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Did you ever get anywhere on this mod Rad? I've been thinking about doing something similar, after I rewired my rear window and it worked for about a week, then my tracks rusted out, so back to non functioning window! ARGH!
I can get Plexiglass and Polycarbonate fairly cheap through my work, so am probably going one of those routes. Anymore thoughts on this project from anyone? Thanks!
I will be ordering a piece of plexiglass today, these dimensions should put me about 1/2" inside the factory bevel around the removable tops window frame.
I'm thinking about using bullet hinges oriented the same way, so I can open the window and slide it out of the hinges for full and easy removal. The latch I haven't decided on yet.
Cool, looking forward to your progress. Nice hinges by the way.
I have a softtopper, so I took the guts out of my tailgate, which makes it tough to ever put hardtop back on. This would be an interesting solution to that.
If you're use a slippable hinge, have you put any thought into keeping it from slipping when latched. I expect your latch mechanism will have to prevent this, probably with the help of the slant/conture of the too shell.
I have put a bit of thought to that, I haven't put anything to paper yet though, all in my head so far.
My plan is to fab a metal cap to go over the top of the tailgate, covering the gap the old window came out of. I will use two hook style latches that turn down into slots cut in the tailgate cap, locking it from sliding either direction.
That's my theory anyway, we'll see how install actually goes!
I will be ordering a piece of plexiglass today, these dimensions should put me about 1/2" inside the factory bevel around the removable tops window frame.
Curious if you thought about going with Lexan or Makrolan instead of plexiglass? I used plexiglass for the rear window on my old 81 Trekker. It did not have the UV resistance and did not hold up to opening and closing the rear hatch.
The Makrolan held up great for the rest of the time I had the truck. It is pricier but a much stronger material
Thanks Someday and Rad. Haven't had a chance to get to it yet this weekend, had to gut a bathroom and spent a bunch of time with the kids. Holiday tomorrow though, hopefully get my oil changed and make some progress on the window!
Dropzone: I have thought about polycarbonate and will most likely switch to that once the plexi wears out. Plexiglass was readily available through my work and very cheap, so figured why not use it to see if the project would work/work out some of the finer details.
Window out Rusted tracks I'll never have to deal with again Mounted Pretty happy with the gap I ended up with. I've got some 5/8" thick 'D' shape weather stripping that should work just fine. May need to beef up a couple areas to get proper compression of gasket for no leaks.
I'll throw some pics up later, had to leave two bolts out on the passenger side because I need to make a plate to cover the hole that the wiper motor came out of.
Gasket on, definitely need to compress it more with whatever latch I decide on. Also, gaps around my hinges for sure, will need to figure out a better water proofing for that area before the rainy season. Perhaps a metal rain shroud covering the whole top lip? Need to think on it more. I will need to make some slight alterations to the inside plates before painting, I'll just put a bend in the right spot so it sits in that angle.
07-14-2018, 10:51 AM
