Sliding Side Windows For Whitby Soft Top

[Norm B]

I have been searching for some good pictures of the original soft top sliding side windows. The Whitby supplied ones have a very small window area and the sliding window option would greatly improve that. I am constructing a set and need more pictures to be as accurate as possible. The area I am interested in seeing better is the outside skirt that goes over the door and how it is attached to the frame. Here is a picture I found taken from the inside of the original window.
If anybody has a shot of the outside I would really like to see it.

Thanks

Norm

[Badfish]

Here’s mine, fitted for the APE hardtop. Everything lines up well, however while driving, the windows flex outward when driving, so some further tuning needs.

https://i.imgur.com/MZKTSkw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Qt3TZ2k.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fy7mHam.jpg

[Norm B]

Thanks. Those help a lot.

Norm

[JohnnyB]

I have been searching for some good pictures of the original soft top sliding side windows. The Whitby supplied ones have a very small window area and the sliding window option would greatly improve that. I am constructing a set and need more pictures to be as accurate as possible. The area I am interested in seeing better is the outside skirt that goes over the door and how it is attached to the frame. Here is a picture I found taken from the inside of the original window.
If anybody has a shot of the outside I would really like to see it.

Thanks

Norm
Please keep us updated on your progress with the sliding windows Norm. I love my Whitby top but better side visibility would be nice.

[Badfish]

Also, not sure if these would help your project, but I have the APE flip-up windows for sale. Possibly could be modded.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?37427-APE-Hardtop-Flip-up-Windows

[Norm B]

Badfish, I saw your side window ad earlier but couldn't think of a way to adapt them to the soft top.
JohnnyB, I will try to take pictures as I progress. It is kind of a design as you go building process with a few problems to solve. They may not end up looking exactly like the originals in order to get a better fit and seal with the Whitby top.

Norm

[Jeff's First FFR]

here’s mine, fitted for the ape hardtop. Everything lines up well, however while driving, the windows flex outward when driving, so some further tuning needs.

https://i.imgur.com/mzktskw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qt3tz2k.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fy7mham.jpg

hardtop looks great where can i get one?

[Jeff's First FFR]

here’s mine, fitted for the ape hardtop. Everything lines up well, however while driving, the windows flex outward when driving, so some further tuning needs.

https://i.imgur.com/mzktskw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qt3tz2k.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fy7mham.jpg

hardtop looks great where can i get one?

[Badfish]

Thanks! It’s an APE top, I picked up about 10 years ago. I think APE is under new ownership, not sure the latest on production. There was a used one for sale not too long ago, but looks to be sold. Good Luck!

[Norm B]

Progress is being made. The frames are built and the window shape pattern has been made out of cardboard. Made a pattern for the cloth edging that fits into the soft top. Found fabric that exactly matches the top at a nearby fabric store. Tomorrow I will cut the windows and mount the front ones and then figure out the sliders.

Norm

[CraigS]

I am not sure what the thickness of the bottom of your window frame is but this worked well on the 1/4" lexan of my APE windows. Style C.
https://www.mcmaster.com/edge-trim/water-and-weather-resistant-rubber-push-on-seals-with-foam-rubber-wiper/\
McMaster has a lot of other styles. I found this by searching in their search box for 'edge trim'.

[Norm B]

Thanks Craig. The frames are 5/8 inch outside and the clear polycarbonate sheet I have is 0.22 inch. Plan to bound the front panel with 4 hockey helmet studs (I am Canadian ��) and windshield adhesive in the final assembly. Will temporarily install them while I mull over ideas for the guides and sealing edges for the slider. McMaster doesn’t ship here and our version has limited stock on things thanks to supply chain and production problems due to COVID.
My airline has greatly reduced flying, but I am still employed, getting paid and have lots of time off. Projects like this keep me from losing it.

Norm

[CraigS]

My APE experience may help w/ the sliders. They didn't seal them at all. The aero of the car actually sucks the windows out, which means that it will also help fight water getting in. I actually got more rain coming in sitting still and even that was minimal. The U channel that the slider moved in was not sealed at the back end so some rain would get into that channel and work it's way back. But even that was minimal.

[Norm B]

That’s good to know Craig. Trying to make the sliders work with the various sealing strips I have bought has been a challenge. Might change my approach completely. Thanks a lot!

Norm

[Norm B]

More progress being made. All the parts have been fabricated and the drivers side is basically done. Need to clean and touch up some paint areas. Not exactly like the originals but should greatly improve visibility.

Norm

[Badfish]

Very impressive, nice job!

[CraigS]

Well done.

[JohnnyB]

More progress being made. All the parts have been fabricated and the drivers side is basically done. Need to clean and touch up some paint areas. Not exactly like the originals but should greatly improve visibility.
Norm
Looking good! Thanks for the update.

[GTBradley]

They certainly are increasing the view area and I think even better ventilation than the zip open windows. Will they mount to the door with the steel pegs?

[Norm B]

They certainly are increasing the view area and I think even better ventilation than the zip open windows. Will they mount to the door with the steel pegs?
Yes, I used steel pegs and the same mounting spots as the original Whitby side curtains.

Norm