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do you ever unzip the back window?

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TomFromStLouis

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The BJ8's hood has a zipper attaching the back window. Do you ever drive with it unzipped?
Under what circumstances?
Any ideas why the window is this way?
Is it just to facilitate replacement of the window?
Does anyone sell just that part?
Have I exceeded my question limit?
 
Hi Tom,

If you ever have the pleasure of driving across IL or KS when it is 100 degrees you will understand why it is nice the back window unzips. It creates a nice air circulation in the car. That is also why I've put a zipper in my top even though they don't normally have one.
I'll let others finish the remaining questions B-)
 
Hi Bob McElee,
Think putting same in my 100 would stop fabric trying to lift off as the roadtrains go past?
 
TomFromStLouis said:
The BJ8's hood has a zipper attaching the back window. Do you ever drive with it unzipped?

Besides helping for moving air, one doesn't look thru plastic.

Under what circumstances?
Any ideas why the window is this way?
Is it just to facilitate replacement of the window?

No. You have to take the top off to replace the window for it's sewn in.

Does anyone sell just that part?

Yes, try your local convertable top place. They can order a replacement window.

Have I exceeded my question limit?
Oh grasshopper, you have just started.
Click to expand...

Cheers,
Roger
 
Hi Zblu,

Unfortunately I don't think it will. Mine will still 'lift' when an 18 wheeler goes by fast in the opposite directions on a two lane road. Having said that, we had a pretty old beat up top that we put a zipper in the rear window and it never came close to coming off.
 
Tom from STL !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]If you ever have the pleasure of driving across IL or KS when it is 100 degrees you will understand why it is nice the back window unzips.[/QUOTE]

Bob McE said a <span style="color: #CC0000"><u><u>MOUTHFUL</u></u></span>!!!!!!!

Although I Must say I have never, I repeat never "un-zipped" Hortense's!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

I might add it is a God send on long trips in even just the 90s!!

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
Ed
 
Mine lifts about 3" in the middle!, with or without sidecurtains up, might have to put tie down (small rod to dash behind mirror) in as was described here a while ago
 
I usually did on the BJ8 because I could put it down without putting a fold in the window. Still do with the BT7 even though it usually gets folded in the middle.
 
I agree. I unzip mine before lowering the top. I carefully lay the window inside so as not to get the fold/crease in the middle. Once in, it will lay flat in there. Then continue to store the top over it.

The key to keeping the window looking like new is to treat it with care, and a little patience when storing. Also I use product 303. It keeps the sun from drying it out and yellowing.

Cheers,
Roger
 
Bob, according to the factory parts manual, tops for BJ8's came in two flavors: fixed back light and one that would unzip. I bought my 66 BJ8 in 1972. I believe the top is original. It has the zip-out rear window.

In August, in Oklahoma, "only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun." Driving with top down is not an option, nor is driving with the back window zipped in, for the very reasons you mentioned.

Now, all I need to do is finish fixing it and get it off the jack stands by summer, so I can enjoy some of that noonday sun.
 
Er, Rogers....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Bob, according to the factory parts manual, tops for BJ8's came in two flavors: fixed back light and one that would unzip[/QUOTE]

My Service Parts Manual says, yes there where TWO "flavours" but it was either ala BJ-7 using "toggle" Part # AFH 6772 (2 per car) OR (FROM #25315 onwards) Fastener---zip Part # AHB 9934 (1 per car).

That was ALSO the reason for my earier wise crack (which NO ONE picked up on /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif) that I have NEVER "un-zipped" Hortense's "rear window"!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/angel.gif

WHY have I NOT "un-zipped her-----BECAUSE she is a BJ-7 and has TOGGLES!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif

Ed
 
I always unzip the window and push it down first before I lower the rest of the top. It all seems to fit / fold down
better that way. It seems to wrinkle less and puts less stress on the plastic window if it is unzipped before folding it down.
I have an Amco top on my car and my local convertible top shop had to sew in a new zippered window as the the old one had developed bubbles in the plastic from long term storage in the box. The shop told me that this was what I would find when I took it out of the box and sure enough, they were right !
Ed
 
I seem to remember I did try it once, but usually go about with the top down. Never thought about unzipping before folding the top away, come to think of it, can't remember when I last drove it with the top up. I usually go the whole year around without putting it up, the winters are so mild over here, generally gets down to zero and not much else below. I do not intentionally take it out in the rain so the top gets very little use, just up and down when the car gets cleaned.

Bob
 
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