Tilt-out rear side windows on a GT?

[Bassman4940]

Having just bought my first GT project car, I also have a parts car that came with the deal. The body on the parts car is rotted, but I'm going to strip all the useable parts I can before it goes to the crusher.
The parts car has tilt-out rear windows, and the car I'm restoring has fixed windows.
Is it worth the effort to pull the tilt-outs and change them out?
Thanks

[Polker]

It all depends on what you want. The later models 72-73 (?) had the pop outs. The earlier did not. If you take them off and save them you never know who might want them if they are in good shape. You might wait a while to send it to the crusher, because you never know what you might need to salvage during your work on the other car. It's getting harder to find those little parts. Unless your wife is wanting her driveway or yard back...

[Bassman4940]

The parts car is at a salvage yard, has NO running gear (sitting on the rusted out body), and hardly anything under the hood. Interior panels and seats are a different color, but trashed also.
I'll strip everything I can unbolt, and most of the light lenses are laying on the floor. Gauges and all that will come out, maybe even wiring harnesses if they aren't too much to pull out.
My wife would definately freak if she came home and saw that rusted carcuss sitting in the yard! The glass is all in good shape on my project car, so I wasn't going to bother with the windshield or any of the other glass.

[sawdust]

If you got ANY space save the good glass.

[newman27]

I would install the pop-out windows for increased air flow through the cabin. Mine are "popped out" all the time for this reason as it gets hot in the car with no air conditioning and every little bit helps.

[grslightng02]

I would pick and pull every single part that isn't rusted out and use it for your restoration and then sell whatever you don't need on EBAY.

Myself, I'm in need of a rear deck and upper rear quarter panels , and the rear half circle trim piece. Mine were damaged by the previous owner. I also need the original tire iron, and the center rim piece and beauty ring for a '72 rim.

You never know what oddball parts and pieces some of us out there need and would be willing to buy. You may not think they're worth it, but once they're crushed, they're gone for good.

[ungermm]

Originally Posted by Bassman4940 Is it worth the effort to pull the tilt-outs and change them out? Thanks

Yes, I've done it. I like the pop-out windows. However, it isn't a matter of taking them off and putting them on the openings of the fixed variety. I think that all the fixed windows lack the angled mount for the pop-out hinge. Although, you can fabricate you own adapter mounts. Check at the inside rear of the window to see if there is a difference between your two cars. I cut a heavy gauge L bracket to install mine.

There is a discussion on this site which covers this topic.

http://www.opelgt.com/forums/2b-seat...-question.html

Jerry

[StephenM]

I think the windows are definitely worth *saving*, but IMHO they're not worth installing. My experience with the pop-outs on my '72 is:

1) It's extremely awkward to try and open and close them while driving. I found it nearly impossible.

2) Since they lean in at the top, rain flows right in if they're left open.

3) They didn't seem to provide much additional air flow, compared to just rolling down the window.

Then again, there isn't much airflow to begin with, and every little bit helps...there was a thread on here years ago where someone suggested using the motorized quarter window latches from an older BMW 3-series coupe. Not sure if anything ever came of that, but if installing them is going to require modifications anyway, that's the route I'd go.

-StephenM

[BDD]

Here's what I think:

When I had my '72 I always envied the pop-out windows on my brothers later car. It was a neat added feature and I always thought that they did improve air flow and cooling. Besides any little bit is a good thing. They work WITH the windows and vents and allow more air to flow through them and out the car. They don't work without the windows and vents unless you're just parked and it lets the hot air out of that little cabin with the black interior while keeping people out of the car.

You don't open or close them them when driving on this car, on the Manta, somebody in the rear seat had to do it. You just open them before you drive and close them just like you'd roll up the windows before a rain so this isn't a real issue to me.

Just put the gaskets and grommets in right so they keep the rain out when closed.

Ditto with Sawdust on any glass. It will never be made again. Someone will need it.