3rd Row Window Hatch

[Golgo13]

OK, so I know Wagon Gear makes a hatch, which looks ridiculously complex and is expensive.
Removing the sliding rear windows and replacing with a solid glass(and changing the vent louver) isn't a terrible option.

What about making an aluminium panel to replace the solid glass? Then making a hatch in the aluminium panel?

Does anyone really use this window for visibility? Anyone willing to block theirs out and drive around a bit, maybe go wheeling in that condition to see if it hurt at all?

In designing a replacement, what would you be interested in?
I'm not saying I'm going to actually make anything, but I would be interested in helping someone design it for manufacture if there is a calling for it. I don't really have a lot of time to go out and find suppliers. Plus, I'm in Michigan, you're all in the South and Southwest... Shipping cost would suck.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Option for Top or Side hinge
Top Hinge would allow the panel to cover the inside from weather during access in poor conditions.
Side hinge would allow for storage of small items in the door panel
A bottom hinge could be done, but I'm not sure of its usefulness.

2. Stays to hold the panel open.
This is just nice to have

3. Riveted/sealed construction
To make it possible to assemble without lots of bolts/nuts/lock-washers.

4. Security
Toyota door locks so they can be keyed from the vehicle key?
Is a separate key ok?
no external lock, only lockable from inside?

5. Surface treatment
Bare? You decide the finish
Primered? Ready for paint to match body or whatever
Jeweled? FANCY
Diamond plate? Industrial look
Anodized? Blue/red/gold would not be allowed. Black or "clear" only.

6. Price Point
Of course, it can't be free, but what would you be willing to pay?
Assembled
DIY Kit
Plans to make your own - I wouldn't be opposed to giving the plans away for people to make this themselves. However, I would want a couple bucks if you want to make/sell them for a profit. I've learned a lot from the collective knowledge on this forum. I'd like to contribute something back to the community.

Let me know your thoughts.

For the same matter, what about making aluminium panels just to replace the sliding glass.

 

[NLXTACY]

OK, so I know Wagon Gear makes a hatch, which looks ridiculously complex and is expensive.

True but mine will be getting installed sometime in 2015 so....

What about making an aluminium panel to replace the solid glass? Then making a hatch in the aluminium panel? Does anyone really use this window for visibility? Anyone willing to block theirs out and drive around a bit, maybe go wheeling in that condition to see if it hurt at all?

Its fine. You can only see out of the PS window, not the DS so it doesn't matter what happens to the DS.

In designing a replacement, what would you be interested in?
I'm not saying I'm going to actually make anything, but I would be interested in helping someone design it for manufacture if there is a calling for it. I don't really have a lot of time to go out and find suppliers. Plus, I'm in Michigan, you're all in the South and Southwest... Shipping cost would suck.

I'm in the middle of a bunch of stuff but I've had my own ideas on this.

1. Option for Top or Side hinge
Top Hinge would allow the panel to cover the inside from weather during access in poor conditions.
Side hinge would allow for storage of small items in the door panel
A bottom hinge could be done, but I'm not sure of its usefulness.

Yes, no, no. In that order.

2. Stays to hold the panel open.
This is just nice to have

Thats what lifts are for.

3. Riveted/sealed construction
To make it possible to assemble without lots of bolts/nuts/lock-washers.

Rivets would be fine I think. Saves on hardware but doesn't give you wiggle room for fitment.

4. Security
Toyota door locks so they can be keyed from the vehicle key?
Is a separate key ok?
no external lock, only lockable from inside?

Badass, I guess, thats fine too. In that order.

5. Surface treatment
Bare? You decide the finish
Primered? Ready for paint to match body or whatever
Jeweled? FANCY
Diamond plate? Industrial look
Anodized? Blue/red/gold would not be allowed. Black or "clear" only.

Sure, better, NO, NO, no ano because it scratches too easy. Line-X or Powder Coat.

6. Price Point
Of course, it can't be free, but what would you be willing to pay?
Assembled
DIY Kit

The metal alone will be about $50. Couple that with hardware and then laser cutting. You could be in around $200 in cost alone. I could envision $600/set for no frills.

Plans to make your own - I wouldn't be opposed to giving the plans away for people to make this themselves. However, I would want a couple bucks if you want to make/sell them for a profit. I've learned a lot from the collective knowledge on this forum. I'd like to contribute something back to the community.

Just a taste?

For the same matter, what about making aluminium panels just to replace the sliding glass.

Eh, why? Doesn't serve an additional purpose.

 

[Golgo13]

Looks like Joey might be interested to be a West Coast Distributor...
Thanks for the input!

 

[NLXTACY]

Looks like Joey might be interested to be a West Coast Distributor...
Thanks for the input!

I have a few things up my sleeve. I'll let you know when I'm closer

 

[Douglas S]

I've been considering this for a long time...not a hatch, just an aluminium replacement. I already have the solid rear windows, I just haven't had a reason to get in there and remove them so I can have panels waterjetted.

 

[Golgo13]

Why does everything have to be water-jetted or laser cut?
Doesn't anyone use a saw these days?!

They're a lot easier to make than you might think...

 

[Douglas S]

I get that it's just a square-ish piece of metal. Water/laser cutting is cheap and convenient and perfect every time.

 

[lowenbrau]

Doesn't have to be aluminum. Roy Creations has been doing fibreglass ones for ages.

http://www.roycreations.com/pages/catalogue-toy/photos_s8/pan_vitre_lat.htm

 

[NLXTACY]

That thing is nasty.

 

[Delancy]

That thing is nasty.

Meh....throw in the pimp panorama tint and I'm in.

It'll match my dingo balls and velour drapes perfectly.

 

[jtwopark]

interesting

 

[dirtyboots]

IMO: definitely top hinges; rivnuts in lieu or rivets; an inside latch mechanism would really keep complexity and cost down; if keys use ignition key; with struts to hold the panel up; bare finish; how much, great question. Great idea I will definitely keep an eye on your progress, good luck!

This is a current thread with some similar ideas (glass install though), maybe a good place to look at some other ideas:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/rear-side-lift-up-windows.817826/

Here's a thread from '07 but not too much detailed build info:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/replace-rear-siding-quarter-glass.179807/

 

[dirtyboots]

It took about 10 mins to pop the slider out...Totally flat surface. Seems like figuring out the throw on the hinges, struts, and latch mechanism for a good seal will be the most challenging.

 

[Golgo13]

Doesn't have to be aluminum. Roy Creations has been doing fibreglass ones for ages.

http://www.roycreations.com/pages/catalogue-toy/photos_s8/pan_vitre_lat.htm

I'd like to avoid making the inside look like a refrigerator door...

@dirtyboots Thanks for the links. I also found this one to be pretty nice...
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/rear-access-easy-fridge-access-mod.172439/
I'm going to ask @lx450landcruiser for some better close-ups as the current pictures are a little small.

Thanks for the input from everyone!

 

[NLXTACY]

I'd like to avoid making the inside look like a refrigerator door...

^ this

 

[Delancy]

I dunno.....could carry a much bigger bottle of Grey Poupon AND a box of wine.

 

[lowenbrau]

You 80 series glampers would get all moist if you saw the 'refrigerator door' equipped with some wine glasses and bottles of Merlot. <flipoff>

I've never owned an 80 with sliding rear windows but my 70s have all had them and I have found them useful. Why do guys prefer having a top hinged option?

 

[Delancy]

You 80 series glampers would get all moist if you saw the 'refrigerator door' equipped with some wine glasses and bottles of Merlot.

Pshaw.

Merlot is so ten years ago....

Sliders or flip ups were pointless on my dearly departed's without aid of a step ladder.

 

[dirtyboots]

Interesting I would have never thought it would be difficult to reach in through a flip up, thanks for bringing that up. Swing outs were a pain on the other rigs I've owned, as I spend most of my time going to the mall and surfing the internet for ideas on how to spend money and modify things that really don't need improvement.

@Delancy would you say the access was restricted for a couple inches of lift and the average height person, or are you talking about a 4" lift and a vertically challenged person?

 

[dirtyboots]

I've never owned an 80 with sliding rear windows but my 70s have all had them and I have found them useful. Why do guys prefer having a top hinged option?

Web wheeling tells me they would be better for accessing the cargo area than swing outs (swing outs IMO are a pain), and I thought it would allow for easier access to cargo, and more flexible packing options. I am in the middle of a pretty intensive refurbish on the tub, and will replace the 3rd row glass and gaskets. Just looking at the cost the fixed windows look about $100 cheaper to replace new with OEM. If I can figure a comparable in price flip up option at the same or less than sliders I thought that would be a good way to go. This of course before I learned from Delancy that access may not be that easy from flips.

Also, I don't like how easy it is to break in to sliders. Given flip ups aren't ergonomic I will probably go with solid glass for security anyway. For some reason I also like the appearance of the solid glass over the sliders.