78 308GTS rear window removal; ???....

Hi,

I am in the process of restoring my 78 308 and the funny thing is happening that once you start taking this thing apart its impossible to stop. Everything on this car is connected to everything else so once you take one thing off another starts to look like it could use some repair as it is also attached to another part.... and so on.
I got the engine out and pretty much all of the interior but have now come to a halt... THE REAR WINDOW!
I have searched the threads on here but haven't been able to find a step by step removal process. I don't want to crack it. I got the little side windows out, I removed the rear shelf but as it is necessary to remove the window in order to redo the upholstery properly I am a bit out of luck.

I can't even determine for sure wether it comes out towards the inside or the outside of the car.

Also in case the existing pictures on this forum regarding 308 resto aren't enough, I am happy to post some more in case somebody has some questions.

Thanks,
Helmut

 

I was able to redo all the rear panels around my window without removing it on my 80 GTSi. I did have to take out the rear 1/4 windows...

 

I agree it seems unnecessary to remove the rear window. My car still has the original upholstery and the vinyl covering that covers the rear panel on top of the shelf below the window goes underneath the rubber seal of the glass.
That way everything is seamless I suppose. So if I want to do it right I would have to take the window out.

Thanks,
Helmut

 

Maybe the 78 panels are a little different than my 80...??

I think we're talking about the same panel though: About 3" high, full width of the window, runs right below the window/seal and curves around with the same contour as the rear window...

Anyway, on my 80 there were 2 bolts that held it in place. The nuts were up underneath the rear window sticking through the firewall, inside the engine compartment.

They verywell could be different, and although I did this job 3 years ago I'm sure the only window seals I had to deal with were the 1/4 windows.

Best of luck, post some pics when you're done.

 

yeah, I am sure we are talking about the same panel.
It sounds like yours just came off once you removed the nuts from behind the firewall, mine doesn't. The vinyl of that panel goes under the window seal : (

I will post pics tomorrow.


Thanks,
Helmut

 

I guess that's the way with hand built cars

 

I recently Removed and replaced the rear window in my '78 308 GTS. I did not know the replacment cost when I took it out so I did not sweat much. I did not break mine so here's how I did it.
Start at the corners with a dull pick, pull the weather strip down and tuck it on the outside of the steel lip of the opening. Work your way around the top and then from the corners back around the curve. Push out at the top and pull the weather strip out of the way. You can spray window cleaner or other lite soap on the weather strip if it sticks. You should be able to pull the glass up a little and work it out. Watch for the window heater conectors they will hang up and scratch the paint.
To replace it put a piece of tape where the heater conectors will rub and a strip of plastic (cut from a milk jug) on top of the tape push the glass until it is almost in its hole. Then put the weather strip on it. Wrap a small rope 3/16 or so around the chanel in the weather strip with the ends bottom center. Have your wife or girlfriend push gently on the out side while you pull the rope ends to you. As the the weather strip folds over the lip you may have to use your pick to help it, you will need the pick for the corners, they are a pain. It is a slow procedure so don't try to rush it.
Good Luck
Larry

 

ahh this sounds ingenius but I am not really clear how you did it. I need to clarify some basics... what directions does it go?... towards the engine or towards the inside of the car? Can you go into more detail?... or simply tell me again including wether you are in the car or working it from the ouside.

Sorry about my lack of understanding but I want to make sure I am following this correctly; you have no idea how feared this back window is in the 308 world, from what I hear when calling around.
BTW did you feel that it was easier to get it back in than it was to get it out? I could buy a new rubber seal and simply cut the old rubber to get it out, that would endanger the glass only when I am putting it in.

Thanks very much for your response.

Helmut

 

Hi Helmut,

The window came out to the rear, I was inside the car and my girlfriend outside. Rubber did not tear and I reused it.
Call me 251-929-3771 CST.This is home and office.

Larry Fletcher

 

Thank you very much for all the info Larry!
I removed the rear window without a problem today;

Thanks,
Helmut