I don't know if gen1 is that much different from gen2, but if the drive cable ever slips on the motor gear, it's not fun to get back in time. I am on my 3rd roof assy now. First one was from factory and original owner let the metal drip rail behind the glass come off on one side and it got jammed in there. When they opened the roof, it broke where the drive cable goes into the frame (plastic). I replaced the whole thing with a 97 Thunderbird unit. That one worked well until the upper followers got on top of the track somehow and broke off the deflectors on the upper part of the track, at the rear of the glass. Replaced it again with a 98 Mark unit. The other day, the plastic rivets holding the follower to the glass attachment point came apart. I opened it and heard a loud grinding sound. I got lucky with this one as I bolted it together and then spent a good 2.5 hrs trying to get it back in time. I took the motor out and then pressed the close button until the motor stopped and the alignment bumps in the motor were aligned. I then pushed the actuators forward until the rear followers were just above the deflectors. Reinstalled the motor and it works good. It's not perfectly timed, but it's real close. The shade is meant to be bowed downward until it can be removed from the tracks. It will sound like it's cracking and popping, but pull down in the front center just enough to get one side out and you'll be ok. Make for sure the screws holding the drip rail behind the glass are snug, but not overtightened. The plastic holes will strip out. For extra security, clean the area good and put some 5 min epoxy over the screw and the square cutout. I think the gen1 and gen2 moonroof assys are close in design, but I am not sure.