low roof vs high roof vs crystal roof

[collector]

Hi all,
Just wondering what the pros and cons are in selecting a low/high/crystal roof are. I hear that the Crystal roof is prone to leakage through the top windows, as well as the electric curtains failing, but then on the other hand, the big sunroof that comes with the low/highroof has a leak issue as well? Are there any "solid roof" Delicas availiable?
Any input would be appreciated:)

[Green1]

I hear that the Crystal roof is prone to leakage through the top windows,

I'm not sure where this rumour comes from, I've never heard anyone with a crystal light roof complain of it, but people constantly ask this same question when trying to decide which to go with... (so no, they don't seem to have a leak problem)

as well as the electric curtains failing,

the electric sunshades are vulnerable, mainly it seems the plastic clips holding the shade to the push rod breaks, this however is a reasonably easy fix as I have detailed on this thread and I have now replaced 5 of the original 8 clips using this method.

but then on the other hand, the big sunroof that comes with the low/highroof has a leak issue as well?

I've heard that too... but then again, I haven't heard it from the people who have them... so who knows...

Are there any "solid roof" Delicas availiable?

yes... but they are so plain... (solid roof is available in both low and high roof models)

[delicat]

One big advantage of the low roof if the suspension is kept standard is that they will fit in more underground parkings (not all but most) which is good for city people. They also don't get dinged on the ferry.

Low roof with moonroof gives a huge opening to the rear passenger, pretty cool but they don't have a sunroof for the front (driver).

Crystallite roof often has a sunroof for the front and gives you that feeling of being in a aquarium in the back, lot's of lights... my favorite!

Go sit in each models, enjoy!

[Green1]

Low roof with moonroof gives a huge opening to the rear passenger, pretty cool but they don't have a sunroof for the front (driver).

not entirely true, I've seen pictures of low roof models with both sunroofs....

[delicat]

Low roof with moonroof gives a huge opening to the rear passenger, pretty cool but they don't have a sunroof for the front (driver).

not entirely true, I've seen pictures of low roof models with both sunroofs....

Not hard to believe given all the option choices on those vans but still, the double sunroofs on low roof isn't very common... would like to see one!

[EricN]

My sunroof actually just started leaking. I am guessing it is the drains, will try and fix it one day. I specifically searched for a low roof model. I fit in any underground parking till around 6'5".

[EnviroImports.com]

If you go with the Crystal, make sure you are careful with cheap roof racks or putting anything on your roof, I just brought in a full set of replacement crystal lite windows for a customer , they are NOT cheap to replace and NOT easy to come by, I do love the crystal lite, but in the end its all about personal preferance
Noel

[Adam]

I have a crystal lite high roof and it is about 2" under the ferry over height charge, but you can forget about trying to sneak on with a roof rack on top without getting dinged. I love the crystal lite roof, never had any issues with it leaking. I'm using a Thule high foot roof rack with it, no problems so far.

[rdub]

I have a low roof no glass on top at all, I plan on having the van for a long time ,and the sunroof thing is something i just dont want to deal with at any time ''If''' it decides to start leaking. I do quite a bit of mini trips with the canoe on top and have just purchased a cargo box also ,it really depends on what you like,and what you think you might like to fix latter on.

[patty]

I have a low roof thats great, i like the look of the low roof much more then the high roofs or crystal.only problem is most roof racks and ladders are made for high roofs cause theres alot more of them over here.

[Mystery Machine]

For a 'road' vehicle then it has to be Crystal roof FTW....no question! All that lovely light in the back (plus shaded if you need it) and worth every penny (cent) when you see the look on new passengers faces the first time you open them up! The extra headroom is great and also - you can't beat the light unit for illuminating the rear. The dimmer is useful for camping and all round, you just don't get the same effect with a non Crystal roof.

If you are going to be doing some proper off-roading then the low roof wins every day! Losing that 7" of roofline makes a MASSIVE difference and I wish the Mud Monkey had been a low roof because I could have fitted a 5" lift and much bigger tyres (for more clearance & articulation) and still been within the same height as a Crystal/High roof model!

Have a look at these pics - if I'd been in a low roof then I would have got through without the helping hands (pic 1) or nearly losing the glass thanks to a very low branch (pic 2)





I'm not worried about the day the glass gets smashed (and it's more a case of when....not if!!) because I'll just rivet some metal sheet over the hole, seal around the edges and then it is one less thing to worry about when throwing it through some lanes! :lol: