Is there a way to reach DC Engineers?

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On my third attempt to get info out of the DC helpline on the roof structure, I finally got what DC probably considers a straight answer:

" Donald,

As stated in my prior message, DaimlerChrysler does not recommend altering your
vehicle from its original manufactured specifications. Because of this, and any
liability reasons, I can not answer your question. "


If DC won't answer, why would they keep telling me to ask my dealer?

What a bunch of idiots. I guess expecting the factory to tell me something about my truck just because I paid 32,000 for it is unreasonable. Is there a way to reach an engineer or someone who actually knows something (and is willing to tell me)?

 

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Maybe the best thing to do is go ask at a place that installs sunroofs,seems like they would know and also be liable if it compromised the truck's integrity. If it's a good shop I'm sure they wouldn't risk a lawsuit to sell a sunroof. In the larger cities there are places that specialize in sunroofs only,check the yellow pages and give them a call.

 

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No way the DC lawyers would let the engineers comment on anything that might later result in a lawsuit. You're getting a canned reply from a non engineering PR person. Might as well be talking to the wall...

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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Expat-

I would not cut a hole in the roof. If you have ever seen how flimsy a car roof is when the windshield is removed, I would really be conserned with the integrity of the cab with such a mod. I'm not sure what cab you have, but I do seem to recall that there were huge delays from all the manufacturers to come up with a quad cab design that met the safety standards. I personally can understand why DC would not be willing to step up to this venture. Just an opinion and good luck.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins (ETH), 6-Speed (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"

 

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P/Us & SUVs classified as trucks don't have to meet rollover criteria, do they?

EXPAT - you knew you weren't going to get an 'approval' from DC on this one.

I won't put an aftermarket sunroof in any vehicle for a couple of reasons - structural integrity & water leakage. As far as the importance of the roof structure to overall body stiffnes just look at any factory hardtop vs convertible. The convertable has additional ribs/bracing to bring it back to the same level as the hardtop.

Can a sunroof/port hole be added and maintain the original integrity? Yes, but it will be a ****load of work & I wouldn't want to do it on my truck.

Brian

 

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expat , i think the answer to your question lies under the headliner , i saw where the braces were in my ram the other day when it had a thin layer of snow on it , for some reason the snow was melted in a grid pattern where i'll assume the bracing was , the only place large enough for the hatch you propose is between the front seats as there seems to be no supports . but this is my guess .

if you want to do this mod , you should be prepared to take responsibility for YOUR actions , its YOUR ram , do with it as YOU please .

repeat after me ... I AM MY OWN WARRANTY STATION ...

 

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Expat, I'd be hesitant to cut into the roof also. What you might want to consider if it would work for you is putting a shell on the truck (there are mini shells - about 3 feet deep if you need some bed space). You could put the hatch in that and either remove the rear window (with a boot between the shell and the cab) or put in a rear window with a large opening in the center. Just a thought.



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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax, 275hp RV injectors, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

 

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When I worked for a VW dealer is Seatle, WA we installed a sunroof made in GB called BritexSP? It actually improved the strength of the roof. I would go with illflems suggestion. Forget DC they act like FOOLS.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

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Expat... there are a few companies that stretch a reg. cab into a 4 door. . perhaps they could shed some light?

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

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Thanks for all the helpful replies and suggestions. Steve, the suggestion on cap and pass-through makes a lot of sense. Much more useful than DC. That's why I joined TDR. For those who followed my earlier post, you know I was concerned about roof integrity. That is why I wanted some information from DC. I fully understand that I am my own warranty station. Hey, I believe in personal responsibility, and there isn't a dealer within two thousand miles anyway...

But do they have the guts to simply say "Bad idea," "Don't do it," or "you'd void your warranty"? --None of those answers would seem to implicate them in a lawsuit, although I can see how a "yes" might cause potential problems for them. No, they have to string me along in earlier messages with "We don't understand what you want" and "ask your dealer" and then only when pressed simply admit that they refuse to answer.

Maybe I should email and ask them if a little deodorant tree hanging from the rearview or a cup smoothee qualifies as a "modification. " The shop doing my suspension mods had the right attitude about info. Before starting, they asked up front if I understood clearly that "you understand that Dodge will be really difficult about any warranty work as a result of your mods. " Fine with me.

I will go write "I AM MY OWN WARRANTY STATION" on the chalkboard 100 times now...

I am greatly looking forward to the arrival of my truck, crushing Range Rovers, and becoming the one-man chapter of the Africa chapter of the TurboDiesel Register.

 

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Have you thought about installing an in cab roll cage along with your roof modifications?

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ex Ford tech, now driving '01. 5 2500 4X4 QC LB ETH/DEE SLT 3. 54, Patriot Blue

 

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I hope you're not planning to ever sell your truck. I don't know anybody who'd want a $32,000 truck that's been butchered. Sunroofs are for saunas, not an expensive piece of machinery. If you have a quad cab the integrity of the structure has been compromised enough. I know a lot of people find sunroofs distracting, even downright annoying.
I think a sunroof is a bad idea.

 

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expat,I have been involved with many roof removal jobs pertaining to auto extracation purposes (its alot of times easier and quicker to remove victoms thru the roof)any way when a vehicle gets in a bad crash its sometimes clear to see a ripple or wave form across the roof because the "A" post will push up on the roof causing the center to go down ,I guess what im saying is if you cut any structural member in your roof than it will weeken the integrity of it , just my o2

Kevin 2001 eth dee