Custom rear window install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: windsor ontario
Custom rear window install
For those of you that have changed your later C3s to a removable rear window using the older window and hardwware(72 -68) could you have used your own window and custom made some pieces giving it the same function... in and out when you want it?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Technically yes, because I looked into doing that, but the glass is very fragile, and without a true frame like the removable windows have, you're risking breaking it every time you touch it. Not to mention that there has to be a lot of pressure holding that window to a seal to keep water out.
I have done two of the conversions and it really is worth the money to be able to just pop the two latches, take the window out, and not worry about breaking anything.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi AV,
In the last week or so there was a thread started by someone who is in the process of doing what you asked about and what DB described. Perhaps you can search for it and find it interesting.
Regards,
Alan
In the last week or so there was a thread started by someone who is in the process of doing what you asked about and what DB described. Perhaps you can search for it and find it interesting.
Regards,
Alan
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
From: SHERMAN TEXAS
I just finished my conversion using factory hardware that bolted right up. Although i had to notch out the panels for the latches there was mold marks on the backside that made it easy. I used my window and fabbed up a frame using 1/4 in aluminum c channel i got from lowes in the screen section. I was able to form the channel around the window after putting notches in to allow it to bend inward. But make the bends right the first time or it will snap. After getting all bends right i used 3m fast setting urethane to set the glass in and toothpics to keep glass centered. After it set up i wirebrushed and painted my frame. Looks great and sure added strength to that flimsy glass.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I just finished my conversion using factory hardware that bolted right up. Although i had to notch out the panels for the latches there was mold marks on the backside that made it easy. I used my window and fabbed up a frame using 1/4 in aluminum c channel i got from lowes in the screen section. I was able to form the channel around the window after putting notches in to allow it to bend inward. But make the bends right the first time or it will snap. After getting all bends right i used 3m fast setting urethane to set the glass in and toothpics to keep glass centered. After it set up i wirebrushed and painted my frame. Looks great and sure added strength to that flimsy glass.
Did you take pics you can post?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 4
From: Formerly from the Great White North but now residing in the Desert Southwest NM (The Land of Dis-Enchantment?)
I junk yarded all the parts and clips. Got a stock frame with broken glass from a '72 and put lexan in it. All the mounting holes were in my '73 and it went together in a couple of hours. That's the good news. When I installed my roll bar it made the window virtually impossible to remove...oh well
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
From: SHERMAN TEXAS
and thank you for reminding me on this. after drilling two holes in the frame before installing glass i used 1 inch long rivets that i pulled out the pins and cut the tops so they would be shaped like a T and they fit into the inside of the frame perfectly. after urethane sets up they are permenant. i cut and shaped solid rubber inserts for the pins to set in. by drilling the holes offset towards the frame it helps seal when locking the top in. the rubber pieces i got from lowes also in the hardwware section. with a drip of baby oil in the drilled holes the pins slip right in and remove easily. i should have taken pics but i will do this next week on my days off and get them posted.
Last edited by colin75; Dec 8, 2008 at 03:06 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Your stock '76 glass will not fit the frame of a '68 - '71 frame from the removable rear window. However, the glass can be cut down by a professional shop if you have access to a stock frame and want to use your existing glass. I think the earlier glass might have been thicker though.
