Rear quarter window replace with metal sheet

[CrazyRussian]

Hi,

Probably stupid question. Want to replace rear quarter windows with metal sheets (saw it on one of Rubicon from Rebel Off-road). Going to mount two rotopax with water on each side to free up some space on roof rack. Is it possible? Doable? Worth it?

Please share your opinions.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

You'll lose your secondary/AM antenna.

 

[CrazyRussian]

Forgot to mention, My car is 2001 4runner Limited. I don't really care about the antenna, my fear is how sturdy mounting of quarter windows is. Will it handle the load of 2 G rotopax?

 

[I_bRAD]

Forgot to mention, My car is 2001 4runner Limited. I don't really care about the antenna, my fear is how sturdy mounting of quarter windows is. Will it handle the load of 2 G rotopax?

If you're just going to glue in a sheet in place of the window this is a bad idea. It could be done, but it would have to be structurally sound.

 

[CrazyRussian]

If you're just going to glue in a sheet in place of the window this is a bad idea. It could be done, but it would have to be structurally sound.

Yeah, I guess I'll need to do some bolt on solution from inside as well, the glue will not handle the weight. Don't even know if all that worth it. It would be nice since those windows no use for me at all, and by replacing them with sheet metal I can not only mount roto outside but also make a mounting for flashlight and other small items from the inside.

 

[violation]

i've been wondering the same thing, and don't think it'd be difficult to do - except it might be difficult to make look nice.

iirc, the jeeps are flat paneled, so just a flat metal sheet does the trick. ours are curved, so to make it look oem-ish, it would be pretty hard.

here's a pic of the interior panels taken out. i don't think popping out glass would be hard (maybe you need the right tools though), and then it's just be welding or just bolting a metal panel where the glass used to be.

but again, flat metal on an otherwise rounded exterior? might look kinda hacked together and tacky imo. i dont know enough about metal working to know whether getting that gentle curve is easy or not, but i'm guessing not.

 

[I_bRAD]

Yeah, I guess I'll need to do some bolt on solution from inside as well, the glue will not handle the weight. Don't even know if all that worth it. It would be nice since those windows no use for me at all, and by replacing them with sheet metal I can not only mount roto outside but also make a mounting for flashlight and other small items from the inside.

I bet if you welded it on and welded some stiffening ribs to the outside (which could be utilized as part of the bottle holder with a bit of creativity) it would be good.

 

[CrazyRussian]

That's what I'm talking



about

 

[I_bRAD]

i've been wondering the same thing, and don't think it'd be difficult to do - except it might be difficult to make look nice.

iirc, the jeeps are flat paneled, so just a flat metal sheet does the trick. ours are curved, so to make it look oem-ish, it would be pretty hard.

here's a pic of the interior panels taken out. i don't think popping out glass would be hard (maybe you need the right tools though), and then it's just be welding or just bolting a metal panel where the glass used to be.

but again, flat metal on an otherwise rounded exterior? might look kinda hacked together and tacky imo. i dont know enough about metal working to know whether getting that gentle curve is easy or not, but i'm guessing not.

If you went straight down from the top edge, and made a shelf on the bottom to make up for the curve it would leave a cool little cubby type area on the outside that could be used to mount things without them protruding as far from the side of the truck. Might make some interesting sounds at speed though!

 

[AssBurns]

Hi,

Probably stupid question. Want to replace rear quarter windows with metal sheets (saw it on one of Rubicon from Rebel Off-road). Going to mount two rotopax with water on each side to free up some space on roof rack. Is it possible? Doable? Worth it?

Please share your opinions.

Is it possible? Yes
Doable? Yes
Worth it? Possibly

Like others said before, getting the curves right would be the hardest part. If you have the skill to make it, then go for it. I don't think strength would be a big issue even if you used urethane windshield adhesive with the primer. That stuff has a pretty damn strong hold. You would always weld, bolt or rivet it if you felt it was necessary.


Not the cleanest fit and finish but here is a buddy's rig that he put a piece of aluminum in place of the window.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg0FsN4l8j2ZK6JT0LACX2uVVc4y-Fp57clBFA0/?hl=en

 

[Dezert4Runner]

This idea crossed my mind before at one point too. Having 2 of the 2 gal water Rotopax on there would put you over 30 lbs, and even riveted or welded it better be pretty dang stout to accommodate that kind of weight. One of the Rotopax on each panel sounds more practical. I have a water rotopax and it would be awesome to be able to stealthily mount one or two there without taking up space on the roof rack or in the cargo area. Two less windows to break on a tree or rock while on the trail (or a point for a lowlife to break in). You could even recoup some costs by selling the expensive quarter panel windows too. I’d love to see it come to fruition!

 

[Dezerts10]

sounds like we should convince one of the retailers to make some nice rivet or weld in panels. Id think about doing it if there was a panel readily available that matched the contour of the body.

 

[Red October]

This could be a cool product, and you could have some different options like a place for mounting gear, or just flip out windows for access to the rear something like these ones for fj60s from Wagon Gear. I think it would be nice from an access standpoint even if the "windows" were just panels that match the body curve and open.

 

[Ifirefight]

Absolutely doable, the proper way and best way is to weld a metal panel in. Any welder that knows what they’re doing could do it. Once it’s welded in there should be no issues holding almost anything you want to put on it. Make sure the metal is a good size gauge/thickness and you’ll be fine.. I think it’s a great idea and it would look great and be functional. My 2 cents...


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[Mgyver1]

Yes I’d love a gullwing option for our rigs. These ones for the 80 series LC are pretty cool.

https://youtu.be/A5YMoVWJyo8

 

[Doc2012]

Um. Hello.

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[Doc2012]

Yes I’d love a gullwing option for our rigs. These ones for the 80 series LC are pretty cool.

https://youtu.be/A5YMoVWJyo8

I’m working on something.

I laid my rig over wheeling.

The glass was like 400, the diamond plate and welding was like 20.

Cutting that one out, and the other side is coming out, and working on a full wing system.

Got ideas, just not enough time to put them to metal yet.


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[CrazyRussian]

I think I'll pull the trigger for that this summer. Will post how it will look like. I took a look and I don't see too much curve on my 2001. Will do flat metal.

 

[CrazyRussian]

Thank you for all your opinions and help guys!

 

[Mutant138]

I’m working on something.

I laid my rig over wheeling.

The glass was like 400, the diamond plate and welding was like 20.

Cutting that one out, and the other side is coming out, and working on a full wing system.

Got ideas, just not enough time to put them to metal yet.


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How's it coming Doc? You gonna include a change of socks, ibuprofen, and a sticker that says stay hydrated? Or we skipping right to silver bullet with every order?