Abstract: A vehicle body sunroof includes a vehicle body roof panel having a roof opening defined by a downward facing flange of the roof panel. A rectangular carrier frame, preferably of plastic construction, has an outer peripheral edge portion which underlies the downward facing body flange and an inner peripheral edge portion which faces upwardly into the roof opening and defines a sunroof opening in the carrier frame. A roof panel seal is mounted on the outer portion of the carrier frame and is adapted for vertically compressed sealing engagement with the downward facing body flange. A closure panel, preferably of glass, is smaller than the roof panel opening and has a peripheral edge portion adapted to overlie the inner portion of the carrier frame in sealing engagement with a closure panel seal mounted on the inner portion of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body sunroof module includes a stamped sheet metal pan having a forward portion with an opening registering with an opening of the roof and a rearward portion located rearward the roof opening to store the closure panel in its open position. The pan has a generally planar base wall which extends generally parallel to the roof and an upstanding peripheral flange which stiffens the pan against flexure. The flange has a discontinuity, preferably in the form of a pleat, located generally adjacent the juncture between the forward and rearward pan portions to permit flexure of the pan about a transverse axis and mounting of the forward and rearward portions in disparate planes to conform with the contour of a particular roof. A guide track is mounted on the flange along each side of the pan and receives a slide or roller connected with the closure panel to support the closure for sliding movement between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a roof opening closure panel includes a track extending longitudinally of the vehicle. A roller and a lifting link are respectively pivotally attached to the leading end and trailing end of the closure panel and are captured for sliding movement in the track. A ramp member is slidably captured in the track intermediate the roller and the lifting link and has an inclined surface which lifts the roller vertically when the ramp member is forced beneath the roller. A connecting rod extends between the ramp member and the trailing end of the lifting link to provide a fixed length therebetween. A drive cable is connected to the trailing end of the lifter link for moving the lifter link fore and aft in the track.