Window modification
Has anyone come up with a way to partially open the rear window (not passenger) so you can leave it open while driving? I left it open all the way while taking the dogs for a swim for the first time yesterday. I was surprised no buzzers or alarms went off, they do for everything else. The airflow was much improved, but I don’t like driving with it all the way up. I don’t want my labs jumping out the back. Loven my FJ.
saber
i've been threatening to post my rear window mod for a couple of months now but just havent taken pics. I'll get off my butt n' do it today.
A simple little add-on. I found flexible stuff like bungees, etc doesnt do it- you want something stiff to hold the window in its position.
I used a small plastic hook, a length of snowboard binding ratchet strap, and screwed a snowboard binding ratchet clip to the plastic at the top of the hump behind the wheel. It takes just a second to click it on & then you can adjust the window opening from a small crack to about 6-8" open. Works pretty good. I keep it in the rear door storage so its right there beside the window when you open the door. Sometimes, wind buffeting ,trucks, etc can put air pressure on the outside of the window and it clicks in a few notches. I will be replacing the ratchet with one that has a cam that locks it in place. You dont need to be a snowboarder to do this mod- they usually have a graveyard of parts in some dusty box at most sports stores. cant imagine it'd be $5 to assemble all the parts. I'll post pics for you later today.
I did something similar to NJFJ but used a 1" wide by 2" long u-bolt that will lock into door latch. Threaded a turnbuckle onto it and have a sleeve on each closure and snug down the turnbuckle.No play in window. Paul H
OK- here's the snowboarders approach to the rear window opener dealey. The parts should be easily attainable at most sports stores. If you ask if they have a graveyard box of old snowboard parts, you may get the bits for free or next to nothing. Might also be worth checking 2nd hand shops- an old ancient snowboard binding can probabaly be got for less than $10.
You need:
-a ratchet clip, like the bindings have
-a matching ratchet strap-the longer the better
-a clip, plastic or otherwise, to fasten to the window catch
-1 or 2 screws to mount it to the rear door plastic moulding
It works good, but I have had it ratchet back in with strong wind pushing on it from the outside. there are a couple styles of the ratchet clip- i will replace the one I have now with the types that also has a small cam- it clamps the strap so it cant move it in either direction. The strap is slightly flexible, so it tends to curve down close to the door & out of they way as you close the window more, stops it from pushing into gear if you are packed pretty full. You have to make sure your screw for attaching the clip to the door is not too long or it will hit the closing mechanism -i had to file it a bit so it didnt hit the catch.
RCD,
That's a sweet set up. I like the ingenuity and simplicity of it.
I guess I'm going to have to re-think my impression of Snow Boarders now.
Good Job & Pic's.
Thanks, Mark.
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'73 FJ40 For Sale
'07 FJC Fusion Yellow, MT
I like that if you can stop window from bouncing in when hitting bumps.I guess I could use sleeves I use now on closures. Alot cleaner than my turn-buckle. On second thought I think my lab would chew it apart.Paul H
. for the record, i do not own even one 'hoody' either
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