Anyone installed a rear window?

[HSchroen]

Has anyone installed a rear window in a 1st Gen? I'd like to replace my fixed glass for a slider, and have one available on my parts truck. I read somewhere else that it is very easy to do, but there were no details on how to go about it. For instance, do you work the glass out from the inside of the cab or the outside? I want to make sure I do not damage the window gasket as it is in excellent condition.



Thanks!

 

[DRettie]

the glass is set into a rubber gasket that is "roped " into place... . with the glass (slider or std) set into the rubber gasket, you will need a piece of rope, ie 1/4 '' looped into the rubber gasket starting / ending from the center bottom... from the outside of the cab set the glass assembly with rope onto the lower pinchweld. use liquid soap to lube the whole affair, and using a helper outside to hold the glass in place, work inside to pull on the rope to bring the inner gasket portion into place, using your fingers and a hard plastic putty knife if necessary to assist. the tough parts are the corners, but it is actually rather an easy process... just dont do it alone... good luck d

 

[Greenleaf]

That is the same method I use here @ the bus barn to reinstall window glass. I use spray silicone. Soap would be cool too.



-S

 

[Moab4x4]

Getting the old glass out should be as easy as gently pushing out on the glass from the inside with a helper on the outside. When I was a kid in our 73 club cab, I accidently knocked out the glass by leaning on it! If I recall correctly, I did it backwards by standing in the bed and bumping my rump against the glass. It just popped out and landed on the jumpseats.

Luckily it didn't break and we just did what DRettie outlined using baling twine and put it back in.

Yes, dad convinced me NEVER to do that again. :-laf

 

[Scot]

I like to remove the glass using a bunch (10+) of hacksaw blades. From the inside on top, pull the rubber back from the body and push the blade in past the body lip. Use one every 4-6". You can then push the glass out.



It is surprising how durable tempered glass really is. We used to just get inside and kick the glass out of VW beetles. I can't count how many I kicked out and never broke one. I haven't tried that on other glasses due to not wanting to find out it doesn't work...



To install, lube it up well with dish soap and water. You want it slick. My favorite install tool is 12 ga. automotive electrical wire. Start center bottom. Try not to finish the pull in a corner.

 

[HSchroen]

Well I got the slider out of the parts truck easy enough... just like you guys said. I'm going to attempt to install it in my Crew Cab sometime this week. Will update once its done.