ok, i dont think there is any "one" word to desrcibe what i am wanting to do but here i go...

well, you guys know how when you open the fb's door and the window would have metal+rubber protecting the window, and on alot of other cars like solaras and Supras, the window is bare without anything protecting it. well i was just wondering if this could be done and how much it would cost. also how much would it be to get automatic windows installed on the fb? i know you can get automatic windows done to any car, but would it be any different since it it so old?

 

Automatic windows? Whats that?

 

I assume that you mean power windows. If so, do what I'm doing- go to the junk yard, remove the proper components (motor, mounts, switches, etc...) and swap them in yourself. By seeing how they are installed at factory and then removing them, you'll learn how to put them in.

 

To have your windows frameless so to speak from the door would be a major undertaking. You'd have to cut off the door frame and finish in the scars. That's the easy part. Everything gets much harder from there. You'll have to fabricate your body to make up for the missing 1" or so of material, form it to accept the window seals and close tightly. You'll be left with a funny shaped door opening that shrinks 1" at the top half when done which I think would look odd and be even more in the way than it currently is. I can't count how many times I've nailed my head on the A pillar or top getting in and out. Guess I'm just used to bigger rigs. Anywho. Seems like a lot of trouble and custom fab work that may or may not ever work right and may or may not even look good for very little benefit. But then again, your car and your dream. Who am I to judge?

 

What he said. The motors bolt in the doors the same as your manual windows, and all the wiring is already there (so Ive been told). Its pretty easy to do.

~T.J.

 

Removing the metal framing from around the window would be nearly impossible, it's a fairly important structural compunent to the doos assembly.

Power windows were standard on GSL and GSL-SE's in 84 and 85 (not sure about other years) if you have an 84 or 85 find the parts from a forum member, or in a junkyard. Since all the 84/85's have the same wiring harness it's a siple plug-n-play upgrade

If it's an earlier year, you'll have to check with someone a bit more familliar with them

 

I wouldn't try it. Unless you have a spare door laying around.... But chances are you would have to build a rail system for the window glass.... right now they mainly use the parts you want to cut off..... *shrug* If you are determined, give it a shot, but i wouldn't advise it....

 

I've worked on the windows a lot lately on my '85 GSL. For starters framless windows suck. They don't seal properly and usually will pull off the door at speeds over 80mph. My friends Neon sounds like a damn huricain over 100mph. That's been my experience in all frameless windowed cars. As for cutting, that's not so hard, nor is welding. You'd end up with a car that's very hard to get in and out of, and there would be little benifit. The real problem is getting the window to track up to the door. It's designed to follow the grooves in the frame you want to cut out. The tracks in the door aren't designed to guide the window up, and it won't roll up properly. It's basically a lost cause, and you'd probably end up doing the same amount of work for Gullwing or Lambo doors, and it would look cooler.

As for power windows, I have them installed in my car. Go to a yard and pull out the stuff from an 84-85 GSL or SE and you'll be set. Personally I think it's a waste because you're just adding weight.

 

nah, im not serious about it and i most defitnately dont have the money to back it up. it was just an idea brewing in the back of my head. but who knows...one day....

 

The only car I've ever seen with framless windows that work well is the new Mini...
But they actually go down a bit when you open the doow, and up a bit when you close the door, to make sure you get a good seal...