GT top plexi rear window

[Lolat324]

So my 63 SR III GT is a very patina'd girl.. I've been pulled over a couple times due to the fact that the top's rear plexiglass window is so fogged, and checked, that you can't really see out of it in the rear view mirror, nor through it from the outside. At night the headlights of a following cars blind me. Okay, I like originality but the signs are accumulating. My question is-a few Sunbeam parts suppliers show a replacement piece..anyone with experience with the part? Install, etc. Also is the piece flat, or does it have any pre-curve in it, formed in someway. I have a great plexiglass/lexan guy next to my shop. Thank for any comments.

 

[DanR]

I believe I would go next door and become real friendly

 

[alpine_64]

The s3 onwards tops are a double convex profile, the seals are designed for that. I believe sumbeam specialties stocks all correct parts to do a full recondition.

 

[65beam]

The originals do have the double convex profile but there are many that have used 1/8" or slightly thicker Plexiglas or Lexan for the rear window using the seals sold . Most shops use a sealer when installing windows in seals of this type so there won't be leaks. If you don't have a need to be 100% correct there's a universal seal that uses the chrome style tube that presses in that can be used in place of the original seal. I've used the plexiglass in several hardtops that I've sold over the years and the profile is not something that would stand out and be unsightly.

 

[65beam]

This is a good example of what can be done using plexiglass. The LeMans used a glass window in the hatch. It weighs a lot and has a complex curvature and for reasons know to attendees of The United in 2015 I'm glad this window is plexiglass. It's very forgiving and takes the shape needed and puts a whole lot less stress on the hinge mounts of the fiberglass hatch. We used the universal seal on this window.

 

[65sunbeam]

Note to self-do not try to lower a Harrington rear hatch as if it were a modern car with hydraulic struts!

 

[65beam]

I wonder why! The best advice is to remind certain judges about that.

 

[Lolat324]

Thanks for the input guys. So if I get the plexi/lexan from my neighbor-get the univeral seal. If I get the Sunbeam Specialties stuff, use the seal that can handle the shape. This car is as close to original as they come-though with heavy patina-I'll likley call SS and do it right. I'll report back..

 

[Tim R]

In the U.K. there is a specialist glass company that is currently looking at the feasibility of making a heated glass rear window for the Series III-V hard top. This is the same company that supplies the heated front Alpine Windscreens. I took my own original rear perspex screen to them but to make the buck to form the glass version they need to destroy the perspex one and my perspex is quite good. When I last spoke to them they were talking with one of the main UK specialists and trying to get an old original rear hard top screen that can be destroyed to make a glass prototype. The only reservation I have about this (apart from an increase in weight) is that the original has fair amount of flex and I presume that the hard top itself is flexing quite a lot when it is fitted on and off of the car. A glass version won't flex at all and the only place that can 'give' will be the rubber seal. If they get to the point of making and trialling this I will put an update on the site.

Tim R

 

[Warren]

We had a former Tiger owner who had a glass shop and a kiln. He made special screens for movie cars that had a hole or other camera or lighting openings. He has a mold for the late Tiger Alpine top rear window. The new owner hasn't responded to the solicitations I have made about making additional glass rear windows. If the number was big enough it may sway him. there is a discussion thread on CAT with all the hand wringing that goes along with the added weight footprints, etc. of the project.