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Hi all. I know that the removable rear glass was discontinued after 1972, but my recently acquired 1973 has a removeable rear window. My assumption is that this was an aftermarket kit available at the time. The issue is one of the locks/latches is broken. I ordered a replacement and it is different from the locks installed on my car (slightly different shape, slightly different size, slightly different mounting). Does anyone have photos or diagrams showing the OEM installation for 1972 and earlier? I've got the FSM and the Assembly Manual for my car, but there is no information about removable rear glass because my car isn't supposed to have this feature. I'm most interested to know if there is any special support structure in the roof for the latch mounting. My latches are held to the roof structure with two sheet metal screws and u-nuts. Thanks!
I put a removable window on my 77. There is nothing in the fiberglass structure that is different I think. The plastic trim around the handles is different along with the handles depending on the year.of the car. Maybe post some pictures of what you got.
Thanks for the quick response. The body of the old lock is slightly thinner (maybe a 1/16"), but I can still fit the wider, new lock. The old lock has (2) mounting holes on the end (4 mounting holes total), and the new lock does not. The side mounting holes/slots are significantly wider on the new lock.
Old, broken lock
New lock
Since there seems to be no special roof structure, I'll likely just get bigger screws to match the new lock and see how it works without the extra mounting holes. If you see anything I should be aware of, let me know. Thanks for your time.
I added the removable rear window to my '73 years ago. All of the factory mounting points were there and no modifications were required. I sourced the parts for a '72 and had no issues. I think bruiser may be onto something by saying those are from a '68. '68s had several one-off parts that were later redesigned. If someone could post the page from the assembly instruction manual for a '72, you'd be able to see how everything is supposed to be.
Thanks DC and bruiser. I got the new latch installed today with little problem at all. I used some upgraded hardware (1/4-20 stainless button head screws and stainless u-nuts) that required a little trimming of the surrounding structure, but the new latch installed beautifully. I've got a matching one on the way for the pass. side, so they will both be purty and match.
Removable Rear Window, 1973?
