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.
Current Supported Chassis:
- Acura RSX, 02′-06′
- Acura TSX, 04′-08′
- Audi A4/S4, 96′-01′
- Audi A6/S6, 12′-18′
- Ford Mustang, 79′-93′
- Honda 7th Gen Civic Si, 02′-05′
- Honda 8th Gen Civic Si Coupe, 06′-11′
- Honda 8th Gen Civic Si Sedan, 06′-11′
- Nissan S13 Coupe, 88-94′
- Nissan S13 Hatch, 88-94′
- Nissan S14, 95′-99′
- Subaru BC/BF Legacy, 89′-94′
- Subaru BP Legacy, 03′-09′
- Subaru SVX, 94′-97′
- Subaru GC Impreza, 93′-01′
- Subaru WRX, 04′-07′
- Subaru WRX, 08′-14′
- Subaru WRX, 15′-20′
If you have a chassis that we currently do not support, please contact us. We are always happy to work with customers to get new molds online.
Pricing and Ordering:
Please see our Price List for current pricing and ordering instructions.
Disclaimer
All Parts are aftermarket products and are strictly intended for race use only. The Parts are not intended and should not be used on street vehicles.