15 replies to this topic

[ImagoX]

I personally like the look of the hinged rear windows in the older Minis. My '92 is fitted with sealed rear units, and I'd like to make them able to be opened. As the car is garaged and is not often driven in the rain or snow, I'm OK with the possibility of some additional leakage, although I'd prefer it to stay dry if possible.

Does someone make a hinged rear glass conversion kit? Will the rear glass need to be refitted with smaller/larger pieces, or can the OEM glass be modified to accept the hinge and lock mechanism? I assume the rear rubber window gasket will need to be replaced with a different type,. yes?

Thanks a million in advance!

Edited by ImagoX, 24 July 2007 - 02:39 PM.

[Ethel]

Doubt if there's a kit. the glass will be bigger on openers.

you'd just need the windows (latches, hinges are part of them) and the rubber seals.

[Bungle]

do you mean the back window or the side back windows

the side back windows you can get opening ones

there is this kit for VW's that you might be able to change clicky

[ImagoX]

do you mean the back window or the side back windows

the side back windows you can get opening ones

there is this kit for VW's that you might be able to change clicky

That's pretty fun, but I'm just looking for the tilt-out rear side windows.

So the hinges and latches come pre-fitted? I found these at Minispares...

http://minispares.co....aspx?pid=38439

Says it fits cars from 1970 on - does this include the later Marks (like my '92). I know at some point they changed the size of the back window (later ones are slightly larger) but I don't know if that change affected the size of the rear side windows or not.

Thanks!

[Bungle]

yes that will fit

[ImagoX]

yes that will fit

Super... the price is a bit much for me, but at least now I know they'll work. I'll keep an eye out at shows and swap meets and maybe I'll find a pair that I can afford.

[Bungle]

second hand ones do come up

[Ethel]

second hand ones do come up

Yep must be the only bit of a mini that doesn't rot easily, find yourself a dead mini 'n you'll probably find usable windows.

[ImagoX]

second hand ones do come up

Yep must be the only bit of a mini that doesn't rot easily, find yourself a dead mini 'n you'll probably find usable windows.

Excellent!

Unfortunately, here in the US you can't just find them in a scrapyard... Maybe I can ask one of my contacts to keep an eye out for a second hand set... I know some guys here that work with garages in the UK to find, restore and ship Minis for the US enthusiasts...

[Ethel]

If you wanted something different you could even look at getting some frameless ones made. It'd only be flat glass or Perspex so not that difficult and there are other cars with similar windows to pinch the catches off.

[ImagoX]

If you wanted something different you could even look at getting some frameless ones made. It'd only be flat glass or Perspex so not that difficult and there are other cars with similar windows to pinch the catches off.

I'm not sure I understand you, Ethel... I've seen Minis with Perspex windows (usually racing cars) so I know that material can be used, but where would I get the mounting hardware, seeing as how it comes with the glass all in one piece? Do you mean use the window lock and pivot mechanism form some other vehicle with tilt-out windows (such as a late model minivan perhaps)? That's an interesting DIY idea...

[bert998]

Got a set you can have for a tenner i think, be a bit risky to post though

[ImagoX]

Got a set you can have for a tenner i think, be a bit risky to post though

For that price if they get destroyed I wouldn't be too upset. What would the shipping be to the USA though, and could I pay you via a service like Paypal? PM me or drop me an email to [email protected] to discuss it more. Thanks!

[Levi]

be a bit risky to post though

And would cost a fair few quid I imagine, glass ain't light!

Edited by Levi, 24 July 2007 - 08:42 PM.

[ImagoX]

be a bit risky to post though

And would cost a fair few quid I imagine, glass ain't light!

Well they're almost 170 GBP per window on MinSpares, so even if that costs a bit it will still likely work out better than buying new (which I can't afford).