Need removable back window conversion tips and hints
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Tyrone, Pa
Need removable back window conversion tips and hints
I have a 73 coupe, which has a sealed back window. At Vettes of Carlisle, I compared an early generation C3 with a sealed back window version. All the holes and indentations are in both body styles. I purchased all the hardware, parts, and items I anticipate will be required to convert my Coupe to a removable back window vehicle.
Is this a common conversion?
Can anyone give me tips, hints, advice, on this conversion, as well as pitfalls to avoid?
Approximately how long may this take?
Is the bottom window interior garnish molding different enough that my 73 sealed back window garnish molding will not work or cannot be converted to work with the conversion, or will it work?
I anticipate that the conversion will take from 2-4 hours to complete and allow me to cruising in a convertible with a roll bar before the evening comes.
Thanks for the help.
Autobody class dismissed!
"Teach"
PS. If interested parties post a response about the installation and conversion process, prior to me doing this procedure. I will try and take the appropriate photo's and write a tech article for all to benefit from.
[Modified by 73 Teach's Pet, 7:19 AM 8/30/2001]
Is this a common conversion?
Can anyone give me tips, hints, advice, on this conversion, as well as pitfalls to avoid?
Approximately how long may this take?
Is the bottom window interior garnish molding different enough that my 73 sealed back window garnish molding will not work or cannot be converted to work with the conversion, or will it work?
I anticipate that the conversion will take from 2-4 hours to complete and allow me to cruising in a convertible with a roll bar before the evening comes.
Thanks for the help.
Autobody class dismissed!
"Teach"
PS. If interested parties post a response about the installation and conversion process, prior to me doing this procedure. I will try and take the appropriate photo's and write a tech article for all to benefit from.
[Modified by 73 Teach's Pet, 7:19 AM 8/30/2001]
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,416
Likes: 1
From: NC,USA
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=129509
found this will post others :yesnod: if there are any more
found this will post others :yesnod: if there are any more
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
I will pipe in here only because more knowledgeable folks haven't. My neighbor and Corvette buddy has a 73 that he converted years ago to a 72 style rear window. In a nutshell, he got a used window from a 7? (I haven't decoded the date code), he got used latches, and the holes that the window aluminum pegs fit into. Then he found a wrecked donor car and bought the upper fiberglass piecse that the latches bolt to. He also bought new rear window weatherstrip.
He removed the t-top vinyl padding and then measured where the "new" fiberglass would have to go to allow the latches to work properly. Once he had measured (about six times ;)) where the new fiberglass pieces had to go, he cut out the area with a disk grinder and then proceeded to fiberglass in the new glass. As soon as that had set up, he popped in the new window and it all fit well. He did some minor cleanup of the area recently, since we had just stripped and primed the car. He was getting ready to paint it and wanted to insure that all of the old fiberglass work was done. It was really quite simple but I am glad he did the cutting and not me.
Gary
He removed the t-top vinyl padding and then measured where the "new" fiberglass would have to go to allow the latches to work properly. Once he had measured (about six times ;)) where the new fiberglass pieces had to go, he cut out the area with a disk grinder and then proceeded to fiberglass in the new glass. As soon as that had set up, he popped in the new window and it all fit well. He did some minor cleanup of the area recently, since we had just stripped and primed the car. He was getting ready to paint it and wanted to insure that all of the old fiberglass work was done. It was really quite simple but I am glad he did the cutting and not me.
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 418
From: Chester Virginia
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
There have been since threads in the last 6 months on this.
I did the 'conversion' on my first 1973 Vette several years ago. I have all the parts except the overhead trim panels for the conversion on my 'new' 73.
The hardest part was removing the rear window and cleaning the old sealer. You can use a wire to help break the sealant from the window. Just push the wire thriugh the sealant and pull it back and forth, cutting the sealant. Becareful that the wire doesn't slip and stractch the rear deck. To clean the window opening I believe I used laquer thinner after I had scraped the sealant off. The only 'hard' part was getting the two bottom brackets aligned. I didn't have the factory two piece brackets, one piece plastic and the other steel, so I make some from sheet teflon. I'll do this again. Applying the new weatherstripping/seal just takes patience and a good weatherstripping adhesive. Trial fit the weatherstripping/seal before applying the adhesive. The lower trim panel fit just fine with no modifications. Due to the cleaning of the window opening it took me a Saturday morning and half of the afternoon. Adjusting of the top latches was easy, I just set them after the rear window was in place. Make certain your have the nuts for the top latches and the bottom brackets.
Have fun
Roger
I did the 'conversion' on my first 1973 Vette several years ago. I have all the parts except the overhead trim panels for the conversion on my 'new' 73.
The hardest part was removing the rear window and cleaning the old sealer. You can use a wire to help break the sealant from the window. Just push the wire thriugh the sealant and pull it back and forth, cutting the sealant. Becareful that the wire doesn't slip and stractch the rear deck. To clean the window opening I believe I used laquer thinner after I had scraped the sealant off. The only 'hard' part was getting the two bottom brackets aligned. I didn't have the factory two piece brackets, one piece plastic and the other steel, so I make some from sheet teflon. I'll do this again. Applying the new weatherstripping/seal just takes patience and a good weatherstripping adhesive. Trial fit the weatherstripping/seal before applying the adhesive. The lower trim panel fit just fine with no modifications. Due to the cleaning of the window opening it took me a Saturday morning and half of the afternoon. Adjusting of the top latches was easy, I just set them after the rear window was in place. Make certain your have the nuts for the top latches and the bottom brackets.
Have fun
Roger
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: The Villages FL
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
We are doing this to my 77 presently in rebuild. We found a complete rear window and frame at the Daytona Beach Turkey Rod Run a couple years ago, along with the storage compartment carrier. All the 73-77 models have the same read window area, and any can be fixed up with a removable rear window. Some consider it better, because the fixed window tends to flex causing leaks in the butal (spelled wrong) rubber sealant. The weather strip tends to absorb the flex while still keeping the moisture out.
Spike
Spike
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 625
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From: The Villages FL
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
Forgot to add that if you need a rear window defroster, go to NAPA and get a little 12 volt electric heater with fan that can be mounted on one side of the window to blow hot air over the window. It's about 5 or 6 inches square and perhaps an inch and a half thick. Control it with a switch in the cockpit that meets your approval.
Spike
Spike
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
I'm in the earlier thread about doing mine a couple of months ago.
Except to wash the car the rear window has not been back in. Love it.
I drilled 6 screw holes. 2 for each upper latch and 1 on each side for the clips for the window (there were holes on each side of the lower already).
The rest was just bolt in or clean up.
Terry
Except to wash the car the rear window has not been back in. Love it.
I drilled 6 screw holes. 2 for each upper latch and 1 on each side for the clips for the window (there were holes on each side of the lower already).
The rest was just bolt in or clean up.
Terry
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (trw)
Except to wash the car the rear window has not been back in. Love it.
I drilled 6 screw holes. 2 for each upper latch and 1 on each side for the clips for the window (there were holes on each side of the lower already).
Terry
I drilled 6 screw holes. 2 for each upper latch and 1 on each side for the clips for the window (there were holes on each side of the lower already).
Terry
Anyone know where to get the nuts and bolts for the upper locks?
I expect the window to be sitting in the garage most of the time though.
Len
[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 5:09 AM 8/31/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (1970 Stingray)
The upper screws are just 1/4" (guessing) round head phillips screws and they attach with C clip nuts, that slid over the hole.
I don't remember if I got them when I bought my package or just bought them at ACE.
Terry
I don't remember if I got them when I bought my package or just bought them at ACE.
Terry
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 28
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From: Lake Saint Louis MO
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (trw)
I'm also ready to put a removeable back window in my 75. The original rear glass was removed when I painted the car this spring. I have the window frame and the latches , but it sounds (from previous posts) that I will also need "clips' for the sides of the frame, and some sort of receptacle for the "spikes" of the window to fit into. Does anyone have any pics of those parts that could be posted? Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (steelblu75)
Don't know what "clips" you are talking about. The rear window is held in by the pegs at the bottom of the window and the latches at the top.
Here is a pic of the bottom plate. In the pic it has tape under it, just unwrapped it.
Here are most of the parts needed except the window and frame and use your stock bottom molding.
Sorry the pics are not the best, but it is all I have.
Terry
Here is a pic of the bottom plate. In the pic it has tape under it, just unwrapped it.
Here are most of the parts needed except the window and frame and use your stock bottom molding.
Sorry the pics are not the best, but it is all I have.
Terry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Peabody,MA,USA
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
I might just remove my fixed window. My window is practically falling out anyway, only the inside trim is holding it in. I don't drive my Vette in the rain . I could use pillows to hold the window in when I wash the car.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lake Saint Louis MO
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (trw)
Thanks for the pictures Terry! They are a big help! I didn't know about the "clips" either...thought I read about them in a previous post. Something else I don't need to aquire before I start this.
Bruce
Bruce
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 418
From: Chester Virginia
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (trw)
In 70, 71 & 72 the metal bezel that fit around the latch and the cutout in the overhead panel were not used. This area was made into the overhead panels.
For the window bottom pin, I believe the plastic plate when under the metal plate so that the mounting screws would fasten against the metal and not damage the plastic.
Roger
For the window bottom pin, I believe the plastic plate when under the metal plate so that the mounting screws would fasten against the metal and not damage the plastic.
Roger
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
Purchase a 68-72 Assembly manual. Any year will do. The AIM will show drawings of how the installation was done at the plant, including part numbers, hole sizes, dimensions, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (Easy Mike)
Ken 73 has a point most people I know with the removable back windows have them out all the time. I for one never drive mine in the rain, and since It wasn't a option in my year It would be easier to return to orginal by just putting the glass back in. HMM...
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (paso)
You know I drive mine in the rain, like when I get caught in it, and usually leave the rear window out ( unless it's REALLY coming down) the water just blows off the back
Also I've discovered that leaving the rear window out but putting the tops on keeps the car really cool, and NOBODY notices that the rear window is missing :D
[Modified by 427V8, 8:25 PM 8/31/2001]
Also I've discovered that leaving the rear window out but putting the tops on keeps the car really cool, and NOBODY notices that the rear window is missing :D
Ken 73 has a point most people I know with the removable back windows have them out all the time. I for one never drive mine in the rain, and since It wasn't a option in my year It would be easier to return to orginal by just putting the glass back in. HMM...
[Modified by 427V8, 8:25 PM 8/31/2001]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Tyrone, Pa
Re: Need removable back window conversion tips and hints (73 Teach's Pet)
THANKS ALOT GUYS,
There is a ton of great detailed technical information in here.
I WILL be sure to add to this or write the tech ariticle I mentioned, with detailed photos as pay back for the help.
The suggestion to buy an assembly manuel is a decent suggestion, but I was hoping enough cool people "in the know" would come to my aid and save me the $20. I plan on installing my back window next Saturday. i think it will be a snap since I have a thorough understanding of where I am headed and how to get there from the above posts. I'll update then.
Please add any more knowledge if you have it on this subject. The more detailed and descriptive the better! Great helpful picts Terry Kudos to you
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...ENPOWER US ALL!
Thanks
"Teach" :seeya
There is a ton of great detailed technical information in here.
I WILL be sure to add to this or write the tech ariticle I mentioned, with detailed photos as pay back for the help.
The suggestion to buy an assembly manuel is a decent suggestion, but I was hoping enough cool people "in the know" would come to my aid and save me the $20. I plan on installing my back window next Saturday. i think it will be a snap since I have a thorough understanding of where I am headed and how to get there from the above posts. I'll update then.
Please add any more knowledge if you have it on this subject. The more detailed and descriptive the better! Great helpful picts Terry Kudos to you
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...ENPOWER US ALL!
Thanks
"Teach" :seeya
