Powered Rear Window, Build in Process:

[CHITOWNFJ [OP]]

Dear FJ Peeps. I am in the process of becoming a forum Supporting Vendor, but before I do that and pluck down the $$, I need to see What you all think of bringing this possibly to market.

I have developed and installed (for the last few months) A powered Rear window in my FJ Cruiser. I have seen other people make Attempts at this before and I really hated the execution of it all. Either the Actuator was sticking really far out or used wood blocks to mount things it all seemed kinda amateur.. So I dove into it myself to see what I could come up with.

I have gone through 8 different actuators, I still want to try one more that might be faster and thinner.

I have tried 4 different switches, I think I found one I like finally.

I have gone through 1 rear back glass. (400 lbs of pushing force and I forgot to pop the latch = broken glass)

I have ordered 4 sets of Window Gas Strut mounts from Toyota and hacked them all to hell to get the angles right so you don't blow out the rear glass when you push it up.

I have gone through one window hinge also....

And all of that netted me what you see below. I have been running this configuration in the truck for 2 months now and am going to install it on another truck here in a few weeks and let them have at it for a few weeks to see how they like it and post back here.

I want to hear your feed back. Negative could always be better than positive so don't be shy!

Things that you would like to see if it became production and what someone might be willing to spend on something like this if it fit their needs or lifestyle.
This tells me if its worth bringing to market...

So here it is as it sits on my rig.

Features...

It goes up and down!
You can stop it at any point in its travel
It tremendously helps the wind buffeting while the windows are down
lets you pop the window with out interior lights coming on or warning chimes
Installation should be easy, 2-4 hours tops.
When you lock the doors, the Truck won't beep at you for open window
Those that have aftermarket alarms, key fobs, many of them can be programed to open and close this window from the fob.

Issues I see right off...

If you have a security system, it is going to show a rear door, or window fault come up and blink at you when the doors lock.
When you close the rear door, the cabin pressure makes the rear window flap about a 1/3 inch before settling.
The rear window is no longer "popped" by the rear key hole, so access to the window is only capable through the installed switch. You can feel free to install several switches around the truck during install if you would like, including one on the outside of the truck hidden if you preferred to.

Quick Video that I made up... Again, I don't have any kits on hand to sell, so don't ask...

Powered Rear Window Video Link

Powered Rear Window Video Link

[Xx_Black-out]

I really like the idea of having control of the rear window but without having an idea of what it would cost, I can't say for sure if it's something I would be in the market for.

[JDMSi92]

$100 or less

[FJNewb]

JDMSi92 previously said:

$100 or less

Think he was looking at $275. Links gone now tho.

[CHITOWNFJ [OP]]

The parts to build the Kit cost around $200 and then to assemble it. There are some parts from Toyota that are included and have to be custom formed and drilled out, so there is some time involved. I had thought it would end up running around $275-$300 when it is all said and done shipped to someones door as a realistic sale price.

[BIGGUY]

It looks nice and might work good for some. I don't think I've ever opened my rear window more than a 1/2 dozen times in the 6+ years I've had the FJ. Most of the stuff I put in the back that's small enough to go through the window goes in my drawer. The stuff on top is to big or even to heavy to wrestle through the window and I don't really have a reason to drive with it open. Good luck.

[ruebarb]

How tight does it actually seal, when you mentioned it moves when you close the back door?

What stops the actuator at both ends to prevent damage to all components involved, full close or full open?

The video looks great, but I would want to see a pic without the door panel on, not just taking anyone's word for a clean install/fabrication.

[Cholerabob]

Can the window lock /latch still be used ? Or Does it always stay open and held by the actuator? If the lock/latch can still be used ( unlock needed to open the window o.O ) it could be interesting.

[CHITOWNFJ [OP]]

I was not able to figure out the latching issue. So the latch is removed. The window is sealed tight, used pressure washer to try and get it to leak and it would not.

Reason the latch needs to be out of the question is that it triggers the dome light and the dash light. so if you open the window, the dome lights would come on. I wanted it to operate just like one of the regular FJ windows.

If you retained the Latch then you could run the risk of the actuator blowing the glass out like it did for me in testing. It has 190lbs of force in it.

The Actuator has built in limits that stop it from moving too far in either direction. When that limit is reached it also cuts power in that direction as to not strain parts inside the mechanism.

ill post some door skinless pictures... its a simple bracket bolted on the door skin.

[iwashmycar]

Probably cannot happen as easily, but It would be cool to have the actuator in the middle where when closed it would look very stock (just trim off the top of the lock hump... would also hold it securely in the middle vs one edge. (disclaimer: I do not know what the door looks like with the plastic off) I also realize there would have to be a more complicated arm to swing out with the window..... we can dream huh?

edit: seems roomy (pic stolen from random dynamat thread)



Even so I do think it is a cool idea. I voted no, as it just isnt THAT cool to take precedent over all the other crap I want like sliders, skids, and even the Freedom Windows (I know they are a little more $$, but they seem more practical to ME) especially since with the $5 carabiner mod I can simply close the window to just a 1/4" gap then flip it right back open when I get back out of the store or whatever.