SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: eric lipper on July 28, 2020, 08:57:10 PM

Title: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: eric lipper on July 28, 2020, 08:57:10 PM
This is a well-debated topic but I really could not find any discussion about it.  The 69 Convertible has the glass backlight.  Some people say unzip when you put the top down but others say don't worry about it.  What say the experts?
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: Bob Gaines on July 28, 2020, 09:42:22 PM
Quote from: eric lipper on July 28, 2020, 08:57:10 PM
This is a well-debated topic but I really could not find any discussion about it.  The 69 Convertible has the glass backlight.  Some people say unzip when you put the top down but others say don't worry about it.  What say the experts?
By unziping the back glass you lesson the tension put on the glass area while the top is folding.  The tension could possibly cause the silicone strip that divides the two pieces of glass to split apart. A older glass window is especially susceptible to the glass window separating from the the silicone strip.  If you lower the top without unziping the rear glass do so with your fingers crossed for good luck.   
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: eric lipper on July 29, 2020, 12:00:52 AM
Thanks Bob, I always appreciate your insight.  Sounds like I should just unzip it and leave it in the well.
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: JWH on July 29, 2020, 09:11:11 PM
With a glass window, I would say unzipping is mandatory. As Bob pointed out, the window will seperate (ask me how I know).   
Jeff
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: shelbymann1970 on August 04, 2020, 01:02:14 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on July 28, 2020, 09:42:22 PM
Quote from: eric lipper on July 28, 2020, 08:57:10 PM
This is a well-debated topic but I really could not find any discussion about it.  The 69 Convertible has the glass backlight.  Some people say unzip when you put the top down but others say don't worry about it.  What say the experts?
By unziping the back glass you lesson the tension put on the glass area while the top is folding.  The tension could possibly cause the silicone strip that divides the two pieces of glass to split apart. A older glass window is especially susceptible to the glass window separating from the the silicone strip.  If you lower the top without unziping the rear glass do so with your fingers crossed for good luck.
Thanks. I wish I knew this a year ago.... Gary
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: mr68shelby on October 08, 2020, 11:36:12 AM
I have now started unzipping my 68 rear window after reading this. My question is can I leave it unzipped? Or is there an easy way for one person to zip it back up? I drive mine a couple times a month and I have not figured out an easy way to get it zipped back up. Thanks! Mike
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: CharlesTurner on October 08, 2020, 12:11:59 PM
+1 on unzipping the rear window, especially when it's hinged glass.  Also given on advice from friends in the auto upholstery/interior business for many years.
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: eric lipper on October 08, 2020, 04:49:34 PM
I unzipped mine and just left it in the well.  I am never driving in the rain and the reason I bought the convertible was for the top down. 
Title: Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
Post by: tim johnson on October 08, 2020, 10:28:14 PM
Put the top halfway up and stop. Go back and zip up window (easy to do because you will have a lot of slack) then complete raising the top.
Always worked for me.