Author Topic: Unzip or not -- that is the question  (Read 2519 times)

eric lipper

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Unzip or not -- that is the question
« 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?
1947 Beech Staggerwing
1955 Beech Bonanza
1963 Vette Split Window
1965 Jag Conv
1966 GT350
1967 GT500
1968 GT500KR Conv
1969 Boss 429
1969 GT500 Conv
1978 King Cobra
1984 Aerostar 700P
2001 King Air F90GT
2002 Enzo
2005 Ford GT
2005 NSX

Bob Gaines

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2020, 09:42:22 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.   
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

eric lipper

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #2 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.
1947 Beech Staggerwing
1955 Beech Bonanza
1963 Vette Split Window
1965 Jag Conv
1966 GT350
1967 GT500
1968 GT500KR Conv
1969 Boss 429
1969 GT500 Conv
1978 King Cobra
1984 Aerostar 700P
2001 King Air F90GT
2002 Enzo
2005 Ford GT
2005 NSX

JWH

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #3 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

shelbymann1970

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2020, 01:02:14 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
Shelby owner since 1984
SAAC member since 1990
1970 GT350 4 speed(owned since 1985).
  MCA gold 2003(not anymore)
1969 Mach1 428SCJ 4 speed R-code (owned since 2013)

mr68shelby

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #5 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

CharlesTurner

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #6 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.
Charles Turner
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eric lipper

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #7 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. 
1947 Beech Staggerwing
1955 Beech Bonanza
1963 Vette Split Window
1965 Jag Conv
1966 GT350
1967 GT500
1968 GT500KR Conv
1969 Boss 429
1969 GT500 Conv
1978 King Cobra
1984 Aerostar 700P
2001 King Air F90GT
2002 Enzo
2005 Ford GT
2005 NSX

tim johnson

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Re: Unzip or not -- that is the question
« Reply #8 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.