Is Anyone Going Base Model?

[Coss]

In a time long ago, in a place far far away (Seattle) I used to install sunroofs. I did the lift outs, the vinyl sliders, power moon roofs, T-Tops and a few others, so I do know a thing or two about them. I've been watching the threads of how some want a sunroof, some don't and those that just don't know.
So I did some pondering on this myself and went back to basics. When you cut the hole for a sunroof, at first is looks huge from inside the car; but once all is said and done you lose a lot of that opening. The sunroof always has to have a frame around it for either support, or drain tracks, or mechanism tracks so you lose 2 to 4 inches of overall width. Looking at the measurements they have in the photo section of the Elio, it's only 14" of workable space side to side. So you'll end up with an opening 10" to maybe 12" wide. Because of the curve in the roof line front to rear, you'll have about the same amount of workable space. So you can end up with a 10"X10" glass filled hole, no thanks.
I'm going to put myself on the No Sunroof in my Elio because I don't want a porthole in the roof; it would do more to ruin the feel inside than it would enhance it.
If you want to see what it feels like; go sit in your own car and hold a piece of paper (8.5x11) over your head

 

[BlioKart]

In a time long ago, in a place far far away (Seattle) I used to install sunroofs. I did the lift outs, the vinyl sliders, power moon roofs, T-Tops and a few others, so I do know a thing or two about them. I've been watching the threads of how some want a sunroof, some don't and those that just don't know.
So I did some pondering on this myself and went back to basics. When you cut the hole for a sunroof, at first is looks huge from inside the car; but once all is said and done you lose a lot of that opening. The sunroof always has to have a frame around it for either support, or drain tracks, or mechanism tracks so you lose 2 to 4 inches of overall width. Looking at the measurements they have in the photo section of the Elio, it's only 14" of workable space side to side. So you'll end up with an opening 10" to maybe 12" wide. Because of the curve in the roof line front to rear, you'll have about the same amount of workable space. So you can end up with a 10"X10" glass filled hole, no thanks.
I'm going to put myself on the No Sunroof in my Elio because I don't want a porthole in the roof; it would do more to ruin the feel inside than it would enhance it.
If you want to see what it feels like; go sit in your own car and hold a piece of paper (8.5x11) over your head

I think most people are thinking a glass panorama roof or a cloth folding roof like the Fiat 500 convertible. I agree its a very small area for either but people like what they like. I think with so little area its pointless. Also the fact with both windows down it will give you a wind in your hair experience because Elio is so narrow.

 

[Coss]

I think most people are thinking a glass panorama roof or a cloth folding roof like the Fiat 500 convertible. I agree its a very small area for either but people like what they like. I think with so little area its pointless. Also the fact with both windows down it will give you a wind in your hair experience because Elio is so narrow.

I can agree with that. What might be worth waiting for then is a future convertible model.

 

[BlioKart]

I can agree with that. What might be worth waiting for then is a future convertible model.

That would look about as good as a PT Cruiser convertible.

 

[OctoberGlory]

That would look about as good as a PT Cruiser convertible.

Beautiful scenery - darn ugly car!

 

[karl]

In a time long ago, in a place far far away (Seattle) I used to install sunroofs. I did the lift outs, the vinyl sliders, power moon roofs, T-Tops and a few others, so I do know a thing or two about them. I've been watching the threads of how some want a sunroof, some don't and those that just don't know.
So I did some pondering on this myself and went back to basics. When you cut the hole for a sunroof, at first is looks huge from inside the car; but once all is said and done you lose a lot of that opening. The sunroof always has to have a frame around it for either support, or drain tracks, or mechanism tracks so you lose 2 to 4 inches of overall width. Looking at the measurements they have in the photo section of the Elio, it's only 14" of workable space side to side. So you'll end up with an opening 10" to maybe 12" wide. Because of the curve in the roof line front to rear, you'll have about the same amount of workable space. So you can end up with a 10"X10" glass filled hole, no thanks.
I'm going to put myself on the No Sunroof in my Elio because I don't want a porthole in the roof; it would do more to ruin the feel inside than it would enhance it.
If you want to see what it feels like; go sit in your own car and hold a piece of paper (8.5x11) over your head

Or you could have a folding soft top that starts from the Windscreen header to the truck like my Fiat today and VW's I had in the Past. or a long thin (relativly) in the same spot that is plastic... there are cool options available on the market today. Don't let what you knew limit your thoughts.

 

[Coss]

Or you could have a folding soft top that starts from the Windscreen header to the truck like my Fiat today and VW's I had in the Past. or a long thin (relativly) in the same spot that is plastic... there are cool options available on the market today. Don't let what you knew limit your thoughts.

Here again it would only be 8" wide (you do have to leave the side headers to retain the strength of the internal roll/crush cage).
Plastic??? Even if it was Polycarbonate it would scratch and you would end up replacing it quite often.

What I knew limit my thoughts? In no way am I close minded to new ideas; I'm far more open minded than most people.
I'm simply being realistic on what the physical characteristics of a hole in the roof would be like.
My statement said "I'm going to put myself on the No Sunroof in my Elio because I don't want a porthole in the roof; it would do more to ruin the feel inside than it would enhance it."
If others choose to put a roof in that is their choice; I am not condemning nor embracing the option, just stating my personal selection.

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

I grew up in Polk County, Wisconsin, just across the St. Croix river from the Twin Cities. Our TV was Twin Cities TV, so we only got to watch the Packers play if they were playing the Vikequeens (this was back in the day when 'cable' was something you used to tow you station wagon out of the ditch with). Kids at school were either Vikequeen fans (many) or Packers fans (few) and there were always dust-ups in the fall, ahem. So being a Packer fan all fitted out in your Packer swag and driving around in a purple car would just lead the more culturally intuitive among us to guess you married a Vikequeen fan as a wife and you were driving her car.

Where's the Elio link? Um. I could never have imagined the Elio when some dumb third grader Vikequeen fan was beating the snot out of me for calling Fran Tarkington a loser for not being able to win a Super Bowl.

I'd like to think I've matured as I've aged, but Fran Tarkington is still a loser and the Vikequeens will never, ever win a Superbowl. So there.

Tony, whereabouts in Polk Co.? I'm SE of Osceola. There's another member on here from Amery. Lots of commuters=high Elio interest I guess.

 

[Rickb]

A good looking narrow three wheeler convertible.

 

[Kuda]

A good looking narrow three wheeler convertible.
View attachment 3640

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