It is well know that the sunroofs used on the late 80's Mazda RX-7's are practically the same as those used on the Reatta, with the exception of the painted outer panel, which has more of a curve than the Reatta outer panel. Members of the AACA Reatta forum have compiled information on what must be done to use the Mazda sunroof as a Reatta replacement. Below you will find information that will help you in using the Mazda parts or the complete Mazda unit in your Reatta.

spyhunter2k wrote:

I need to fix my non-operable sunroof and have been researching past sunroof threads.

I know that the sunroofs used on the late 80's Mazda RX-7's are exactly the same, with the exception of the painted outer panel, which has more of a curve than the Reatta outer panel.

Here are the part numbers for new '88 Mazda RX-7 sunroof cables I found after looking back through about 20 threads:

Right side: FB03-69-842A
Left side: FB03-69-843A

I also found a full schematic of the Mazda RX-7 sunroof with associated part numbers:

Here is a link to a Mazda dealer that sells parts online at a much lower price than walking into a dealer:

Online Mazda Parts

I was quoted $ 254.00 PER SIDE for the cables from a local dealer. They are about 0 per side on this site. For a new motor, the news is not good. Even on this site at the discounted price (as opposed to walking in to a dealer) a new motor is posted (as of Jan '09) at 7!

I also found the section from the '88 RX-7 service manual that discusses the sunroof if it may be of help to anyone but I can't figure out how to attach a pdf file...

In the meantime, I've screen capped just the exploded view of the sunroof parts from the first page:

Also, here is a page faxed to me from a dealer. It is not as clear as the first pic, but it shows the part numbers of not just the main sunroof parts, but also each nut and bolt. NOTE: You must add "FB03-" to the beginning of each part number to complete the full Mazda part number and be able to look them up on the above online parts site. In some cases, the letter at the end is also missing, but I can't help with that one--you'd have to call a dealer to get it if the full part number does not appear on the first picture.

Note the "emergency handle" that RX-7's came with. For the Reatta, we are instructed to use an Allen wrench in an emergency. The RX-7 owners were given a handle in the glovebox! The RX-7 handle is discontinued, but I'll be checking the glovebox of the next RX-7 I find in a U-Pull-it yard.

Barney Eaton wrote:

I do have a email from Wabasco Japan confirming that the Mazda and Reatta share the same basic Wabasco sunroof.

The sender listed three part numbers (probably Wabasco numbers) that the Mazda parts people could not identify as their part numbers. We know the outer metal roof panel is different. We also know that the Reatta and Mazda used a different control switch. What we don't know is the last part.

But several Reatta owners have installed Mazda sunroofs in their cars with no difficulty. I have been told you need to drill two mounting holes in the Mazda unit for the Reatta dome light, Other than that it is very close to "plug and play"

CL_Reatta wrote:

The modifications needed from an RX-7 assembly are: There are extra "tabs that needed to be cut off, there is extra metal housing on the front of the assembly that needs to be cut off, and the side supports need to be exchanged. Also, the panel from the Reatta needs to be used. The original wiring also all matched up. The only problems with the RX-7 conversion is the drain tubes didn’t match up properly since the RX-7 had a different curvature, and the panel needs help on the initial lift for the same reason. Also, your roof will more than likely get 4 tiny dents in it where the 4 screws are in the corner. I believe that is all.

You have to remove two metal tabs at the back, switch the main mounting brackets, add the dome light, remove a mount on the front of the assembly, and plug the last end of wiring into the RX-7 wires, and its pretty much done.

reattadudes wrote:

  A very interesting point that can't be stressed enough; even if you buy the cables, they are NOT an easy installation.

We've had several customers buy the cables, and the installation was beyond their capabilities. a sunroof shop charged about 0 to install them. Suddenly, the "bargain" aspect disappears...and the cables are only one of the issues you could have.

Other important issues; rust in the pan area where the drain tubes are located, and rust in the actual roof of the car.

We had eight customers essentially do "ground up" restorations on their Reattas last year. Four were sunroof cars, and we ended up not only selling the complete sunroof assembly, but also the entire roof. When the sunroof is removed, the perimeter of the stamping of the actual roof around the sunroof was completely rotted away. It was not economically feasible to repair it; replacement with a rust and corrosion-free roof was easier and cheaper.

Ignoring a non-operational sunroof is like a ticking time bomb. It will continue to gather and hold moisture, rotting both the headliner and roof panel.