Removable rear window conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: windsor ontario
Removable rear window conversion
Ok i beleive that I have all the parts.
1.removable rear window
2.latches(2)
3.metal bezels for roof panels.
4.weatherstrip
5.guides for lower window.
I have read previous threads and people talk about "j clips". What are these and what do they do.
Is this not the process.
1. remove rear window
2. remove old weatherstripping.
3. screw latches into roof framing ( I understand there are holes for this )
mount lower guides
4. Put in weatherstripping.
Have I left something out?
1.removable rear window
2.latches(2)
3.metal bezels for roof panels.
4.weatherstrip
5.guides for lower window.
I have read previous threads and people talk about "j clips". What are these and what do they do.
Is this not the process.
1. remove rear window
2. remove old weatherstripping.
3. screw latches into roof framing ( I understand there are holes for this )
mount lower guides
4. Put in weatherstripping.
Have I left something out?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
There is a storage tray for the removable window. Protects the window when it is removed.
Are you converting a 73-77 car? My advice would be to purchase any of the 69-72 assembly instruction manuals (AIMs) and have a reference on hand for the conversion. Mounting holes may not already be drilled on the 73 and later cars.
Good luck.
Are you converting a 73-77 car? My advice would be to purchase any of the 69-72 assembly instruction manuals (AIMs) and have a reference on hand for the conversion. Mounting holes may not already be drilled on the 73 and later cars.
Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 9
From: New England
I did the conversion last year on my 76 ,you may want to check out my profile album as I have a few pic's on it. I am open to any questions that you may have. Good luck.
PS, I also have an extra set of correct Halo panals that have the cutouts for the latches ,I purchased and never used because I was able to find a set of Metal Bezels to go around the rear window latches instead. The bezels are almost impossible to find and I paid big $$$ for mine. I think one on my pictures have the panals on before I purcheaed the Bezels. Again, good luck with the conversion.
PS, I also have an extra set of correct Halo panals that have the cutouts for the latches ,I purchased and never used because I was able to find a set of Metal Bezels to go around the rear window latches instead. The bezels are almost impossible to find and I paid big $$$ for mine. I think one on my pictures have the panals on before I purcheaed the Bezels. Again, good luck with the conversion.
Last edited by dariopop; Dec 17, 2009 at 05:24 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Ok i beleive that I have all the parts.
1.removable rear window
2.latches(2)
3.metal bezels for roof panels.
4.weatherstrip
5.guides for lower window.
I have read previous threads and people talk about "j clips". What are these and what do they do.
Is this not the process.
1. remove rear window
2. remove old weatherstripping.
3. screw latches into roof framing ( I understand there are holes for this )
mount lower guides
4. Put in weatherstripping.
Have I left something out?
1.removable rear window
2.latches(2)
3.metal bezels for roof panels.
4.weatherstrip
5.guides for lower window.
I have read previous threads and people talk about "j clips". What are these and what do they do.
Is this not the process.
1. remove rear window
2. remove old weatherstripping.
3. screw latches into roof framing ( I understand there are holes for this )
mount lower guides
4. Put in weatherstripping.
Have I left something out?
cc
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,241
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi AV,
I believe the j-clips clip on to the fiber glass so the screws for the latches and receivers have something to screw into. They're used MANY places on the body and interior.
Regards,
Alan
I believe the j-clips clip on to the fiber glass so the screws for the latches and receivers have something to screw into. They're used MANY places on the body and interior.
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
Alan is correct. The J-nuts are used on the upper latches. Just running a screw into fiberglass just won't hold for long. Also on the bottom giudes, I made a nut plate to secure them.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 9
From: New England
Here are a few pictures of my conversion with and without the Bezels. Bezels give it a finished look and are very hard to find because they were only used on the 68 & 69 Models ,so are very costly " if you can even find them. The next costly item is going to be a good clean used rear window and an alum frame. I purchased New hindges ,don't used old ones .
Best mod option I ever installed, my rear window is out " ALL SUMMER" .
I think that my complete conversion ,with buying everything on ebay cost me $300.00
Best mod option I ever installed, my rear window is out " ALL SUMMER" .
I think that my complete conversion ,with buying everything on ebay cost me $300.00
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: windsor ontario
Thanks Dario your pics are very helpful I have the metal Bezels thx to another forum member so I am just going to cut my roof panels. I am looking forward to having this option as I have not read one negative comment on it.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
You really want them because they allow a little bit of adjustment from side to side and fore and aft to account for differences in weatherstripping, frame, off center mounting holes, etc. The latches also have a little adjustment in them for adjusting the clamping pressure.
cc
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 9
From: New England
Of all of the things that I have done on my car in the last 33 years I would rate this on a scale of 1-10. 10 being the hardest I would say it's a " 3 " if you have all of the parts ,than its just a matter of removing the rear window and installing the new parts. All of the holes are already manufactured into the car so alignment is not going to be an issue. The hardest part that I seemed to have ( only because I did not have an extra set of hands ,was installing the new gastet. Other than that everything is just bolt on. I used reproduction latches and they work great , no need to go NOS ,it just adds to the cost , spend the money on a good glass and frame and you won't be sorry.
Hey guys , want to know what was a " 10 " ???? !!!!!
YUP,#4 body mount , a word to the wise keep the ones that you have cleaned out so they don't rot out like mine did. Had I realized what was happening to mine I would have drilled weep hole in them for drainage, mine were packed with mud and salt I never thought to flush them out when washing the car, I DO NOW!!!!
Hey guys , want to know what was a " 10 " ???? !!!!!
YUP,#4 body mount , a word to the wise keep the ones that you have cleaned out so they don't rot out like mine did. Had I realized what was happening to mine I would have drilled weep hole in them for drainage, mine were packed with mud and salt I never thought to flush them out when washing the car, I DO NOW!!!!
Last edited by dariopop; Dec 18, 2009 at 12:59 PM.