Hi Any one know if this can be done? Replace a 77 rear window with a removable one Thanks Phil W

 

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.

 

Sounds simple

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?

 

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.

 

Makes it feel more like a full roadster.

 

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!

 

Hi Phil W,

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

 

mine is out all the time, gives much better air flow, IMHO

 

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.

 

The bean counters got hold of 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

 

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.

 

Keep an eye on eBay for the 69L-72 halo panels with the molded latch recesses. Durango and I have each found an original set in good shape there for very reasonable prices.

 

got some pics of this please I like this idear.
Thanks.

 

I did see 1 good panel but no match. I'll keep looking and if you run across a pair, let me know. I see the term "halo" is often used to describe the panel. I'll change my search to include that word as well.

Thanks,

Steve

 

Friendly eBay tip - if you put words (or numbers) in parentheses, separated by commas, the search feature will read that as an "or". For example, "1968 (Ford, Mercury) engine" will search for "1968 Ford engine" AND "1968 Mercury engine". I have tons of search strings set up that way - it's a great way to deal with common misspellings.

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.

 

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?

 

Thanks to everyone for the detailed responses, I'm looking forward to doing this to my '74.

Steve

 

you know what would be cool, if someone made a sliding rear window for '73s to 77's. like a truck slider.

 

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.