FGF Advertisement Sponsor

Forums

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#163991 04/27/09 05:25 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Member
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Has anyone used the convertible top with the folding glass rear window? Any advantages/disadvantages between the glass and the plastic? This is the first convertible I've had that used a plastic window, and from what I've seen on older tops is the window fogs with time. Any reccommendations?
Thanks.


-=>Lee<=-
Due to budget constraints the "light at the end of the tunnel" has been turned off!

http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=1000
Google AdSence Sponsor for FGF Forums
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 10
D
Senior Member
Senior Member
D Online: Content
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 10
When I looked into them, they were usually plexi and had a silicone hinge in the middle. I suppose a custom shop could make the window any width you wanted, thus eliminating the need for the hinge set-up. Let us know what you find.

Also, I've been using Meguiars Plast-X on my window, and it is a miracle worker.

Good luck!


-Jeff

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,323
Senior Member
*****
Senior Member
*****
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,323
I was going to go with the glass but opted out for the plastic.My 69' Olds had the real glass but it broke when the top folded down and was off kilt a tad and clipped a 6x9 speaker mounted in the trunk area behind the seat so there is one downfall.

David smile


http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=571
If i don't get this car back on the road soon i'm gonna go postal!
On a quest for FGF knowledge
1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "S" Convertible *Sold*
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,375
R
Member
Member
R Offline
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,375
When I had a 1969 Camaro Convertible, I used to put a cloth on the rear window before dropping the top to prevent the skuffs in the rear window. You're not going to keep it outside anyway. I think the glass would be more trouble.


John
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 20,054
Administrator
*****
Administrator
*****
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 20,054
I would not use glass, for two reasons...
1)the silicone joint breaks up eventually
2) glass will take lots more room when down...harder to get a boot to fit...

if you take care of the plastic it will last quite a bit ,and for the money ou saved ,you can buy a new one later toreplace with...


FireBjorn http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=221
69 convertible 400 (was 350) Natalie, SOLD
58 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce , Gina,(SOLD)
1974 Alfa Romeo Spider, Mrs Robinson
2011 Volvo C30 T5 , Victoria ,.....( or Vicky)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,363
Administrator
*****
Administrator
*****
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,363
If you take a clean plush towel and lay it in as the top folds (the window fold back on itself) you will prevent scratching. And to actually preserver the window and keep it clear as well as keep the top protected from the sun and the elements use 303 protecant products and cleaners: http://www.303products.com/ You can usually find them at marine supply stores etc. You will be amazed at what it will do for an older top and window too.

Yes, go with the plastic...

Brett!


http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=129
Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
[Linked Image]
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,027
Power Member
Power Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,027
A good tight plastic window looks great.....and hey, we always have our tops down anyhow! wink


David

68 Droptop 400 4 spd.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves68droptopbird/sets/72157602364392289/

"It's a sin to squish old tin!"



I can resist everything except temptation








Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,114
Senior Member
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,114
I agree with Dave. A new plastic window looks very good. The only drawback is if it is not folded properly from the factory, there will be very minor creases in the plastic that take quite a while to work there way out.

(boy, it's been busy around here while I've preoccupied by other things!)





68' Firebird 400 convertible, numbers matching, solar red w/ deluxe parchment interior.
66' Pontiac Ventura Hardtop
66' Pontiac Catalina Convertible
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,027
Power Member
Power Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,027
LOL, I agree with that, My creases are still evident, but I never have it up anyhow, so no big worries....


David

68 Droptop 400 4 spd.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves68droptopbird/sets/72157602364392289/

"It's a sin to squish old tin!"



I can resist everything except temptation








Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Member
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
OK, thanks everybody. I'm still looking for someone to install the top, but will probably go with the plastic window. Everything else I've owned had a one-piece glass window (they designed that way so there wasn't any issue with them folding easily.) I was wondering how well the hinge in the window held up. The ones they use on aquarium tops seem to hold up OK, but they aren't outside either.


-=>Lee<=-
Due to budget constraints the "light at the end of the tunnel" has been turned off!

http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=1000
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 20,054
Administrator
*****
Administrator
*****
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 20,054
Originally Posted By Mushroombert
OK, thanks everybody. I'm still looking for someone to install the top, but will probably go with the plastic window. Everything else I've owned had a one-piece glass window (they designed that way so there wasn't any issue with them folding easily.) I was wondering how well the hinge in the window held up. The ones they use on aquarium tops seem to hold up OK, but they aren't outside either.

and dont get folded either.... wink


FireBjorn http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=221
69 convertible 400 (was 350) Natalie, SOLD
58 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce , Gina,(SOLD)
1974 Alfa Romeo Spider, Mrs Robinson
2011 Volvo C30 T5 , Victoria ,.....( or Vicky)
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Member
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Originally Posted By Bjorn Sefeldt
and dont get folded either.... wink

Folded?? Are you refering to being folded in packaging? Because I though all the plastic windows fold when you put the top down.

So, what manufacturers would be a good source to buy a top from? Who makes the best quality?


-=>Lee<=-
Due to budget constraints the "light at the end of the tunnel" has been turned off!

http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=1000
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 20,054
Administrator
*****
Administrator
*****
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 20,054
Originally Posted By Mushroombert
Originally Posted By Bjorn Sefeldt
and dont get folded either.... wink

Folded?? Are you refering to being folded in packaging? Because I though all the plastic windows fold when you put the top down.

So, what manufacturers would be a good source to buy a top from? Who makes the best quality?

I was referring to the glass sealant in aquariums not being folded ,as a two piece glass that folds along the silicone "hinge"..

Quote:
I was wondering how well the hinge in the window held up.


and I let my upholstery shop tell me which they though was good...I went with "thin" material per their recommendation, also takes less roomas folded down... less bulky under the boot.


FireBjorn http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=221
69 convertible 400 (was 350) Natalie, SOLD
58 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce , Gina,(SOLD)
1974 Alfa Romeo Spider, Mrs Robinson
2011 Volvo C30 T5 , Victoria ,.....( or Vicky)
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Member
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,923
Ahhh, now I understand. cool


-=>Lee<=-
Due to budget constraints the "light at the end of the tunnel" has been turned off!

http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=1000
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 10
T
Member
Member
T Offline
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 10
I may be a little late on this but I had the glass installed with mine. It zippers in and out. I really like it and don't have to worry about it fogging over time. You can also leave the top up (!) and still leave the glass down for a windier ride.

Joined: May 2009
Posts: 39
Y
Member
Member
Y Offline
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 39
Terbob, i heard the glass window is typically a bit smaller. how does yours compare?

also, to remove wrinkles in the vinyl window you need to leave the top up under direct sunlight to heat up the window. if the top is fitted tightly (under tension) the wrinkles will work themselves out. the faster way is to use a steamgun. but again tension is the key.


Moderated by  Geoff 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics35,534
Posts298,850
Members8,862
Most Online19,810
Feb 1st, 2026
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 2,192 guests, and 74 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Fireball1955, zinger223, MB13, Drevard, LarryK
8,862 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Geoff 3
Gordy 1
LarryK 1
Top Posters
Bjorn Sefeldt 20,054
Fbody69 14,265
Yellowbird 11,905
68tpls400 10,337
salmon38 7,719
Firebob 7,495
Banshee 7,408
Gus68 6,758
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Photo Gallery
My latest 67 vert project rust bucket
My latest 67 vert project rust bucket
by Firebob, December 22
My weekend warrior
My weekend warrior
by Two67Firebirds, August 1
Cool dragster
Cool dragster
by Gus68, March 26
67 at Warbird show
67 at Warbird show
by Revvingup, December 31
With the old hood on.
With the old hood on.
by Firebob, July 29
Forum Search
NOTE: Search FGF Forums functions differently than the Search found at the top
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 8.0.0