Lift-up rear/side windows

[XJ Dreamin']

I'm not going to post in tech or mod yet 'cause I haven't done anything and I don't have any specs. I'm just thinking, so shoot me down here before I go any further.

I read that the windows are held in by the U-channel of the rubber seal - that the rear and side windows (behind the C-pillar) can even be popped out it handled roughly. If I could adapt pull-ur-part hinges, latch and struts, and if I could drill the glass to mount the hinges, latch and struts, could I cut off the inner section of the U-channel and be able to lift the window and yet retain enough of a seal when closed to keep out the rain? A wild-a$$ thought that came to me this afternoon (yesterday afternoon).

Of course, if you have a tire carrier out back you wouldn't be opening the rear window. Or, if you chop the rear there aren't any windows. But, even if you have a tire hanging out back, to be able to open a side window and grab what you need would be cool...





...or just lastara :dunno:

[RichP]

You'd be better off searching the motor home and custom van accys. I know for a fact that they make tilt out windows, with screens and the windows can be completely taken out. You could do the same thing with a sun roof mounted vertical instead of horizontal... The custom van stuff also has slider windows similar to the besttop half door uppers that have hard sliders in them... The major issue would probably be getting a size you want. They are mostly geared for large blank vans... some are pretty big...

http://www.sportsmobile.com/2_sr_windows.html

[XJ Dreamin']

Thanks for trying, Rich. One reply in 23hrs probably equates to a pretty dumb idea. I'll keep it on the back burner.

[Chero-King]

Good idea, but seems like a lot of work. Wouldnt it be easier to just make removable rear doors and have almost have the same effect?
EDIT: never mind, thought about it and opening rear windows would be cooler :)

[LBEXJ]

When I replaced my side glass with plexiglass, I entertained the idea of incorporating inside latches to pull the panels inward against the seal so they could be made removable. I did not look into it much as I had too many other repairs to make at the time. Still might try it sometime ... :dunno:

No such thing as a bad idea in my book ...

Les

[87manche]

look into the hinges/actuators from an early to mid chrysler minivan. They are hinged at the frot and have nifty electric motors to open and close the windows. Should be easy enough, but you might have to go plexiglass like Les said, I don't know if you could drill out the existing windows for the hinges without breakage.

[RichP]

Maybe it's the new water filter system in the house and the lack of stuff that was in the water but I seem to recollect a 2dr XJ that had different rear windows, weren't there factory rear window that were hinged in the front and opened about 3" in the back like the minivans ? I just have this pictuer in my mind....

[87manche]

Maybe it's the new water filter system in the house and the lack of stuff that was in the water but I seem to recollect a 2dr XJ that had different rear windows, weren't there factory rear window that were hinged in the front and opened about 3" in the back like the minivans ? I just have this pictuer in my mind....
there was. I've seen one around ashland. About the first 1/3 of the window is hinged or a slider.

[XJ Dreamin']

look into the hinges/actuators from an early to mid chrysler minivan. They are hinged at the frot and have nifty electric motors to open and close the windows. Should be easy enough, but you might have to go plexiglass like Les said, I don't know if you could drill out the existing windows for the hinges without breakage.

I hadn't looked at this thread since Rich's reply. Now it's starting to sound good again. Scary.

The way I know to drill glass is a bit ghetto, but it can be done on a drill press. Mount a piece of copper tube in the drill and apply grinding compound in a slurry. It takes time but it makes a very clean hole. Use the slowest speed and keep the slurry wet to avoid heat build-up. Attach an expanded table to the drill press to carry the full weight of the glass. It will take time and you can't hold the glass by hand without binding.

Anyway, like all of my projects it's still a dream. When I actually do something I'll have to change my user name.

[XJ Dreamin']

look into the hinges/actuators from an early to mid chrysler minivan. They are hinged at the frot and have nifty electric motors to open and close the windows. Should be easy enough, but you might have to go plexiglass like Les said, I don't know if you could drill out the existing windows for the hinges without breakage.

My '86 Ram Charger had a little hatch at the back of the roof. You had to open the rear hatch to get to it. I often dreamed of a motorized latch.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll put that on my list next time I go salvage shopping. I'm thinking of grabbing some ZJ wheels and I'd like to get a '93 compatable center console with rear air (even though the A/C is out - have to get that fixed).

[XJ Dreamin']

When I replaced my side glass with plexiglass, I entertained the idea of incorporating inside latches to pull the panels inward against the seal so they could be made removable. I did not look into it much as I had too many other repairs to make at the time. Still might try it sometime ... :dunno:

No such thing as a bad idea in my book ...

Les

The basic concept is something like the side windows on a camper shell, but without the piano hinges. Also, a big ol' handle sticking out the side would be a no-no. That might be the biggest obstacle. The latch actuator would have to be set into the skin of the quarter panel to avoid being rubbed off. The latch itself would be inside - or electric like the minivans.

[XJ Dreamin']

there was. I've seen one around ashland. About the first 1/3 of the window is hinged or a slider.

That would be cool. The wife's Grand Caravan has the rear glass on each side open at the back and I've seen sliding glass on custom vans, but I'm mainly thinking about access to the cargo area, not just ventilation, so I'd want the entire glass to lift up and be supported on struts.