Window trouble solution

[ORCoaster]

I have leaking wing windows in the 81 VW Rabbit.  I tried to get some new seals but they were for the non-opening windows which are not the same size.  I have the chance to buy a couple of doors from a 1984 convertible and it has the bolt on type windows.  What I need to know is if they are a direct replacement?  Can I just take them off and reinstall on my car with the solid bar over and around the window.  I looks to me that they are close and that the roll down window is larger or is it just my imagination?

Anyone replace their wing windows with a swap like this?  Might be my only chance to get windows that work and don't leak.  Wow what a concept!

[CRSMP5]

direct..... old non bolt style.. use silicone to glue it shut and no longer leaks..

[ORCoaster]

I have the passenger side glued right now and the drivers side is screwed down from the inside with a flange and screw combo.  What I really want is windows on hinges that work.  I grew up with the wing window thing, and I like the air to come through the cab.  I don't smoke so that is not the reason I want the wind to go through.  It is the diesel smell.  Or is it the bean diet? 

I think I will go look at these doors just the same.  There are mirrors and windows in good shape and who knows the price might just be about the same as trying to get these from a junk yard.  Which I haven't seen yet.  Direct swap, did someone hit the easy button this time? 

Thanks 

[CRSMP5]

i too grew up in them when they were new.. LOL... but i can honestly say.. my 2nd car, a 81 diesel ls.. is the ONLY one that had them.. they were failed glue in kind in 90.. and i went to solid.. ive never seeked out a set of bolt in kind for any of the rest.. solid kind have always worked for me..

they fun to take out.. the hings down inside the door sux.. so play with the cabby ones so you learn how to get them out... shave your head first to keep from pulling hairs..

[R.O.R-2.0]

the cabby doors gotta be different..

[ORCoaster]

Not Cabby doors, convertible as in Soft top Cabriolet?  Does not have steel top and back around windows.  About 40 a door is asking price.  I can't use the doors but the mirrors and windows might be worth the effort.

CRSMP5, Can't Remember Shi?  MP5 not sure on that.  Anyway I have had the hinges out of my 81 a few times trying to get all kinds of glue to stick to the windows again.  Finally gave up as do all others.  Compound curves, stress on the hinges and just an el sucko design.  So when I see these bolt ins and the handles are on the seals look good I figured what the heck go look.  Will be a few days until I can do that.  

I know that there is a pop rivet or two to driill, the hex head down the rubber gasket to loosen, and the plastic tabs to push on either side to get the plastic piece out the bottom.  Door panel and all that needs to come off and when putting it all back together I need a bit of slickery stuff to get the gaskets in the channel correctly.  I think antifreeze works best.

Shave my head?  

That has already been taken care of long ago.  Kids, life's trials and genetics combined to keep it pretty clean up there.  

[CRSMP5]

cabby = convert... caddy = truck..   still same vent... dawn dish detergent.. just direct no water..

crs = initals..... mp5 = different hobby... much more $$ and noisy... but im one of the few who had one at 21... back when they costed lots less then to do it now.. can buy a new tdi for starting price now.. but its still fun

[ORCoaster]

cabby = convert  I knew that! I just CRS. 


MP5 as in shoot'em up MP5?  Oh, yeah, noisy.

[CRSMP5]

yep... best investment i ever made... 3k way way back then is over 20k now.. only so many public can own.. so each year price goes up.. best part is.. the more you use it does not affect value..

[BigVWman]

The vent windows are a direct fit into an 81 caddy from an 84 cabby! If they are original the 84 cabby should have the through bolt style vents and as such 40 a door is a great deal! A pair of them on ebay easily fetch's $100! Also the mirrors will swap. The large door glass will not as its cabby specific.

[wdkingery]

are you talkin bout the front door quarter windows? do yours open? i'd love to have them operate like a 1988 f150! know what i mean? are yours like that?
man what i'd give to get my little vent windows to open!

[ORCoaster]

are you talkin bout the front door quarter windows? do yours open? i'd love to have them operate like a 1988 f150! know what i mean? are yours like that?
man what i'd give to get my little vent windows to open!

Yes the front 1/4 windows, with the hinges that don't stay glued on with anything I or others have tried.  I too like to turn them out all the way and have the wind just howl into the cab.  Maybe some like A/C but my car has it not, nor did any others until the wife's Toyota.  I just like the hot air to cool me down.  By drinking as I drive.  Yeah, keep it legal buddy.

So yes I am trying to make the windows work once again.  Maybe tomorrow night I will have two doors I can start to canabalize. 

[wdkingery]

so your vehicle does haz them! now i have to find a way to make mine do that!

[ORCoaster]

I am not sure you can.  The gaskets I originally ordered were solid and they fit a Jetta.  Did the Jetta ever have wing windows that open?  I think not.

So a pair of doors sells for 100 or a pair of bolt in windows?  I am waiting on the call to go look tomorrow.  Need to get this done as rain cometh and with no garage to work in this could be delayed. 

BigVWman,  A fellow Michigander?  eh ya?  I have a rabbit not the caddy or cabby but these look to be the same sized windows.  Ya?  You Betcha? 

[vanagonturbo]

The straight dope on vent windows:

Murrican made vehicle with bolt in vent glass have different positions for the holes than their German made counterparts (Cabby, Jetta vs Rabbit)

No Rabbit in the US with bolt in vent windows has compatible glass with German made cars.

No German made car (Jetta Cabby) has compatible glass with US made cars.

The framework is interchangable between the Cabby and Murrican made cars. The seals are NOT.

This boils down to if you want bolt in windows on your murrican made car, you need to take into consideration trim level on the car and model. If the car came with chrome trim, you must only use chrome trim seal that come from the model you are using the glass AND frame from. Otherwise it will look bad and not match up with the rest of the seals on the door.

Hardtops can use both style frame, but the glass is not interchangable between murrican made models and German made models.

There is one poprivet that will need drilling to remove the support guide from the door.

Yes, Jettas DID come with opening wing windows.

I am sure there is something I forgot..