Just curios if anyone has converted a car with a fixedrear window to a removable one. I would love to do this eventually, but want to see what all would be involved.

 

I have all the parts (i think) and am getting ready to do it. I can let you know fairly soon.
Or if someone else might chime in,

Frank

 

This should give you some ideas.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=198

The rear roof panels will either need to be changed or cut out for the handle.

You'll need locks and all the hardware too. They tray is not a must but helpful for storing the window if you do decide to do this.

In the picture you must make sure to get items 5 and 6. One is the retainer and one is the plastic guide. The area where these parts attach were still in the mold when they made the 77 cars so locating the correct position is not really hard at all.

Willcox Inc.

 

Bump for Willcox.

I have not had the opportunity to do business w you guys, but I am sure I will one day soon. I notice that you have been quite helpful to many folks on CF lately and just wanted to thank you. You appear to be real problem solvers vs. unnamed big corvette parts catalog type companies.

Rickman

 

I'm not sure why anyone would want to do this. Other than the C1, the C3 is the least aerodynamic of all the Corvettes. The early C3 flat back rear glass has more turbulence than a bubble glass from '78-82.

Chevrolet claims the removeable rear glass was eliminated due to excessive turbulence and noise when removed. It also increases the storage area due to the elimination of the glass storage area. I'm sure there was a cost savings there but the official claim is the turbulence.

I owned a '70 and saw no advantage to taking the glass out. It just seemed to have more noise to me. Mine was never removed the whole time I owned the car.

Want to see why a fastback is an advantage in a sports car? This C3 has the iconic vertical rear glass with buttresses on each side. The aero effect of this arrangement is to create a low-pressure area that actually sucks air back toward the glass. As you can see here, the smoke is pulled toward the rear glass and against the flow of air in the tunnel. The turbulence created also keeps the air from separating cleanly from the rear of the car.

 

I have my rear window out a lot. I don't give a rat's a$$ about aerodynamics - I like the way it looks and the almost convertible feel of having no window. Speaking of convertibles, how aerodynamic is that big low pressure area behind the windshield?

 

They seem to be more than just a supplier. They help people solve their problems, rather than just offering to sell them parts.

 

I did this to my 73 and it is alot more comfortable to drive. The only time the widow goes back in place is the winter. Bring on the turbulence

 

I agree, I don't really care about aerodynamics either. I don't drive my car hard enough or fast enough that it matters. I did care about that obnoxious rumble behind my head from all the turbulence with the back window out.

I also agree about Wilcox being a helpful vendor. They answer emails, offer suggestions and have a lot of very useful "how to" tech things on their web site. Before you rip into another project go to their "been there...done that" repair and help page.

 

I have installed the removable rear window in the 2 '73's I have owned. It is well worth to me. The interior swirling wind is gone as the wind goes out back. I think there is less noise from the exhaust as the wind going thru the interior pushes the exhaust noise backwards.
Roger

 

I also have a 73 and had the rear window out to reseal it. Took it for a few rides during that time and liked the idea at first, but after a while, the exhaust noise, fumes and dust while driving around town convinced me to go back with the original configuration. The expense didn't look to be much more than about 1K so my only advice would be to try it out first before you commit.

 

I don't see how this is possible. The whole point of GM using a fixed window starting in '73 was to remove all that you say taking the window out fixed. I owned a '70 and didn't get any of the benefits you claim by taking out the back window. Even the windo tunnel tests show it creates a vacuum behind the halo and sucks air back. But enough said, everyone has an opinion.

 

My window has been out since 2002.

 

Just converted mine this past winter,go to my profile and album ,you can see some pic's, I love it and it was a pretty easy conversion.
I have a 1976. I purchased the glass and frame off of e-bay and I purchased the hardware and gasket from Pacific Corvette, The cost will depend on what you have to pay for the glass and frame,one in good shape should set you back around $300.00 , don't buy used hardware , but new .
Need any more info drop me a line. I have not put my window back in except to wash the car!!!
The hardest part is the gasket.