Author Topic: Solstice Coupe Rear Window Mod (Read 13724 times)

DeepBlueGXP · « **on:** June 09, 2009, 07:41:55 AM »

As soon as I made the first trip with the Targa out, I knew I had to make something to keep the window up to releave the pressures of driving at 55+ which is noisy (radio volume doesn't fix it)

I made a twisted hook that I dipped in tool plastic (it looks funny because it fell off the hanger on the floor when drying) [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

One side is long because when you place it over the loop of the glass and close the window, it prevents it from falling off.
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For the sake of taking a photo I used one hand to hold the glass and guide the loop into the lock.
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The pressure of the two shocks keeps the glass from vibrating at speeds and works fantastic. 70+ mph

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sol_man · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:13:25 AM »

So with the hatch glass cracked it keeps the noise down? Cool!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:21:13 AM »

buffeting and noise is way down...

Devoking · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:34:08 AM »

Now might be the time to look for an old self closing trunk latch set up and try to fit into the coupe.
A little wiring change and you could have a switch that would let it raise back up to the catch position without letting go.

Yamatr3 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:45:57 AM »

Like on the old Cadillacs.

jonymac · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2009, 02:47:26 PM »

Yeah - my 1998 Ford Expedition has these rear quarter window openers that move the rear of the quarter windows out and inch or so for the same purpose - connected to an electric switch on the overhead panel. I don't know the architecture of the coupe lid, but you could probably rig something similar up. I take it you pop the lid with the remote like the convertible does?

If you want to be really sexy, you could install a speed monitor that relays an open command to the rear glass motor at a certain speed, and a close command when the car is locked. Or a smell sensor that cracks the lid if you fart... Nevermind...

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2009, 03:14:41 PM »

Quote from: jonymac on June 09, 2009, 02:47:26 PM

Yeah - my 1998 Ford Expedition has these rear quarter window openers that move the rear of the quarter windows out and inch or so for the same purpose - connected to an electric switch on the overhead panel. I don't know the architecture of the coupe lid, but you could probably rig something similar up. I take it you pop the lid with the remote like the convertible does?

If you want to be really sexy, you could install a speed monitor that relays an open command to the rear glass motor at a certain speed, and a close command when the car is locked. Or a smell sensor that cracks the lid if you fart... Nevermind...

That may work, but the window never opens fully on an expedition. The rear window does release the same way the convertible top does.

jonymac · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2009, 03:30:04 PM »

yeah - I though about that - on the side that touches the glass you could rig a small electromagnet that turns on and stays on when the window is vented and off when closed so it would be released when you press the remote to pop the lid.

just talking out my left butt cheek here - don't have it fully baked, but it's a start...

DickW · « **Reply #8 on:** June 09, 2009, 03:58:28 PM »

Put a string on it and let Dee hold it while you drive.

GXPsy Rose · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2009, 04:54:53 PM »

Quote from: DickW on June 09, 2009, 03:58:28 PM

Put a string on it and let Dee hold it while you drive.

Since it's Dee car, put a string on it and let Joe hold it while she drives

Uranium-238 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2009, 07:50:00 PM »

Wasn't there some other GM car that had something like this for the T-bar models? I'm thinking is was either the C4 'Vettes or a late model Trans am...

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2009, 07:59:51 PM »

Dunno, I've never owned one

1LILNDN · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2009, 12:30:08 AM »

What about thepower roof vents and just make an extended arm so you can open it at any position

Devoking · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2009, 11:52:24 AM »

I had another thought for you.

There are vents on the back side of my pickup. On the cab between the bed.
When you close the door with the windows shut they allow the pressure to release.
They are plastic and similar to an outside dryer vent.
Look around in the back and see if there would be an place to position a couple of these on either side and vent the air out near the rear wheel wells.
That would be a cheap permanent fix, if you don't mind cutting some holes in your car.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2009, 12:04:20 PM »

That particular dryer vent already exist in the Solstice/Sky all versions but it doesn't help. To see it, pull back the trunk liner on the drivers side. It's right behind the trunk release handle. I use it to route backup camera video/power lines to the inside of the car.

SolNut · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:30:00 PM »

I made one for my coupe, 2.5" long, then went out and ran it up >90.

Seems to help with the wind buffeting and noise. I tried it with the windows up and windows down and windows in between.

However When I got home, I had a headache!!

Could it be that some of the exhaust fumes are coming back into the hatch area when the speeds are low??

More testing for me!

Steve

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2009, 07:31:05 PM »

The wife and I didn't have or get any headaches. With the device installed, the opening is 1-7/8 inches.

SolNut · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2009, 10:45:26 PM »

I can only surmise that mine has a gap that is too large.

Could you measure the distance between the arcs of the 'S', the one I used is 2.47".

Thanks

Steve

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #18 on:** June 11, 2009, 05:37:38 AM »

1 7/8 between the two arcs

SolNut · « **Reply #19 on:** June 11, 2009, 07:39:29 AM »

Thanks

DJTelang · « **Reply #20 on:** October 05, 2009, 12:13:18 AM »

I too would worry about CO coming in the rear hatch if left open...

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #21 on:** October 05, 2009, 06:08:19 AM »

Never had a problem with CO2 coming in.

kennysabarese · « **Reply #22 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:26:21 AM »

Buffeting was a huge problem for me on the track with the top up. Maybe I can take the rear window out of the ragtop

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #23 on:** October 05, 2009, 04:13:18 PM »

S

Quote from: kennysabarese on October 05, 2009, 10:26:21 AM

Buffeting was a huge problem for me on the track with the top up. Maybe I can take the rear window out of the ragtop

Sure but you would never get it back in since it is glued in. Perhaps you can install a couple of small tubes or pvc pipes throught the buttress to the inside to vend the air to prevent buffeting.

kennysabarese · « **Reply #24 on:** October 05, 2009, 04:19:57 PM »

Quote from: DeepBlueGXP on October 05, 2009, 04:13:18 PM

S
Sure but you would never get it back in since it is glued in. Perhaps you can install a couple of small tubes or pvc pipes throught the buttress to the inside to vend the air to prevent buffeting.

That's a really good idea... i'll look into that.

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Author Topic: Solstice Coupe Rear Window Mod (Read 13724 times)