just remember that panel has to be removed if you ever need to remove and install the back window
Cutlass Owners! Need you to check into this for me!
- Thread starter Rktpwrd
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just remember that panel has to be removed if you ever need to remove and install the back window
That's why I'm contemplating shortening the back window a bit and raising the glass support ledges. Then once the chrome trim is removed, there would be enough access to R&R the glass without removing the panel.
I would still like to have everyone check their cars with a magnet for me. I've only heard from 2 members so far. I'd like to know if there's any out there in steel or if they're all aluminum.
Thanks
Donovan
Seriously guys, only 2 responses to the OP? Help a brother out!
I'm wanting to hear back from more 78-80 Cutlass owners. I'm trying to determine if the filler panel between the back window and trunk ever came in anything but aluminum. Just take a magnet out to your car and let me know what you've got. I need more than 2 responses to know for sure!
Thanks in advance
Donovan
My 78 does not have a panel like that (see avatar) LOL I think I would check out 81-88 cause I think they are steel. I know the body style changed drastically but it still might work. The mounting pads may differ but they do look similar. If your cutting it up to change it anyway. Just a thought. What about using another trunk lid and extending your existing one? As a fab guy, there are some crazy ideas to look into
Jeez, great minds think alike!
Lol
I was already contemplating looking at the 81-88 cars next to see if any of them were steel. I'm with you, they don't have to be exact, as long as they're steel I can cut and tweak on it to get something that would work for me. Perhaps some of our 81-88 owners reading this could confirm or deny that their fillers are steel?
(Wink)
As far as sectioning on the front of another trunk lid, I hadn't considered that. It's bordering on the edge of practicality, but that's not to say it can't be done. The only trick would be to come up with a way to attach the lower chrome window trim, as that attaches to the filler panel in factory form. I do happen to have a spare trunk lid in storage tho...
Food for thought I guess, thanks. If any of you 81-88 Cutlass owners that are reading this would be kind enough to check your cars with a magnet and let me know what you find, that would be greatly appreciated!
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How about doing it trimless like the street machine guys are doing. Basically build out the existing front and rear window channels closer to the glass. Use the 3rd gen F-body windshield rubber perimeter seal to make it look finished. this would make the roof rail trim look out of place so it would need shaved. heck of a lot of welding/grinding but would fit your build very well.
Well as you can probably tell, I'm not scared of doing some pretty serious mods, so the cutting and grinding doesn't scare me.
I had/have considered flush mounting the glass, but to be honest, I just haven't done my research on how it is done, and what trim is used to finish it off. It sounds like you know more about it at this point than me, so I'm def interested and will take any additional pointers you have to share. It would certainly help modernize the look of the car, hopefully without going too far.
If the drip rail trim gets shaved tho, the next pieces that will be out of place is the nice chrome 1/4 glass trim and wide door mouldings. I'm afraid if I eliminate those pieces it'll make the car look dull; like its missing something?
My 81 Cutlass has a steel window filler. The one before I changed it to a non vinyl top was steel also. John
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