Need Window Input...

[regulator522]

I have wanted to goto a single window conversion on my '82, but learned the kits kill a pretty good amount of budget. Now I may have a way to do it VERY in expensively... Talking with a friend this past weekend who happends to build hockey arena's gave me that ole "light Bulb" above the head...... He is getting me two sheets of 1/4" (or any thickness if I need) Protective "glass" they use for the hockey rinks, it is easily cut to size, flexible enough to make the curve of oem glass, is shatter proof, and is crystal clear, UV resistant as well as (generally) scratch resistant. He be leaves tint film will apply fine. It has me excited to get started on this, I know some mods will have to be made for the felt channel guide and possibly the regulator, My only concern is the old "if it sounds to good to be true......." I'm wondering if anybody else has attemted this (or similar) type of replacement for the door or rear glass? Here in MN I have found no laws saying it can't be used for door glass, it meets all required standards for non front window glass. I figure it will only cost me time/slight mod costs/and some thinking to install, so if it gets F'd up I head to the bone yard so no bigg-E
 Would love to get some input or thoughts on this before I start, just in case......LOL  Thanx in advance

[zieg85]

I think you would have binding issues without a perfect thickness and curvature.  I would hate to see you hack up a perfectly good door.

[regulator522]

I was thinking about that too, I was going to try and test with a mock guide, before fully installing, The new "board glass" is pretty flexible for as durable as it is, my thought was that the curving guide would let the glass pressure itself for a good seal, would just want to get a good "felt" (or what ever that material is they use lol) soft guide, I had a really nice window guide on a firebird once seemed softer than the trucks? hoping to find one like that?

[zieg85]

Maybe get a donor door and work out all the bugs.  You have to cut the structure that hold the inner and outer skins together at the wing window track and there is no going back easy after that.

[Captkaos]

The amount of effort you are going to put into this isn't going to be worth it.  In 2000 I started the process of trying to determine how to do this.  There is no good way to do this yourself.  For the price, the kit is worth it..  If you price new vent windows and weather stripping this is going to be within the same price range.

This is from February of 2000.  I had them sorta rolling up but not great and the marguard would bind.. A LOT.  If I could have done these cheaper, you would see them in my truck, but OPP's is much more cost effective.

[regulator522]

Thanks guys, I actually swung by the bone yard on the way home from work and grabbed a test door (great minds :-)
 I already stripped my doors down to shells for to do some metal repair and other modifications and with being able to get the hockey glass at no cost figured the $12 i paid for the junk door was within the budget for this week LOL. Capt was there a specific reason you cut open your door skin? I was able to remove my window, vent window, all mechanics, and guides with out cutting anything, my "plan" was to install new mod. the same way, If I have to end up cutting them open, I'll learn to love the vent windows LOL or what till another light bulb dimly lights over my head LOL

[Captkaos]

I cut them open to R&R the kit. That was 14 years ago.  WOW...

[regulator522]

Aaaahhh got ya,

I hear ya on the 14 years ago.......... was talkin with my oldest son and made a comment like oh I got that a few years ago, then seconds later relized, no bought that item, uh 24 years ago. .......where did the years go LOL