fixed rear window to removable window ?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yep. I have a '77 and I put in a removable rear window. IMBatman has a '77 and he did it. Curtis74 did it to his '74.
All you need is the window w/ frame, latches, pin guides, window frame weather strip seal, 3M gasket adhesive, J-clips and screws, a drill, a file, halo panels with the cutouts, and a few friends with some extra time and spare hands to hold the seal in place while it's being glued.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Dumont New Jersey
All you need is the window w/ frame, latches, pin guides, window frame weather strip seal, 3M gasket adhesive, J-clips and screws, a drill, a file, halo panels with the cutouts, and a few friends with some extra time and spare hands to hold the seal in place while it's being glued.
I have a 72 with the removable window.
What is the real benefit of having it out?
I have but seems like a pain for a little benfit.- Anyone?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
It moves the air out of the cabin with a lot less turbulence than the fixed window cars. I took my rear window out years ago before I even knew a removable one would fit and the difference was fantastic. The better cabin flow whipped the hot air that usually lingers in the floor boards right out of the car.
It's a fantastic change and I wish they never would have dropped that option for the pre-bubble C3s.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Dumont New Jersey
Think I will need to give it another shot. Last time was Carlisle Saturday and when the storm hit was just another thing I needed to put in place to keep out the rain.(attempt to keep out the rain I should say).
I will try again tomorrow should be 80 and sunny here in the NorthEast!
I will try again tomorrow should be 80 and sunny here in the NorthEast!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
I am doing this mod on my 75.
There is a lot of info on this subject in the archives. If you go to the Search menu in red toolbar, click on to drop down menu, click on advanced, type in "removable rear window", click on archives and scroll thru forums to either C3 General or C3 Tech, you will find almost 20 pages of actual info.
I use this search a lot. Only problem is pics are not saved very long in archives (space issue).
Also blow-ups in catalogs like Ecklers and Riks will give you details.
Good luck!
Peace
Bman
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 840
Likes: 19
From: Oshawa
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
The removable rear window makes the biggest difference, as has already been said it makes the air flow feel much more like a vert, I don't know why they would ever have stopped installing it.
In the three years I have had my '70 the rear window has been in maybe once or twice.
Go for it.
In the three years I have had my '70 the rear window has been in maybe once or twice.
Go for it.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The removable rear window makes the biggest difference, as has already been said it makes the air flow feel much more like a vert, I don't know why they would ever have stopped installing it.
In the three years I have had my '70 the rear window has been in maybe once or twice.
Go for it.
In the three years I have had my '70 the rear window has been in maybe once or twice.
Go for it.
68-72:
latches
window, aluminum frame, guide pins
weatherstrip and glue
halo panels with a complex notch
guide plates
73-77:
window
glue
straight halo panels
plastic window trim
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
From experience, before you go buying each item piece by piece, look hard and long for someone that has a complete kit or a kit with most of what you need.
The other route is to hold out on a piece by piece purchase until you know the part you're getting is rock bottom pricing.
I guess this was a fairly priced upgrade in the not so distance past. But now if you find these items in great shape on e-bay or a forum they are not alway cheap. I found a great deal on an original window and frame with pins, latches and even the original latch bezels that most don't bother with. I picked up the guides, guide plates and rear seal new from a vendor. With the latch bezel I can cut my original roof panels but I'm still looking for a 70 -72 set with the latch cut outs molded in.
After I started buying parts I ran across a complete set up with all parts needed including the storage tray. Had to pass because I already had most of what I needed and the seller would not break up the package.
Be patient. These parts have a wide range of pricing. You could spend $75 or $275 for the exact same window and frame.
The other route is to hold out on a piece by piece purchase until you know the part you're getting is rock bottom pricing.
I guess this was a fairly priced upgrade in the not so distance past. But now if you find these items in great shape on e-bay or a forum they are not alway cheap. I found a great deal on an original window and frame with pins, latches and even the original latch bezels that most don't bother with. I picked up the guides, guide plates and rear seal new from a vendor. With the latch bezel I can cut my original roof panels but I'm still looking for a 70 -72 set with the latch cut outs molded in.
After I started buying parts I ran across a complete set up with all parts needed including the storage tray. Had to pass because I already had most of what I needed and the seller would not break up the package.
Be patient. These parts have a wide range of pricing. You could spend $75 or $275 for the exact same window and frame.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
From experience, before you go buying each item piece by piece, look hard and long for someone that has a complete kit or a kit with most of what you need.
The other route is to hold out on a piece by piece purchase until you know the part you're getting is rock bottom pricing.
I guess this was a fairly priced upgrade in the not so distance past. But now if you find these items in great shape on e-bay or a forum they are not alway cheap. I found a great deal on an original window and frame with pins, latches and even the original latch bezels that most don't bother with. I picked up the guides, guide plates and rear seal new from a vendor. With the latch bezel I can cut my original roof panels but I'm still looking for a 70 -72 set with the latch cut outs molded in.
After I started buying parts I ran across a complete set up with all parts needed including the storage tray. Had to pass because I already had most of what I needed and the seller would not break up the package.
Be patient. These parts have a wide range of pricing. You could spend $75 or $275 for the exact same window and frame.
The other route is to hold out on a piece by piece purchase until you know the part you're getting is rock bottom pricing.
I guess this was a fairly priced upgrade in the not so distance past. But now if you find these items in great shape on e-bay or a forum they are not alway cheap. I found a great deal on an original window and frame with pins, latches and even the original latch bezels that most don't bother with. I picked up the guides, guide plates and rear seal new from a vendor. With the latch bezel I can cut my original roof panels but I'm still looking for a 70 -72 set with the latch cut outs molded in.
After I started buying parts I ran across a complete set up with all parts needed including the storage tray. Had to pass because I already had most of what I needed and the seller would not break up the package.
Be patient. These parts have a wide range of pricing. You could spend $75 or $275 for the exact same window and frame.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Thanks,
Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The panels don't show up all the time, but they are available on a fairly regular basis. Mine came with an original kick panel, too. Look once a week or so, and you should find some before too long.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Got em. Thanks
Now I just need to determine how to make the striker for the tray push button latch. I have a 72 tray that used the push button style latch.
I believe someone stated this is teh same striker used on the storage doors. Can anyone confirm?
Now I just need to determine how to make the striker for the tray push button latch. I have a 72 tray that used the push button style latch.
I believe someone stated this is teh same striker used on the storage doors. Can anyone confirm?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 109
From: B'ham Alabama
These panels are available NEW in your color choce for $89.00 a pair from all the major parts suppliers. I got my set from Corvette America.
