Update 10/7/24 – We’d like to formally introduce you to CAN Composites, https://cancomposites.com/, the new owners of all the non-Subaru sunroof delete tooling. CAN is up, running, and taking orders!
*****
Update 7/29/24 – All of our tooling has found new homes. One gentleman has taken all the Subaru lineup and another gentleman has taken all the other chassis lines. Both are in the process of getting setup for new runs and production. Once they are online and public, we will share the details. Until then, we’re very happy to know the tooling has good homes and the communities will continue to be supported!
*****
Update, 10/9/23 – We offered our first sunroof delete, the S13 coupe, in 2011 and for the last 12 years we’ve been honored to be part of so many incredible and beautiful builds. However, as with all things in life, times have changed and so is our business. It is with a heavy heart that we’ve decided to wind down our dedicated clean room and focus on our R&D, prototyping, machining, and engineering side of the business.
Please note that we will continue to support all our existing customers and fielded units. If you have any questions regarding your current deletes please let us know.
We are no longer taking new orders and once inventory is sold, that will be that.
If anyone is interested in carrying the line for the community, please feel free to reach out as the molds are in excellent shape and are for sale – $14,000 for all the molds and tooling we have. We’ll be happy to help get you setup with all the details on how to make these as well.
Thank you to everyone for the opportunity to support you and be a part of your projects.
*****
We know that many track cars start their life as daily drivers and racers begin building, adding, removing, and modifying their car until it is the machine they want. Weight reduction is always a large part of this process. Anyone who has ever taken apart a sunroof assembly knows how much weight can be saved by removing the glass, or even the entire system. This is where Northwind comes into play. By combining efficient design, advanced materials, and proven manufacturing techniques we can produce a carbon fiber sunroof inserts that weigh an average of 29 ounces. On the BC/BF chassis this translates to a 26lb weight savings with the delete installation.
Each insert is made from a combination of 2×2 twill 3k70 carbon fiber, E-glass fiberglass, core, and epoxy resin. The insert is infused with an aerospace grade UV resistant epoxy resin and cured at 170 deg. Fahrenheit. The epoxy resin will not shrink or off-gas like polyester resins and is dimensionally stable. The thickness of the carbon insert is 0.170in thick and the factory glass is 0.200in thick, providing room for your clear coat.
The molds are made by taking the factory glass, digitally scanning it to make a 3D model of the glass. The model is manipulated to add room for the manufacturing process. Then a male plug is CNC machined from a high density tooling foam. Next, the mold is laid up with a high temperature resin system and post cured to 250 deg. F. Finally, the mold is polished to a Class A finish before application of the sealer and release agent. This process ensures the contours of the mold, and the resulting delete panel, exactly match the factory roof line for a clean final installation.
Installation:
These deletes have been designed to completely fill the opening in the chassis and mount flush with the roof line. They do not require holes in the top of the roof skin and they remove the entirety of the factory sunroof system. Installation is accomplished by attaching brackets to the flanges in the chassis opening and then bonding the delete to the bracket. From there a silicone RTV seal is applied to the perimeter. We have a recommended installation guideline – here – but there are many ways to skin the installation cat.
Please note that these parts are not clear coated. Northwind specializes in advanced engineering and manufacturing, not spraying clear. Therefore, we will leave the clear coating to you or your favorite painter. Our parts have a high gloss out of the mold but we do recommend a professional grade clear coat to really make it shine and for a little added UV protection.