Glass Roof Pros/Cons?
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I would think that if you plan to track your car, and really modify it then the glass roof isn't a great idea. Especially if you modify the car, supercharge or nitrous it, and it goes over 500hp. There is a degree of flex, and metal bends slightly and twists. Glass doesn't.
I haven't seen any glass roof cars go to the track and run a 1/4 mile yet for some reason. I was just in Bradenton this year at the NMRA Ford Nationals. Hardtop or Convertible with Roll Cages. Glass Roofs are more of a luxury, driving experience, although they are nice for letting ambient light in your vehicle and on pretty days.
Another concern would be leakage. What happens if you spring a leak in a corner due to chassis flex? I don't know if it's possible on a stocker, but throw a Whipple and some boost- and let'r rip and see what happens....
I myself am still on the fence with a glass roof. I like it, but part of me doesn't. It's nice for my kids in the rear seat to look up and out- and is something different. But for taking it to the track, or if you ever roll your car- I wouldn't want a sharp piece of glass stickin in my head or through my neck...
my .02
I haven't seen any glass roof cars go to the track and run a 1/4 mile yet for some reason. I was just in Bradenton this year at the NMRA Ford Nationals. Hardtop or Convertible with Roll Cages. Glass Roofs are more of a luxury, driving experience, although they are nice for letting ambient light in your vehicle and on pretty days.
Another concern would be leakage. What happens if you spring a leak in a corner due to chassis flex? I don't know if it's possible on a stocker, but throw a Whipple and some boost- and let'r rip and see what happens....
I myself am still on the fence with a glass roof. I like it, but part of me doesn't. It's nice for my kids in the rear seat to look up and out- and is something different. But for taking it to the track, or if you ever roll your car- I wouldn't want a sharp piece of glass stickin in my head or through my neck...
my .02
Thread Starter
GT Member
Joined: February 1, 2010
Posts: 176
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From: Lakeland, FL
I appreciate your feedback.
Let me ask another good question regarding Glass Roofs--
When it gets hot outside and sun is beaming down, does it help repel heat, or contain it? Another words, is it hotter inside than a Metal Roofed Coupe, or Cooler? I am so curious about this, because I live in Florida where it gets pretty HOT outside, and was wondering if this is an issue.....???
Is it a big magnifying lens? Or does it filter and keep out heat pretty well?? I was hoping to hear this from people who own them, or know good data to support....
Thanks in advance
Let me ask another good question regarding Glass Roofs--
When it gets hot outside and sun is beaming down, does it help repel heat, or contain it? Another words, is it hotter inside than a Metal Roofed Coupe, or Cooler? I am so curious about this, because I live in Florida where it gets pretty HOT outside, and was wondering if this is an issue.....???
Is it a big magnifying lens? Or does it filter and keep out heat pretty well?? I was hoping to hear this from people who own them, or know good data to support....
Thanks in advance
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 30, 2004
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From: Montreal
Nope, i don't think it changes headroom at all, and after reading this thread last night and doing some thinking, i decided to change my order and add the glass roof. Initially i wanted to get a vert but decided to go with a coupe. I feel like the glass roof is a nice compromise between coupe and vert. I'm sure i won't regret my choice.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: September 10, 2009
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From: Boston
Nope, i don't think it changes headroom at all, and after reading this thread last night and doing some thinking, i decided to change my order and add the glass roof. Initially i wanted to get a vert but decided to go with a coupe. I feel like the glass roof is a nice compromise between coupe and vert. I'm sure i won't regret my choice.
I didn't get the glass roof option, but now I wish I had. 
Cobra Member
Joined: August 5, 2008
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From: Arvada, CO
GlassRoof on the track, leaking and flopping over...
If only someone had told me I couldn't track the car with that leaky, heavy, hot glass roof on there. Then my car wouldn't have soaked me, baked me, and flopped over on the side as I went around the corner... 
Universally it is the one feature every one loves most about my car. The shade works very well and cutting down the glare but does little for the heat as it's not a problem in the first place. The shade does take away head room, but I'm 6'1" and just make sure the seat isn't all the way up high. The helmet's not a problem, either. And the glass is stiffer than the flimsy steel roof, but admittedly heavier and higher CG, but my 200+ lbs doesn't help there, either. I do believe if I turn it into an American Iron racer (which I might in a few years) I might have to pull it out and weld in a standard steel roof, but don't quote me on that.
In summary, get the thing, it's totally worth it
(warning, picture whoring below)
Universally it is the one feature every one loves most about my car. The shade works very well and cutting down the glare but does little for the heat as it's not a problem in the first place. The shade does take away head room, but I'm 6'1" and just make sure the seat isn't all the way up high. The helmet's not a problem, either. And the glass is stiffer than the flimsy steel roof, but admittedly heavier and higher CG, but my 200+ lbs doesn't help there, either. I do believe if I turn it into an American Iron racer (which I might in a few years) I might have to pull it out and weld in a standard steel roof, but don't quote me on that.
In summary, get the thing, it's totally worth it
(warning, picture whoring below)
Last edited by CO_VaporGT_09; Oct 12, 2010 at 11:26 AM.
GT Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
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From: Smyrna, Ga
I'd be willing to bet that the glass roof is much stiffer than the standard roof.
Think about it! The glass is thicker and more rigid than the thin sheet metal.
I've seen an install of the CDC GlassBack and the internal structure between the glass & metal are identical.
Think about it! The glass is thicker and more rigid than the thin sheet metal.
I've seen an install of the CDC GlassBack and the internal structure between the glass & metal are identical.
Cobra Member
Joined: August 5, 2008
Posts: 1,369
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From: Arvada, CO
I'd be willing to bet that the glass roof is much stiffer than the standard roof.
Think about it! The glass is thicker and more rigid than the thin sheet metal.
I've seen an install of the CDC GlassBack and the internal structure between the glass & metal are identical.
Think about it! The glass is thicker and more rigid than the thin sheet metal.
I've seen an install of the CDC GlassBack and the internal structure between the glass & metal are identical.
V6 Member
Joined: October 11, 2010
Posts: 52
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From: NW FL
If you are talking about engineering properties of either choice, you need to consider shear resistance and flexural torsional resistance of the glass versus the metal roof. Using glass as a stiffening member is always a possibility but then you'll need more thickness (and weight) than a thin guage sheet metal roof capable of resisting the same torsion and shear.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. I can understand why consumers would love the fixed glass roof.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. I can understand why consumers would love the fixed glass roof.
Cobra Member
Joined: August 5, 2008
Posts: 1,369
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From: Arvada, CO
Does make me wonder, cheaper to replace a heavily dented steel roof, I'd suppose, than the glass, wouldn't you think? How would the steel roof be replaced anyhow, cut out?
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: April 20, 2010
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From: Dallas
Originally Posted by psjmd
Does the glass roof affect the sound quality of a high-end stereo ???
Member
Joined: May 4, 2012
Posts: 41
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From: Minnesota
The Lincoln MKZ is going to have a retractable glass roof as an option. I wish this was available on the Mustang, from Ford vs after market.
The following link shows the refit, with a video of the retractable glass in operation.
The 2013 Mustang GT I have on order will be my wife daily summer driver which is a no go in the snow up here. So, she gets to drive a 2004 Expedition 5 months a year.
After looking at this new Lincoln's roof, My Red Cat (bright Red Jag x-type) may need to become a Lincoln next year. I like an all-wheel drive sedan for a year round daily driver, and won't put myself in an Audi.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/2...or-production/
The following link shows the refit, with a video of the retractable glass in operation.
The 2013 Mustang GT I have on order will be my wife daily summer driver which is a no go in the snow up here. So, she gets to drive a 2004 Expedition 5 months a year.
After looking at this new Lincoln's roof, My Red Cat (bright Red Jag x-type) may need to become a Lincoln next year. I like an all-wheel drive sedan for a year round daily driver, and won't put myself in an Audi.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/2...or-production/
Last edited by MonsterCat; May 8, 2012 at 12:33 PM.
