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View Full Version : Hatch struts on a coupe and power window thoughts.



Clyde's Keeper
03-29-2020, 09:10 PM
Moving on the hatch install. I have a pair of support struts and mounting tabs. Oddly enough, there is no mentions of these in the build manual.(I use that term loosely) I have an idea but a picture would be great, anyone?
On the subject of the hatch, manual (once again, referred to loosely) says attach brackets to the hatch with 1/4 20 bolts. What it fails to mention is that there are no threaded holes in the hatch. Along with the many ideas I have had to conjure up, I am guessing I need to install some threadserts in the hatch?

I am thinking of not installing the power windows at this time and making it a running and licensed vehicle. I am running out of patience with the poor fit of things and from what I have read, the windows will try may patience severely. Is there any reason I can't finish all of the aluminum install and get it running and come back to the windows later?

Thanks as always,

Robert.

aquillen
03-30-2020, 10:01 PM
I just did my World War 3 session with the windows, lost track of the hours but it was a bunch. It will try your patience indeed. I see no reason why they can't wait till you are "in the mood", should that come along after you are on the road.

lance corsi
03-31-2020, 11:42 AM
I’m going to the scrap yard today to find better fitting parts for my windows. I’ll let you know what I find and what model & year of the donor vehicle. Stay tuned.

aquillen
03-31-2020, 12:09 PM
Read (past tense) my mind - looking forward to your report !

lance corsi
05-08-2020, 05:58 AM
Use the window guides from a 2003 Chevy S-10. Both front and rear guides. There may be other window guides with the proper curvature but these are what I used on my last iteration. My big mistake before this was that I had extracted the window curvature at the center. This curve varies throughout the window’s length, so I finally made a template of the edge that engages the window guide, thus ensuring that the guide would be compatible with our windows. Leg work. Hope this helps somebody.
Btw, the only real fix would be to construct a full perimeter channel to contain the window through its travel. I’m sure that the windows as designed will open significantly at the top during high speed runs. Just no way around it without a full surround.