1976 Rear window removal?
#1
Safety Car
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1976 Rear window removal?
Just curious what you all have used t remove the rear window, I bought everything to convert mine over to a removable rear window. I removed the interior trim but can't see how to cut the seal. I don't see how a utility knife can access the seal from the inside. It looks like it would take a angled cutter? It's low mileage and I'm sure it's the original and it's pretty well sealed. I really don't want to try a knife from the outside cause one (inevitable) slip and there goes the paint. Having second thoughts about taking the knife to it....Yikes!
#3
Safety Car
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I have the whole works including the storage tray. It is the later style tray with the pushbutton and I even have the hard to find latch for it. I may just use the window and skip the tray. If I was 25, I might put it all in but we will have to see. I'm a big guy and all this stuff feels like doing plumbing under a sink!! LOL! Debating on whether all this is that important to Grandpa at this stage in life. May just put it all up for sale as a complete kit.
#4
Melting Slicks
I find my '70 more comfortable to cruise in when the roof is off when the rear window is removed as well. This seems to cut down some of the air swirling in the cabin you get with just the tops off. I would consider the change to a removable window a worthwhile modification. On occasion I've even driven with the tops on but the window out (no a/c) so this kept the car well ventilated as well making it easy to hear the exhaust music lol. Had to wonder why GM dropped the removable window idea when they were still running the sugar scoop style roof.
On a side note, the PO who had the car for 14 years never took the window out because he was worried that the seal would leak afterwards, I've had no problems with that seal though.
On a side note, the PO who had the car for 14 years never took the window out because he was worried that the seal would leak afterwards, I've had no problems with that seal though.
#5
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '20- '21
Yep A great and unique feature!! I love it. The best is when people think that the glass is simply really clean and then I pass my hand through and they are amazed!!!! Mine is a non A/C car so the added air circulation is great and you get a better sense of your surroundings much like when you are riding a motorcycle!!!
Ike
Ike
Last edited by general ike; 02-16-2019 at 08:19 PM.
#6
Racer
I did this conversion on my '75 and Love It.
I just used a thin putty knife to remove the original seal, after masking tape to protect the paint.
It was a great project, other than the mess of installing the new seal.
Have a Great Day,
Bill
I just used a thin putty knife to remove the original seal, after masking tape to protect the paint.
It was a great project, other than the mess of installing the new seal.
Have a Great Day,
Bill
#7
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Just curious Barrist, did you just ad the window only or also the storage tray?
Last edited by OLE442; 02-18-2019 at 06:37 AM.
#8
Burning Brakes
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I did the rear window on mine as well. Taking the window out was pretty easy as others have stated take your time. I started n a lower corner and went across the bottom then started working the sides. My window was leaking s it came out pretty easy but a thin putty knife works or you can use thin wire (Safety wire works too). I have a 72 rear shelf but not installed
#9
Racer
Used "well nuts" on the rear for the hinges, and installed a block of wood to attach the striker........
I also found that sewing a towel into a sock for the window, will eliminate those pesky rattles.........
Have a Great Day,
Bill
#10
Team Owner
IMO, you NEED the tray in there, too. If you leave the window at home...and you get a surprise shower....BAD deal! But, if your plan is to leave the window AND the T-tops at home, you won't be any worse off from leaving the window.
If you add the removable window, the tray would be an asset when you try to sell it. If you don't have the pertinent pages to a .68-71 AIM to see exactly what is involved with installing that tray, considering it might seem a little daunting. The biggest issue becomes "access" for working back there. That is easily solved by removing one of [or both] the seats.
If you add the removable window, the tray would be an asset when you try to sell it. If you don't have the pertinent pages to a .68-71 AIM to see exactly what is involved with installing that tray, considering it might seem a little daunting. The biggest issue becomes "access" for working back there. That is easily solved by removing one of [or both] the seats.
#11
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Both seats are and have been out for a couple weeks. This would have been tight when I was 25 but now in my older golden years and carrying around an extra eighth grader (140 lbs.), I need all the room I can get in this car. Not quite as tight as when I was re-doing my 1969 MGB-GT but close.
I think the real problem mounting the tray on a 1976 and later is that there is no cavity in the back for the Astro Ventilation channel under the air grills like on the earlier cars so mounting points could be an issue. I will not leave my T-Tops or the rear window at home. Thinking about making a padded sleeve to slide it into and putting it next to the T-Tops in the back under the strap.
I have the push button window tray and would like to find copies of the AIM pages for it's installation!
My cousin had a black on black 1969 427/400 4 speed Corvette Coupe with an L-88 hood and Hooker chrome header/sidepipes back in 1972. It also had the removable rear window and I always liked everything about that car.I think I was the first to wash it after he bought it.....and maybe the last LOL!!
I think the real problem mounting the tray on a 1976 and later is that there is no cavity in the back for the Astro Ventilation channel under the air grills like on the earlier cars so mounting points could be an issue. I will not leave my T-Tops or the rear window at home. Thinking about making a padded sleeve to slide it into and putting it next to the T-Tops in the back under the strap.
I have the push button window tray and would like to find copies of the AIM pages for it's installation!
My cousin had a black on black 1969 427/400 4 speed Corvette Coupe with an L-88 hood and Hooker chrome header/sidepipes back in 1972. It also had the removable rear window and I always liked everything about that car.I think I was the first to wash it after he bought it.....and maybe the last LOL!!
Last edited by OLE442; 02-22-2019 at 10:23 AM.