Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. I am buying a 2014 E250 that doesn't have rear door windows in. I would like to put some in. When you look at the stampings on the doors, It looks like they were made to cut out for windows. I also own a 1999 E250 with windows and the doors look totally different. I plan on taking it to a local auto glass shop near me to have them look and see if it can be done. I have found some windows online that say they will fit but looking at the doors, I'm not so sure. I was wondering if anyone has ever done this before. I'm sure some would say, why not just buy a truck with windows in but it is in good shape, good price and I like the fact it's metallic blue. If anyone has any advice or suggestions, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

Junkyard doors with windows?

 

Thanks JB I thought about that. I did look around a little but not much yet. If I could find some the same color, It sure would be the easiest way to go. A few years ago we had a real bad hail storm here and my car was hit hard, I managed to find the same color hood, trunk, and fender from a salvage yard. I changed them around and you could never tell the difference. I'm not sure if all E series rear doors would work or certain years only. I'm buying the truck tomorrow and plan on driving it a little before I figure out what I will do. See what else needs attention first. Thanks for the input.

 

True - if it's not white, matching the doors would be a challenge.
I'm not sure about MY interchange. I assume 93-forever are the same but I never verified.

 

There is a physical difference in the rear doors with and without factory glass installed----looking inside the non-glass doors there should be an inner shell of sorts that would for the most part prevent simply cutting holes in them and dropping factory glass in. OTOH doors with factory glass have a recess stamped into the outer surface allowing the glass and its spacer ring to sit flush with the door's outside

There are several aftermarket automotive & RV window manufacturers who make something you could cobble in but if appearance is an issue that's not the best way to go. Most often these types would sit proud of the outer surface and look like an added-on part CR Laurence would be a good source for the average consumer---I'm in the auto/truck glass biz FWIW.

Doors from 1992 to 2013 will fit so personally I'd seek a good set from the local scrap yard even if it means having the donor doors refinished to match your exterior color. Not the least expensive route but "better" in a lot of ways, IMHO of course.

Good luck on your project!:

 

Thank you JWA. That's just what I figured. I did notice the inner shell and figured it would be tough to cut a nice hole in the door. I don't want a "half ##### " look. I think for now I will drive it as it is and keep an eye out for a pair of doors and maybe I will even be lucky enough to find the same color, although I suspect it will be tough. I really like the color it is because it's something different from white but had it been white, I'm seeing there would be plenty of options. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your information, I'm so glad to have joined this forum. Also, I'm glad to know that all the differen't years will fit. Thanks again.

 

Drive it for a little while. You may be okay without the windows. I rarely look in my rear view mirror of my van.

 

JWA that explains why you can always tell when windows are added.

Mine has windows in the doors. I can't see out of them - they are tinted and I have a canvas divider behind the seats. Don't even have a rear view mirror since the last windshield change.

I did finally add a camera last year. Much better than windows.

Due to visibility, besides me, only my dad can stand to drive this thing - and that's because I adopted it from him after the first 200k miles

 

Yeah the added on windows are easy to spot and for the most part aren't too hideous---if its just a work van or someone doesn't care about appearance I guess they're an easy swap. As I say I'd just replace the doors and be done with it.

BTW that's a good idea about driving the van for a while before deciding if rear windows are a must have---could save a lot of work and money!


JBWheels I have much the same set up---my side door glass is pretty much useless for visibility due my own dividing curtain. I purposely install an "older" year windshield so I can remove the rear view mirror bracket---hate that distraction if the mirror isn't present or used.

My back up cam works great and I'm thinking of adding the side view cameras that greatly increase what you can side on either side of your van. I've added the stick-on spot mirrors but would like something that's not convex (fish eye) and could be seen on one monitor placed somewhere convenient. That's down the road if ever---a cool idea I'll have to ponder a while longer I think.

 

I picked up the van yesterday and made the hour long drive home. Sure is different than my 1999 that I've been driving for the past 13 years. The truck had work shelves in which I removed when I got home. I plan on using it like my other one and towing my boat, even load firewood and just a general use truck. This will be my third e series van and I really like them for what I use them for. If I go the window route, I will want it to look nice. I have found a problem though. When I was done working on it, I decided to wash it and when I got in to move it afterwards, I noticed water under the brake pedal. They had just put in a new windshield for me because I saw some star chips in it when I first looked at it. I've worked as a mechanic my whole life so I know how much fun water leaks can be to find. If it is the windshield, I hope they will fix it but it still ticks me off. I'm going to look at it more today and see what I can come up with. Once again, thanks for your input.

 

As I mentioned earlier I'm in the auto/truck glass biz so if I can help I'll do what I can from here!

 

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Thanks JWA for the help and offer. If I lived closer, I would let you look at it. I was assuming that the water leak was the windshield but after looking it over, I removed the wiper arms and the plastic cover below them and found a cable coming through the firewall with no grommet. I put some silicone around it thinking maybe it could be the problem. The next day I hosed down the truck pretty good from all angles and even drove in some fairly good rain a day later and it is bone dry. I'm hoping that was the problem. I still don't like the windshield installation job as a whole. There are a few spots where the rubber isn't sitting flush against the body and I saw what looked like a clear glue smeared on the hood. I was able to clean it off with some solvent. I also found two small dents on the hood that I don't think I missed when I first looked at it. If there ends up being a problem with the windshield, I already decided that I will take it to a local auto glass place near me that I have delt with in the past who have been in the business for many years and do good work. All in all ,I really like the truck. Tomorrow I am hauling my boat for a day of fishing and I can't wait to see how it compares to my 1999. The 99 has a 5.4L and this one has the 4.6L. As far as the doors, I may eventually look for some at some local salvage yards and I did stop at a local body shop to see what it would cost to paint them but for now, I will drive it as it is. That's all for now.