Split window conversion
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Split window conversion
Been toying with the idea of installing the 63 rear window setup to my
64 resto coupe. Anyone tried this before? What's involved besides the
glass, window trim, center fiberglass piece, etc?
No haters please...just some helpful ideas.
TIA
64 resto coupe. Anyone tried this before? What's involved besides the
glass, window trim, center fiberglass piece, etc?
No haters please...just some helpful ideas.
TIA
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 5
From: Redlands CA
I suspect it would be very expensive for the trim pieces. The fiber glass part wouldn't be too difficult. You might try sitting in a 63 and see if you like the rear view. The split window does obstruct the view a lot. If I were going to do it, I would look for a complete 63 rear assembly.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,160
Likes: 9,465
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
be prepared to explain your decision at every car show and place you ever take your car too. and be prepared to spend a lot of money on the trim
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,050
Likes: 2,596
From: Del Boca Vista FL
The center fiberglass piece should be readily available. Competent body man can do the job easily.
Stainless trim is EXPENSIVE for the rear windows on the 63.
I have gotten used to the "obstructed" view. No problem.
Rich
Stainless trim is EXPENSIVE for the rear windows on the 63.
I have gotten used to the "obstructed" view. No problem.
Rich
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
I doubt if 99% of the motoring public could tell the difference anyway. My ride is too heavily modified to worry about authenticity. Besides, I've always liked the split window look. Back in the day, I passed up a 340hp split window for a '66 L-72. Always wanted one since.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
I have seen 63's with 64 rear windows, but not the other way around, I would guess that it would be very expensive, let us know what you decide, and if you go for it, try to post pics, as it transforms, good luck.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
changing to 63 split window
In mho you have made your mind up (its your choice) before you posted requesting opinions (other than hateful?) You are trading some rear view for no rear view! I'll bet 10 to 1 you made this decision prior to posting. Regards,Abe G
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
I think the question was, has anyone done this and what would it entail? In mho it doesn't matter if the decision was made beforehand or not.
I'd also like to see if anyone has thought of this too. Heck, if enough people do it, there can be a market for SWC repop parts just for the conversion!
I wonder how it would look on a '65, hmmmm.
I'd also like to see if anyone has thought of this too. Heck, if enough people do it, there can be a market for SWC repop parts just for the conversion!
I wonder how it would look on a '65, hmmmm.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Looks like the stainless trim would be the hardest parts to obtain. Any ideas where to locate the individual pieces?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 5
From: Bakersfield CA
I always thought that a 1961/1962 trunk/rear end would look great on a 1956/1957. I would never cut up an authentic car to do it though.
In your case, even if you do it, it's reversible. I say go for it, sounds awesome! I've always loved the look!
In your case, even if you do it, it's reversible. I say go for it, sounds awesome! I've always loved the look!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Copperas Cove Texas
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,777
Likes: 4,592
From: Canada's capital
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
In 1964 when the one piece came out, hundreds of swc owners, sick of the split dangerous everyday driving, opted for the new window to be retrofitted onto their cars. Later in the 70's when the spits became valuable and therefore desirable, kits were put out be various manufacturers with all the parts you needed to convert back to original, so the parts are out there, and shouldn't be that hard to find.
^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 919
Likes: 174
From: Adelaide South Australia
Have done this, no big deal.
As explained here, the most expensive stuff is the rear stainless. Corner sections are now available repro and can be got on ebay, but yep, other punters are dead right, stainless will run at $2.5k-$3k, and that's if you can find it.
Logistics of finding the fibreglass centre section is fine, can get this from many vendors. I got mine from AGI, quality OK, a bit thick thou, but we made it work.
Glass is available, no problems.
If you want to make it more authentic. you may want to remove the vents on the roof ( year specific ), and install scallops of the '63 ( again, year specific ).
If you have a hankering for a '63 mate, just do it, and don't look back.
As explained here, the most expensive stuff is the rear stainless. Corner sections are now available repro and can be got on ebay, but yep, other punters are dead right, stainless will run at $2.5k-$3k, and that's if you can find it.
Logistics of finding the fibreglass centre section is fine, can get this from many vendors. I got mine from AGI, quality OK, a bit thick thou, but we made it work.
Glass is available, no problems.
If you want to make it more authentic. you may want to remove the vents on the roof ( year specific ), and install scallops of the '63 ( again, year specific ).
If you have a hankering for a '63 mate, just do it, and don't look back.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
HI.... I have the whole top from the windshield back to the rear lights. Complete with glass and all chrome still on the top. It was a car i took apart because the birdcage was gone. Pm me if u r interested. Tx Walt