I think someone tried to pry open my partially opened sunroof (manual). The result is that when the sunroof is now in the fully closed position, the rear of it sits underneath the portion of the top of the car when it should seat flush against it. For example, the way it is now, if it were to rain, the water would travel from the front of the sunroof (or car) toward the back of the sunroof. Although there appears to only be one broken piece on the passenger side of the car, both sides of the sunroof "droop" towards its rear. I've seen a few messages about completely replacing the sunroof (as in upgrading it) with one out of a later model (I have an 86), and I'm wondering how much work it is to do that, and if it's advisable were I to find a suitable replacement, and how do you remove the top cover of the sunroof to replace my present "color" with the one from whatever donor I may be lucky enough to find? Or any other recommendations from those experienced with such things.

been there, done that. I went thru this with my own '86. My problem was the two pieces that guide the roof up at the back or down in front.They were white metal castings.Easily broken.You remove/replace 2 screws to change them.Easy enough to do.Hard part to find in usable condition.The dealer wasn't any help at all.Ask your local volvo parts horder!Best of luck.

I'm not sure this applies to 86, but it does my 90.
They could have simply loosened the height adjustment... have you tried adjusting the height? There are a pair of (possibly torx, maybe phillips) screws that hold up the rear of the sunroof. The easiest way to access them is to detach the springs (in vent position) attached to the smaller cutout (sits on top) from the lower portion. Then, you'd need to slide the lower, larger portion back. It takes a bit of oomph and the upper portion is attached and will probably snag on the metal frame behind the sunroof. Give it a go a few times - the front of the lower portion attached to spring/squeeze clips. Partially reinserting it into these will allow you to force the upper portion down. Once it's down, you should be able to slide the whole assembly back (not too far!!). At this point, it's best to close your sunroof (all the way) and then adjust the screws (they sit in a channel) to the proper extension that gives you a good seal. It took me a couple of tries, as the position changed (down)after I let the weight settle onto the height adjustments.

Hope this helps,
Will
--
1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond

It is not that difficult to replace it. I had mine out when I replaced the headliner. there are like 4 or 5 serews and the hold sunroof can be slide out. there may be some info on it in the FAQ's.