Back window exploded...why?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Canyon Lake California
Re: Back window exploded...why? (redwing76)
The more I think about it, that latch extender is a bad idea. Without the extender, the glass is normally supported around the full perimeter by the rubber seal. With the extender installed, the glass is only supported on three points (2 hinges and the latch). When driving over a good sized bump with the extender installed, at moderate to high speeds, the glass would make a loud banging noise. This jolt to the glass is coming through the latch mechanism.
We will NOT be using that extender again. I can't say for sure that it contributed to the exploding glass event, but just to be safe, I'm not going to use it anymore. If you have one of these extenders, you may want to think twice before using it.
We will NOT be using that extender again. I can't say for sure that it contributed to the exploding glass event, but just to be safe, I'm not going to use it anymore. If you have one of these extenders, you may want to think twice before using it.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Back window exploded...why? (Greg's '88)
I am not convinced the hatch vent caused your hatch to bust... I see your reasoning, but don't agree.
the rubber seals really don't "support" the glass... what does support the glass is the latch and the hinge. So raising the glass should not effect that.
I remember years ago, I was at a salvage yard, I was trying to turn the front wheel (steering) on a car that was on top of another car.
The steering linkage, unknown to me, was resting on the glass of the car below! the rear hatch, that is.
As I tugged on it ( I did look, but didn't see the contact) I heard this "swift" sound and that was that. The glass had spiderwebbed! WOW!
I left the area... as I look back, the car below was hit hard... I guess the glass was stressed already.
the rubber seals really don't "support" the glass... what does support the glass is the latch and the hinge. So raising the glass should not effect that.
I remember years ago, I was at a salvage yard, I was trying to turn the front wheel (steering) on a car that was on top of another car.
The steering linkage, unknown to me, was resting on the glass of the car below! the rear hatch, that is.
As I tugged on it ( I did look, but didn't see the contact) I heard this "swift" sound and that was that. The glass had spiderwebbed! WOW!
I left the area... as I look back, the car below was hit hard... I guess the glass was stressed already.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Re: Back window exploded...why? (bogus)
Scorp, I'd say screw the third brake light.
I use the extender, the only thing it really does is put the edge of the glass at more risk from hit which will bust it right away.
If the buttons that attatch the glass were loose, that could dammage that edge and take it out.
Keep in mind when the hatch is closed the rubber actually stresses the glass outward, and the latch stresses it inward or it would not seal.
I use the extender, the only thing it really does is put the edge of the glass at more risk from hit which will bust it right away.
If the buttons that attatch the glass were loose, that could dammage that edge and take it out.
Keep in mind when the hatch is closed the rubber actually stresses the glass outward, and the latch stresses it inward or it would not seal.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: Back window exploded...why? (CanadaVette)
I don't agree that the extender broke your window. I've bee driving around on horrible snow heave filled new england roads for 3 years now putting 84k miles on my car with one and haven't had a single issue.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: Back window exploded...why? (Glasman66)
Scorp, I'd say screw the third brake light.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,889
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From: Castro Valley Calif.
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: Back window exploded...why? (Greg's '88)
Greg, I remembered this post and saw this on E-Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33684
I'll IM and E-mail you too, since the auction is up in 4 hours. Hope I get you!
I'll IM and E-mail you too, since the auction is up in 4 hours. Hope I get you!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: Hopkinsville KY
Re: Back window exploded...why? (Caboboy)
Greg, I remembered this post and saw this on E-Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33684
I'll IM and E-mail you too, since the auction is up in 4 hours. Hope I get you!
I'll IM and E-mail you too, since the auction is up in 4 hours. Hope I get you!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Canyon Lake California
Re: Back window exploded...why? (Caboboy)
I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know about the Ebay offer. Few people will take the time.
We already decided to go the insurance route. For $500 we will get a new window, new weather seal, new cargo pull out shade and two new gas struts. It will all come with a lifetime warranty from the AAA approved repair center.
Also, I noticed in the picture there is NO provision for the high mount brake light. That window on Ebay is for a 95 Vette which does not have the center brake light in the same location.
Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to let me know. This Corvette Forum is great for getting help with our Vettes.
We already decided to go the insurance route. For $500 we will get a new window, new weather seal, new cargo pull out shade and two new gas struts. It will all come with a lifetime warranty from the AAA approved repair center.
Also, I noticed in the picture there is NO provision for the high mount brake light. That window on Ebay is for a 95 Vette which does not have the center brake light in the same location.
Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to let me know. This Corvette Forum is great for getting help with our Vettes.
