robs_seven

iTrader: (1)

Well I have been driving my 7 more and more lately to work but the only thing is the heat sucks. My car has not never had AC and its never really bothered me until recently. Where I work it bakes in the sun all day and the rear glass is a huge magnifying glass. So I got an idea from my wifes Corvette. On the Vette with the top out you get really bad turbulence behind your head, so a company made a hatch spacer. It made a huge difference in her car so I figured it would not hurt to give it a try. So I took some scrap 1/4" solid bar and piece of 1/4" thick 1" wide flat bar, and made one for the 7. It holds the hatch open about 1-3/8". I have been using it for the past two weeks. When you first start you can feel the air pulling out of the hatch and once at highway speeds it feels just like a rear window in a pickup truck. I have enjoyed it. Then this past weekend I tinted the windows 20% on the hatch and 35% on the sides. Which helped even more. Here a few photos of the hatch spacer which bolts in place and it on the car. ITs not complete yet, I still have some grinding left to clean it up a bit and I plan to coat it in a rubber coating.

bad 83

iTrader: (3)

Damn fine mod Robby. Car is looking pretty sweet also. Any fumes getting into the car sitting still? I need to come by and check it out for myself

robs_seven

iTrader: (1)

I wish I could say no, but there were three times over the last 2 weeks that i started to notice it after a long red light. It disappears very quickly once in motion. So far the positives out weigh the negatives. And yeah Sam Im waiting for the next meet, miss getting up with everyone.

bad 83

iTrader: (3)

We missed you for the dyno day buddy!

84stock

iTrader: (5)

Very risky for breakage since the window is not completely supported.

robs_seven

iTrader: (1)

The window does not vibrate at all. I have the threaded piece coming down as the stop, with a rubber cap on the end to absorb major hits. The way I looked at it was our glass is lighter and smaller then a Corvette, so if they make it for those and they don't break then it should be fine on the 7. If it does break then i will come up with something new. I have a spare hatch glass. If someone was really worried about it you could always take a piece of foam from something and just make two little squares to sandwich under the glass at each corner.

NCross

iTrader: (18)

We should make a motorized version! What about water leakage? I've always wanted to remove the hatch on my FC or SA and ride around town, but it's too much work for one day.

DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

You're gonna suffocate on exhaust fumes if you ever have to drive that way with the windows closed. Seriously.

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

Thats pretty slick. I had to drive with some stuff hanging out the trunk and noticed that the wind noise was drastically reduced, but wasn't sure how to go about making something like that.

j_tso

iTrader: (2)

I remember an issue of Classic Motorsports had an Alfa Romeo that had that as a built in function, where pulling the hatch release once popped it a crack and then again would open it. That car had a metal frame around the glass.

I'd worry about the exhaust fumes as well.

Kentetsu

Very nice man. I may have to try something like this myself, as long as the fumes prove not to be a problem.

DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

As I recall, the owner's manual specifically warns against driving with the hatch ajar... will check the details after I get home.

robs_seven

iTrader: (1)

Well all I can say is it helps a ton, reduced wind noise with windows down, or top off, or both; also helps with heat evacuation, which was my main concern. Also i have not notice any exhaust fumes with the windows up unless at a stop light. I also tested it for the rain issue. I left the hatch spacer in and grab the water hose on the shower setting. I soaked it for a few minutes. With it only open a 1-3/8" the edge still over laps the hatch drain trough and there was no leakage. I figure with a heavy down pour it could be a problem but so far so good. As far as the glass breakage issue, yes every thing will probably say to not leave it ajar. But considering the hatch is supported by the latch it does not bounce, and is secure, im not fretting it. Also on my wife's Corvette the glass is much larger and heavier, and you can buy one for those and its supposed to be safe, so why not for the 7. Later down the road I may have a issue with it and if I do then lesson learned but for now I have a spare hatch and Im enjoying it so we will see.

jshiz

iTrader: (4)

I choke on fumes when i roll my windows up. Seriously, My eyes are still watering...