[DeTomaso] Sunroof

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Not sure about this one, but the 'original' concept-car- a '75 we think is 
the original Geneva Auto Show Pantera that DeTomaso had on display- doesn't 
buffet at speeds up to 140 mph and does not have a wind deflector. Two 
design problems: First, the removable steel insert is thick, so the framework 
around it reduces the headroom inside; significant if you are tall. Second, 
DeTomaso's solution to sealing and water drains around the insert was less than 
durable: the sheet metal drain spigots rusted through over the years, and 
the rubber drain hoses deteriorated. Both are virtually inaccessible to 
rework without removing the headliner and maybe cutting into the roof.
Another, better adaption may be an Aussie pushbutton Pantera: it appears to 
have a Honda Civic electric-sliding roof insert, which solves the 
stop-remove-and-store the insert when you want to go open, and its quite a bit 
thinner and smaller in length than the '75's. Never ridden in it so dunno about 
buffeting. The roof contour is identical to the stock Pantera roof panel. Note 
that neither of these has a glass insert; both are solid steel when in 
place. I have no opinion on the tilting glass panels so beloved by rice-rockets &
 low-riders.   FWIW- J DeRyke