Retro fitting back windows on '81
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 996
Likes: 5
From: Albany, Good Ol' USA
Retro fitting back windows on '81
It's been quite a spell since I did any upgrades on 'Easy Bake' and I'm seeing pairs of tilt open back windows (tinted) going for $50 clams at the wrecking yard. Has anyone else converted theirs from flush mount to tilt opens' before. What kind of nightmare would this conversion be?
Thanks and a lift of the lyhch lid
Thanks and a lift of the lyhch lid
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Even though I'm in the auto/truck glass biz its been so long since I've messed with that year. 
I believe the door shells will accommodate the movable glass units but the existing glass and rubber gaskets would have to be removed first. Two factory holes through the glass pinch weld should be present---the movable glass needing them to mount the top hinge to the door shell.
The lower latch should have a nut plate or similar that clamps it to the door shell from the inside. If that's not included carefully drilling holes for bolts and nuts will hold the latch in place just as well.
The original fasteners, gaskets and latches need to be included in any purchase as I'm sure most of those parts can't be found new any longer.
First step would be visiting the yard and looking at the donor van then comparing it to your existing doors. It's possible but not too likely Ford had two versions of door shells with glass, with and without movable panes.
Hope this helps?
I believe the door shells will accommodate the movable glass units but the existing glass and rubber gaskets would have to be removed first. Two factory holes through the glass pinch weld should be present---the movable glass needing them to mount the top hinge to the door shell.
The lower latch should have a nut plate or similar that clamps it to the door shell from the inside. If that's not included carefully drilling holes for bolts and nuts will hold the latch in place just as well.
The original fasteners, gaskets and latches need to be included in any purchase as I'm sure most of those parts can't be found new any longer.
First step would be visiting the yard and looking at the donor van then comparing it to your existing doors. It's possible but not too likely Ford had two versions of door shells with glass, with and without movable panes.
Hope this helps?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 996
Likes: 5
From: Albany, Good Ol' USA
Thanks for giving me ideas on what to look for. Incidentally I recently found on Craigslist a throwback van with visor, wing, air dam and tilt windows even with the same color as 'Easy Bake'. $600 clams would take this away and despite it's fair shape if I had the funds I'd use it as a doner.
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