14 replies to this topic

[RobbieP]

Looking to remove my fixed rear side windows and install a pair of pop open ones. I have the new seals and the windows already. 

 

My question is, how much clearance does the rear pillar have for the screws if the car didn't come with opening windows?? If so, how long of a screw should I use? Is there a template for the screw locations? I fear if the screws aren't in the right spots the windows won't shut tight enough. 

 

Rob

 

[stevearch0]

did the same conversion on my mk3 mini. its pretty easy, as i believe, all shells have the provision for opening type windows.i removed the old glass and rubber, fitted the new rubber and offered the new glass up in the aperture.make sure the gap around the whole window is even.i used some cardboard spacers.once even, get an assistant to hold the glass steady and get inside and mark where the front hinges go on the b post. remove glass and drill suitable sized holes to accomodate the screws.then fit the glass. now put the rear hinge in the closed position, and get your helper to press from the outside until the rubber is compressed and the glass is level with the quarter panel.mark where the holes go and drill through, nice and steady!!!! i used 1/2inch screws both front and rear. hope this helps , 

 

 

steve

[RobbieP]

did the same conversion on my mk3 mini. its pretty easy, as i believe, all shells have the provision for opening type windows.i removed the old glass and rubber, fitted the new rubber and offered the new glass up in the aperture.make sure the gap around the whole window is even.i used some cardboard spacers.once even, get an assistant to hold the glass steady and get inside and mark where the front hinges go on the b post. remove glass and drill suitable sized holes to accomodate the screws.then fit the glass. now put the rear hinge in the closed position, and get your helper to press from the outside until the rubber is compressed and the glass is level with the quarter panel.mark where the holes go and drill through, nice and steady!!!! i used 1/2inch screws both front and rear. hope this helps , 

 

 

steve

Awesome Thanks Steve! 

[phil hill]

Be careful when drilling/screwing that you miss the rear wiring loom which runs down the passenger side C-pillar !!

 

Phil.

[tiger99]

This has been discussed before, so maybe someone should write it up properly and have the mods pin it, for future reference. The one and only snag, when considering this (in my opinion, VERY WORTHWHILE) modification is that we have good reason to believe that not all shells have provision for the locking catches. Later shells with rear seat belt mounts are ok, because the seat belt mount (item 63 or 64 in the link below) provides the window catch bracket too.

 

http://www.somerford...&id=1&chapter=5

 

However, earlier cars have two small brackets, item 15 in the link below, which are no longer available.

 

http://www.somerford...id=12&chapter=2

 

Frankly, the best way forward is, if needed, to get a full seat belt mount kit, item 65 in the first link, weld it in properly, and fit rear seat belts. That way, you get fixings for the window catches, and a valuable safety feature. AND, you never, ever again have to face up to trying to fit fixed side windows, a task that ranks somewhere alongside the brake and clutch clevis pins in terms of difficulty and sheer unpleasantness.

 

But there is a reasonable chance that your car already has the seat belt mounts fitted, or if older, the window catch brackets. Only an inspection of what is actually there can prove it, one way or the other. If you have belts, you already know that the answer is favourable. If not, and you can see the central belt anchorages in the boot, it is very likely that the parcel shelf/C pillar mounts are also fitted.

[stevearch0]

because your removing the window seals, just carefully bend the inner c pillar trim and you should be able to see if the wiring loom is in the way and if there is the piece spot welded  to the shell whhich you want to drill into. the loom should be rearmost of where your drilling but take a look just to be safe!

[RobbieP]

This has been discussed before, so maybe someone should write it up properly and have the mods pin it, for future reference. The one and only snag, when considering this (in my opinion, VERY WORTHWHILE) modification is that we have good reason to believe that not all shells have provision for the locking catches. Later shells with rear seat belt mounts are ok, because the seat belt mount (item 63 or 64 in the link below) provides the window catch bracket too.

 

http://www.somerford...&id=1&chapter=5

 

However, earlier cars have two small brackets, item 15 in the link below, which are no longer available.

 

http://www.somerford...id=12&chapter=2

 

Frankly, the best way forward is, if needed, to get a full seat belt mount kit, item 65 in the first link, weld it in properly, and fit rear seat belts. That way, you get fixings for the window catches, and a valuable safety feature. AND, you never, ever again have to face up to trying to fit fixed side windows, a task that ranks somewhere alongside the brake and clutch clevis pins in terms of difficulty and sheer unpleasantness.

 

But there is a reasonable chance that your car already has the seat belt mounts fitted, or if older, the window catch brackets. Only an inspection of what is actually there can prove it, one way or the other. If you have belts, you already know that the answer is favourable. If not, and you can see the central belt anchorages in the boot, it is very likely that the parcel shelf/C pillar mounts are also fitted.

Thanks mate. So If I have rear seat belts I shouldn't have a problem mounting because that bracket is behind the trim piece? 

[tiger99]

Yes, the upper belt mount is on the extra stiffner which also provides a fixing place for the window catch, so you should not have a problem.

[RobbieP]

Yes, the upper belt mount is on the extra stiffner which also provides a fixing place for the window catch, so you should not have a problem.

Had a go at it this evening. Not to difficult at all! Just had to be very particular with the latch placement and test it over and over. Then my drill died, so I'll have to finish it in the morning. 

 

Also, a good rule of thumb would be to put some tape on the lip to protect the body as you put the window in place. Mine slipped the scratched the paint  

[JeremyG]

Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread a bit, but I have to ask. Will the mk2 quarter windows fit a later model mini, or do I have to get mk3 windows?

[stevearch0]

they are all the same as far as im aware. i fitted early ones on my mk3 shell no problems

[JeremyG]

they are all the same as far as im aware. i fitted early ones on my mk3 shell no problems

 

Alright, thanks. Bought a set of Mk2's, hopefully they will fit. :)

[kingo]

hi guys I am looking to go the other way and remove my opening windows and place static ones  

 

my question is can I use the opening glass minus the trim and can you get the static rubber seals and how easy is it to do ?

[Dan]

No, the glass is a different size. Easy to do but will obviously leave some holes.

[kingo]

bugger will have to look for replacement windows that open then  

 

thanks for your knowledge