73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

[Tom Freeman]

Does anyone know if the fixed rear window that was introduced with the '73 model was a last minute change? Reason I ask is that the Service Manual for the '73 has a section about the removable rear window and its storage tray. To me, that makes it sound like a late change.

tom...




The '73 Spot

[Gregg Plapas]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

My guess, and be sure to mark it as, "only a guess", that it is just simply poor editing by the GM printing contractor and/or department.

Cheers,
Gregg

[Tony Roussos]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

I'm told by several sources (Reliability unconfirmed) that it is possible to retrofit a removable rear window into a 1973. Apparantly, all the notches in the body are present. It seems, the hardware necesssary for a retrofit are the latches, rear window, and interior trim to make it happen.

I'd like to know for sure why they did away with the removable rear window. Federal guidlines only necessitated change in the nose. Was it that much cheaper to offer a fixed rear window? Let me know if you find out!!

[Terry Westrick]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

Tom

I replaced the rear window in mine, it was a bolt in swap.

I have never heard of any 73's stock with a removable rear window.

Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window *TL*

Tom,
Try driving in traffic in a 1968-1972 coupe with the rear window removed. The stench of exhaust gas is nauseating. On the open road it is a fine idea, but significant traffic can lead to serious medical consequences. I believe removing the hardtop panels can mitigate the issue. Personally, I am amazed it took them so long to change it.

[Tony Roussos]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

I greatly appreciate my removable rear window. I almost bought a '73 before I found my '71. I was totally prepared to change the rear window to a removable type.

If city smog is a problem, put the window back in. But, having the option to drive either way is much better than having the only option of driving with a fixed window.

I drove from Arizona to Pennsylvania. Boy was the ventilation fantastic or what?!!

I think GM was nuts, cheap, or both to discontinue the removable rear window!

(That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

[Gary S.]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

Tony, my friend has a 73 that he converted to removable rear window. He is not an NCRS type but he tries to do many things in a correct manner. He found a donor 71 body, cut out the holes for the window "legs" with a sawzall and then made corresponding cuts in his rear window area. He had already picked up a rear window and moulding. We glassed the correct 71 pieces into his car prior to a complete repaint. The entire project was done in an afternoon and is just about undetectable by the average person. Of course, it would stand out like a light house during judging.

Gary

[Tony Roussos]

Re: 73 Coupe's Fixed Rear Window

Gary,
Sounds like more work than I was told. I'm sure glad I bought a '71. Thanks for the experience.
Tony