]

Here's the official line:

Option 13G - Power Sunroof, has been cancelled on all Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Marauder orders.

I've heard two rumors. One, is that the sunroof equipped cars failed crash testing and two, that it was slashed as a cost cutting measure.

So, if you're waiting on a factory equipped sunroof for Marauder, it just isn't going to happen.

[RF Overlord]

Oooooo...some people are gonna be :po:

I for one don't care for the sunroof feature; I never used it on my T-bird, but my wife liked it...from what stanleyk says, the ASC aftermarket is a good unit, and probably costs less, too...

[Cooper]

Originally posted by Logan
Here's the official line:

Option 13G - Power Sunroof, has been cancelled on all Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Marauder orders.

I've heard two rumors. One, is that the sunroof equipped cars failed crash testing and two, that it was slashed as a cost cutting measure.

So, if you're waiting on a factory equipped sunroof for Marauder, it just isn't going to happen.

Well, as we always say here in Red Sox nation... "Wait'll NEXT year!" :(

[Heavy351]

That really sucks.....

On the upside, I now have no reason to wait! Soon as the snow breaks I can dig up the secret coffee can.....

[Directedby]

I was told that Mercury has listed a sunroof option for the Grand Marquis for the past 3 years, however, when a dealer tried to order the sunroof, it was not avail 'yet.'

The dealer told me that the sunroof from the factory will never ever happen.

[RCSignals]

Interesting the Town Car can have a sun roof and not effect crash testing.

a while back on BON a STAP worker stated they had built a few Grand Marquis with sunroofs, and i know from a reliable source that at least one was for sale at a dealer in Canada with a factory sun roof.

I wonder what is really up?

The other rumour I've heard about sunroofs is that they will be available sometime in April or May

[Heavy351]

That is the same rumor I heard also. I would wait till May to get a factory one. I have had factory and aftermarket on past cars and would rather have an OE version. Logan seems to be the man with the connections at Ford so I will go with that.

I really have not been paying attention but I thought CV and GMs had had sunroofs in the past. If so then deleting them is not for safety and probably to save costs (how that works I will never understand since I am paying extra for that option).

You know what would really send me off the deep end would be to be at a car cruise and see a MM with a factory moonroof. :censor: :po:

.....nervous hand wringing..... buynow-wait-buynow-wait-buynow-aaaahhh! I had less anxiety buying my house...

[jgc61sr2002]

Heavy - Stealth Vic is correct the switch next to the traction control is for the power adjustable brake and accelerator pedels. John :)

[RCSignals]

Heavy351, personally I'd buy now, but then I'm not really a moonroof lover.

[Macon Marauder]

I like sunroofs. The car I traded for my Marauder had one. Wasn't a big deal for me. But then, I have 2 convertibles for true top-down motoring fun...

Buy now.

[jefferson-mo]

HAppy Birthday HEAVY:beer:

I saw the sunroof cancellation article on Blue Oval News:bigcry:

[Heavy351]

Why thank you jefferson-mo. Do you know what I want for by b-day?

Just think if all 600 members chipped in $50 each.......

[WolfeBros]

I had a sunroof as a dealer installed option on my 98 MKVIII. The outfit that installed it did a great job. Don't let the fact that it is not factory deter you. I figured if they screw it up its their car again.

[Heavy351]

I am probably going to go that way. In the photos section, Sunroof 3 from Racerx88 has a shot where what I assume is the cover for the mechanism to operate the sunroof. This large flat panel on the front just looks like there should be something there. glasses holder, CB, pine freshener dispenser, anything. Looks kind of "unfinished"

Do all aftermarket installs for the GM/CV look like this?

[WolfeBros]

I can't say about the GM/CV installs I haven't seen one.
I know the one on my MKVIII looked factory.
Hopefully RacerX88 will stop by and give his advice.

[jefferson-mo]

Maybe the CVs or GMs dont' have overhead console:confused:

[martyo]

I have had sunroofs in 3 of my last four cars, not including my MM. The one car that didn't have it is my current Dodge Durango which has an air conditioning unit where the sunroof would be. I love a sunroof.

I adopted Wolfe's approach. I had the dealer install mine and, quite honestly, you can not tell the difference. I get a lot of compliments.

If I ever get a good enough camera, I will post pics. Or you can come to the NY meet we are planning and see for yourselves!

[Cooper]

I had the dealer install mine and, quite honestly, you can not tell the difference. I get a lot of compliments.

Stan, what sort of warranty did the dealer give you on the moon roof? Is it 36K mi/36 mo like the rest of the car?

[martyo]

Stealth: Good question. Depending on the cir***stances, the guaranty on the roof is between 3 and 6 (not a typo) years and is transferable. I think that says something about ASC's products. They are a well respected and make a nice product. I believe that they are the biggest company in the aftermarket moonroof company.

My install is somewhat different than RacerX's. The flat panel that you are looking at on RacerX's is where the overhead console used to be. My controls are mounted there. There is a gang of four switches (open, close, vent and auto-close lockout). The open switch works like the driver's window - tap it and it opens the roof all the way in express mode; hold it and it will open the roof until you stop pressing the button. The auto-close lockout turns red when depressed. In this mode, the roof will not close automatically in a "key off" condition. Basically, if you leave this mode off, there is no concern that you will leave the car open in the rain. If you shut the car down, the roof is designed to close. Good for those senior moments!

I would be curious whether RacerX's sunroof has this same panel and it is just mounted in a different place. In fact, where are RacerX's controls?

Another difference between RacerX's and my install is the outside trim bezel. His is chrome mine and mine is blacked-out (my preference and my request). Frankly, I don't think there should be ANY chrome trim on the car at all (a more stealthy stealth look would be achieved (Cooper are you listening?) - envision the MM without the chrome surrounds on the windows -- but that's for another thread).

Phew....I have gone on for a while here. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Cooper]

Thank you for the info Stan. Your moon roof "mod" sounds exceptionally nice. How does the "dealer install" work? Can each dealer do the work in their own service dept. or do they "contract out" to a third party who specializes in moon roof installation? If they contract out, I'd want to see some examples of the guy's work and read some referrals before I let him cut my new car open. Then again, I suppose a dealer isn't going to sub-contract to someone who does lousy work because then the dealer ends up with an angry, dissatisfied customer.

I too would opt for black outside trim bezel if I were getting a moon roof for my car. One of the main reasons I bought the Sport version of the CV was due to the eye-appeal of the monochrome black color scheme. Strangely, moon roofs were never a big deal to me until my wife bought her Sable last fall. Her car has a moon roof and I loved the way it operated. LOL- Now I've got "moon roof envy". It's a very nice option IMO.

This all brings up a point of contention though. If the "rumors" are true that FLM scrapped the moon roof option on the MM due to "safety issues", why are moon roofs considered "safe" on other cars (like my wife's Sable)? To my way of thinking, if a car doesn't have a roll bar or cage and you go "tires up", you're in serious doo-doo with or without a moon roof.

[Macon Marauder]

I doubt that safety has anything to do with the rumored canellation of the sun/moonroof option. Liability - maybe. But safety? No.

[martyo]

Stealth:

I have had factory moonroofs and dealer installed moonroofs. They both look great. I think FLM dropped the factory roof because they know that it can be a "dealer": install at the point of delivery.

I know the shop that did mine. They have some facility. Here is their url if you want to take a look at their shop: http://www.autosunroof.net.

I feel like I am overstating the point, but they do nice work. The facility runs non-stop. I called them to see how much the dealer "upcharge" was and it turned out to be less than $100.00. For that I figured I would make the install the dealer's headache rather than running my car to them and making all of the arrangements myself. Other than a 1/4" blob of glue (which I removed with my fingernail), the job was flawless.

Come to NY and look at mine or, if I run up to MA to visit my brother, we'll hook up. WHEREINTHEHELLISFRANKLIN???

[Racerx88]

On my install, they just cut the factory roof console at that point, and covered the holes with a panel covered in what was left of the headliner. Other than that ugly box up front, it looks factory on the inside. I hear that the TC roof console with moonroof will work. I have yet to see one though to confirm.

[Heavy351]

What is "TC" ?

[MAD-3R]

Town Car

[03 Merc]

Guys,

My wifes car is a 03 Town Car (TC) without a moon roof. The overhead console from it might work for you as it's significantly shorter. If anyone wants measurements or pic's drop me a note and I'll get them for you..

[Heavy351]

I have been surfing ASC and other sunroof sites and I cannot tell If they are using their own consoles and controls or what Racerx88 obviously had the factory on modified. Wolfbros and StanleyK do you know the origins of your console(s) Did you get to choose a style when you had them install? I know I am going to want whatever dealer I go with to show me a CV/GM with one installed. I hope there are some choices...

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by Stealth Vic
Strangely, moon roofs were never a big deal to me until my wife bought her Sable last fall.

Ah-HA!!! So NOW we know who owns the infamous Sable... :eek: :mad:
See how he tried to sleaze this past us, hidden in a "moonroof" thread!? :nono:

That's it, Stealth...you're :banned: !!!!

[Cooper]

Originally posted by RF Overlord
Ah-HA!!! So NOW we know who owns the infamous Sable... :eek: :mad:
See how he tried to sleaze this past us, hidden in a "moonroof" thread!? :nono:

That's it, Stealth...you're :banned: !!!!

Bagged again! :alone:

I've read a few posts on these boards with some cryptic references to a "Sable" which is capable of beating a MM. I KNEW her car was fast, but I didn't know she was drag racing in it! :burnout: LOL! Please tell me the "infamous" Sable is not a 2000, color silver... or I'll have to take away her keys! :D

[martyo]

Heavy: If you are referring to the switch panel (I think of the console as the thing that was designed to hold those great pads and pens made by Slowpoke which is removed when they install the 'roof), it is definitely an ASC part and part of the install package that comes from ASC with the 'roof. In fact, the auto-close lockout button is emblazoned with ASC's logo. See if you can find a local ASC installer (I am sure ASC corporate can tell you where one is located in your area) and check out their shop; that's what I did and the local installer was quite helpful/informative.

If you just take a couple of deep breaths and close your eyes when they make the first incision into your BRAND NEW car, you'll get through it and be glad that you did.

I have to admit though, as much as I love my 'roof, lately all I get to use it for is to stare at the ceiling of my garage (did I mention that I hate snow??)

[Topher]

Well here's a new twist to the factory moonroof debate. I went to the Chicago auto show last night & was talking with the Mercury rep. hanging around the Marauders. He works for Elmhurst L/M & said that he has already ordered a few new Marauders with the moonroof option & should be getting them in a month or so. He said that when the system won't let him enter an option into an order he knows it's not available yet, but he has been able to place orders with the option. Not sure how accurate this is. Maybe some of you Western Chicago guys can swing by early April to see if he was bluffing.
Also, his comments on the removal of the remote fuel door release & stand-alone clock is that they are no longer features on the GM so old inventory was just being used up on the Marauder, and it has nothing to do with offsetting the cost of the traction control. Apparently different levels of inventory for these parts is why some people got an in-between model, with one feature but not the other. I forgot to ask him why the switch to the mini-spare. So there's another version from an "insider".

Chris

[SaxGuy]

When I went to my dealer, they told me that I could order a moonroof with my car, but I later found out that these are not factory installed, and actually dealer installed. My friend works for Elmhurst Lincoln Mercury, and he told me the same thing.

[JamesHecker]

I have a ASC Dealer installed moonroof on my '97 Cougar and it is great!

I will be putting one in my Marauder, but I was waiting till the OEM was available so I could have the OEM console installed. I also had considered using the Town Car console. I guess if the Marauder won't have it's own I'll go ahead and use the Town Car's.

My wife's 2002 Sable and our '97 Villager have factory moonroofs.

In Southern California a moonroof or a convertable is just about a requirement!

[LincMercLover]

Thing about the TC vs. the MM's counsel is the compass. Our's is just a compass whereas the TC's is "all that and more." Some reason I want to say the shape is different too, at least for 2003 anyway...

[jrc50]

Yes is is odd that FOMOCO seems to be able to do little to make the GM and the CV (I have a 2002 LX Sport) more appealing by offering the same sunroof option as the Town Car. Between things like that, the delay in color choices for the Marauder, and the excessive list price (I paid $24.3K for my LX Sport after rebates, a whole lot less even than the $28.9K in Atlanta papers for new Marauders).
Put the supercharger on the Marauder from the 03 Cobra, the sunroof, and a couple of more standard colors, it will sell!

[RCSignals]

Yes jrc50, but isn't your Sport a 2002? 2003 Sports are currently much higher with rebate.

There is also a reason for the price difference between a Sport and a Marauder. i don't think I need to bore everyone here and go over the list again

I'm not so sure that price in the Atlanta paper wasn't the usual "one at this price" loss leader dealerships are famous for

[jrc50]

Yes, RC Signals, it is a 2002 LX Sport, but I got it with a $2.5K rebate, now they are 3K so should cover any minor price increase. I have had 3 CV of the last four cars bought (I run 40k/year), a 95 , 00, and the 02 (had a mid life crisis and bought and kept a 98 Cobra Convertible).
Local LM dealerships here in LA (lower Alabama) have multiple black Marauders sitting and sitting. I would guess that they will end up firesaled at the end of this model year like Lincoln Blackwoods.
Nice cars in a lot of ways but overmarketed for what they are versus the LX Sports, and with the limited option availability. The $28.9K in the Atlanta paper keeps repeating and repeating, so they must have a few to dump and likely are getting some sort of incentive from FOMOCO to move them.
You can't beat the CV/GM platform overall as a great value in a vehicle if you have a lot of over the road miles. Getting them with the HPP or Sport Option or Marauder -keep the fluids changed and they are good for 200K miles if you don't get bored to death looking at the same color for a long time.

[RCSignals]

Actually there are huge differences between the 2002 and 2003 models. The Marauder is also much more than just a LXSport with a DOHC engine. Not to belittle your LXSport, it's what you wanted.

The MSRP for a 2003 Sport is $30,200

[Marsha]

Originally posted by Heavy351
That is the same rumor I heard also. I would wait till May to get a factory one. I have had factory and aftermarket on past cars and would rather have an OE version. Logan seems to be the man with the connections at Ford so I will go with that.

I really have not been paying attention but I thought CV and GMs had had sunroofs in the past. If so then deleting them is not for safety and probably to save costs (how that works I will never understand since I am paying extra for that option).

You know what would really send me off the deep end would be to be at a car cruise and see a MM with a factory moonroof. :censor: :po:

.....nervous hand wringing..... buynow-wait-buynow-wait-buynow-aaaahhh! I had less anxiety buying my house...

[Marsha]

I saw my first Marauder with a sun roof - didn't impress me! Are they factory installed now, or after-market?
Marsha

[jgc61sr2002]

Marsha - They are after market. Several members of this board had them installed. There are several vendors. Check with MartyO, his looks factory, a very nice quality install.

[jrzygrl]

I've got one, love it. Looks nice doesn't leak, same one as the town car, dealer installed..I've got a picture posted in the gallery. To each his own...had one in my Mark VII and had to have one again.

[Bigdogjim]

I would realy llike to have a sun roof. Only problem I can not afford to give up the head room...That inch means a lot....

[jrzygrl]

BDJ, how do you lose head room? Seems like I gained a little when they put my roof in? It sits slightly higher at the glass than the rest of the roof line.

[MM03MOK]

Talk to MartyO about his. He isn't vertically challenged. It looks great!


Originally posted by Bigdogjim
I would realy llike to have a sun roof. Only problem I can not afford to give up the head room...That inch means a lot....

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by jrzygrl
BDJ, how do you lose head room? Seems like I gained a little when they put my roof in? It sits slightly higher at the glass than the rest of the roof line.

True, somewhat. the tract is just above the drivers seat. Covered of course, so that means that the ceiling is lower there? I usally have to till my head to the right a little. I my MM I have had to remove the sun visor on the drivers side so I can see out?:mad2:

Not Mercurys fault I am 6'6" Still its the ONLY ride in town for me.:D

Right now the cars is in the shop have a new roof put on. Joked about raiseing it up two inches:) :D

[Dennis Reinhart]

The after market sunroof is as good as OEM it comes with a lifetime warranty I had it done in Kieths car I will post pictures of it tomorrow for the club. Ant there will be no OEM sunroof it failed crash tests

[martyo]

Originally posted by MM03MOK
Talk to MartyO about his. He isn't vertically challenged. It looks great!


I ruv my loof, I mean I love my 'roof!!

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by martyo
I ruv my loof, I mean I love my 'roof!!

thats because your "short" :lol: :lol:

[martyo]

Originally posted by Bigdogjim
thats because your "short" :lol: :lol:

It's not my fault! Really, it's not!!!

[JamesHecker]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jrzygrl
[B]I've got one, love it. Looks nice doesn't leak, same one as the town car, dealer installed.[QUOTE]

Did your dealer use the Town Car Console? Can you post a picture of the inside?

I am trying to get my dealer to have one installed with the Towncar console. He doesn't know if they can do it.

[martyo]

James:

I am digitally deficient or I would post a pic of mine. My 'roof has the ASC 4 button panel and it looks sharp (very "factory") and works nice too (auto close on shutdown).

[JamesHecker]

Thanks martyo. I'm still hoping to get the Towncar console installed. I'll let you all know if it ever works out.

[Racerx88]

Originally posted by Dennis Reinhart
And there will be no OEM sunroof it failed crash tests

!!!!! Failed the crash tests? I wonder what kind of test they do. I hit that stopped BMW doing about 50 mph, and NO damage to the roof or any of the roof structure. The right front door was sprung a bit, but that was the extent of it.

[jerrym3]

Crown Vic/Grand Marquis failed, but the Lincoln Towncar passed? Doesn't sound right.