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Here is some basic info on why its good to have a sunroof seal installed . First off we already know its " not needed" and we already know "many have removed it without issues". Basically its about keeping you car in as nice shape as possible for years to come. The parts behind the outer seal are vulnerable to weather. When it rains that channel fills with water. When it snows it fills with snow flavored slurpies from 7-11. Yes it does have a drain x4 but the drain can get clogged and actually lets water pool at the rear even when not clogged. You also have a wind deflector and a sunroof regulator in there that can get messed up from exposure. Ever pulled a sunroof regulator from a car? Those 4 screw are usually a major pain to get out from rust. Here are pics to tell the story...http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102601.jpg See the holes? Those are where the water is supposed to drain...when you drive in the rain that channel and those holes keep the wind forces from dumping rain right in (like if you crack the sunroof a little during a light rain) This sunroof has the wind deflector removed because is was so rusty under the chrome the chrome would actually flake off in your eyes) Next ups here are each of the four drain holes...notice the paint chips and cancer rust under the paint.http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102524.jpg http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102538.jpg http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102507.jpg http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102456.jpg Next thing you wanna keep rust free is the hinges..http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_C360_2013-05-23-11-33-23-560.jpg http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_C360_2013-05-23-11-33-33-316.jpg Here is a shot of my 87 parts car , that rust is getting close to the paint...and that little drain pipe joint can rust through and deliver rain water right into your car..http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_C360_2013-05-23-11-31-21-150.jpg Next up is my 89 TSI the previous owner gooped the chips with fingernail polish. I think a seal would have blocked whatever did that to the paint..http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_C360_2013-05-23-11-30-13-417.jpg And how about the sunroof wind deflector? http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102740.jpg This one I polished up , but the little hinge extensions where not so lucky http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z388/starionkiller/sunroof%20seal/th_2013-05-23102829.jpg

I figure this will take a while, so I'll post now. I'm in the Tallahassee, FL area and am preparing for my next project. Having done some research, I've researched a feasible late model motor/trans swap idea (Ecotec/MA5) and need a car to put it in. I've owned an '86 and an '88 SQ & like the car. Here's what I'm looking for- I'm not in a hurry, so I'm particular about the car & location: Widebody Prefer manual, but will consider an auto Sunroof Black interior- may consider tan, leather or cloth makes no difference Interior must be complete/nearly complete- i.e. dash, climate controls, etc. AC- need the main parts to be there- condenser & evaporator under dash No rust through on rails or sheetmetal Paint condition not so important. Color preference yellow, blue, black, red, but will consider others. I also like white, but it seems like all of them have the maroon interior (see below) Low cost- looking for a project that got started and ran out of time/money/interest, price range around $500 Donations for a good home. I have a shop and keep my "kids" out of the weather, so if you have a car you just can't get rid of but don't want to scrap it, I'll save it if it meets my criteria Here are deal killers- please don't waste your time and mine asking about these: Maroon interior Maroon interior Maroon interior (get the point? ) No sunroof Rusted through rails or sheetmetal A great deal 1,000~2,000 miles away- the cost to ship an inoperable car is more than the cost of the car I have a car hauler & could pickup in the north part of Florida, the SE part of Alabama, or the south part of Georgia. You can reply here with any candidates or PM me. Thanks.

EDIT Bought another car, no longer shopping.