Adding Starlights to Sunroof Panels – What to Know
Adding fiber optic starlights to sunroof panels can enhance the ambiance of your vehicle, creating a stunning visual effect. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for a successful installation.
🌤️ Sunroof Shade Types Matter
Before starting the installation, it’s important to understand the type of sunroof shade you have:
- Sliding Shade: This type can be manual or powered and consists of a rigid panel that can be removed and upholstered before being reinstalled. Only sliding sunshade panels support starlight installation.
- Rolling Accordion Shade: This type is made of thin fabric that rolls up and cannot be drilled or upholstered, making it unsuitable for starlight installations.
🧵 Upholstering the Panel
To begin the installation, follow these steps to upholster the sliding shade panel:
- Remove the sliding shade from the headliner carefully.
- Strip the old material and prepare the surface for new suede or fabric.
- Drill and insert the fiber optics into the panel as you would with a normal headliner panel.
- Trim the back of the panel fibers and use hot glue to ensure they lie flush, allowing the panel to slide freely.
🔌 Projector Powering + Fiber Routing
For optimal performance, use a separate mini projector for the sunroof panel:
- This allows for independent zone color and brightness control.
- Run the fiber optic bundle through the headliner opening and route the wiring neatly to avoid clutter.
- Secure the projector next to the headliner projector or behind a nearby trim panel for easy access.
🪄 Sliding Function Still Works!
If the fibers are trimmed cleanly and the panel is properly reinstalled, the sunroof shade will still slide normally:
- Confirm that nothing obstructs the track or folds of the shade.
🎨 Design Use & Customer Options
Having a separate color zone for the sunroof shade allows for a two-tone starlight effect:
- For example, you can have a purple headliner with a blue sunroof, creating a unique ambiance.
- Customers often appreciate this feature for unique photos or backseat ambiance.
- This add-on typically uses 150–250 fibers from a 4-port or mini starlight projector.
❗ Things to Watch Out For
Here are some important considerations to keep in mind during installation:
- There is no way to install starlights on rolling shades—make sure to explain this to clients.
- Ensure the panel sits flush with the headliner after upholstery and fiber installation.
- Confirm clearance if gluing on the back—there should be no glue or fiber bulges that could obstruct movement.
- The projector should be easily accessible if the customer wants to adjust the lighting later.
