Wind up windows

[Fangs DownUnder]

G'Day Folks
I'm a new member, just signed up today, so be gentle with me.

I am yet to start construction of my Cobra, however, one thing that is important to me is the hardtop. It does not rain much in Perth, Western Australia but it does get damn hot and the sun can do some nasty things. The hardtop will be a major part of the car and not just some ill fitting afterthought thrown on only in emergencies. Anyway, my question is (and the purists may look away now) has anyone successfully fitted wind up windows to their Cobra? Any information would be gratefully accepted.

Thanks

[strictlypersonl]

There are a number of "difficult" problems with fitting fixed windows.

The top inner edge of the door, when extended forward to the windshield, falls outside the windshield frame.

The front edge of the door falls several inches behind the windshield, so your window would have to extend past the door. (You could always have a fixed section, though)

If you change the upper door so that a window would actually fit, you will lose some very critical elbow room. Even if your fixed section (mentioned above) angled out, you're going to be very tight because the door slants in from the top, while the windshield slants out.

There's a reason that the original car used side curtains.

[RACERAL]

The new Superformance Daytona coupe has roll up windows, for what its worth

[408cobra]

I attached plexiglass side windows on my ffr roadster by attaching the plexiglass to the side windscreen mounts they dont roll up they swing out. Its a bit tight getting in and out but when they are closed they seal well enough (weather strip on the bottom and foam on the hard top ) to drive the car when its 30 degrees farenheight (With the heater blazing) and it remains comfortable.

[750hp]

Fangs, you might want to consider a quick release lexan side window. Maybe something along the lines of fitting a metal frame to your door that the lexan can be hinged from. If you have the roof off, just remove the frame and throw it in the boot. A few guys have also fitted airconditioning. If you haven't already found it, there is an Australian Cobra Forum on this website under the local clubs button at the top right ( or just click here..... ) Someone from NT is asking about air conditioning units right now.

Welcome to the club ! I bet you'll find some great information here...

[750hp]

Oh, and if you want to upgrade from a warm 429 to a HOT 600 cubic inch big block Ford, let me know

[Jack21]

Roll up windows, outside and inside door opening handles, and air conditioning are value added featured features we daily driver types would like to see.

MGB's, TR-4's, and Austin Healy 3000's had roll up windows.

[Fangs DownUnder]

Thanks for the help boys,

There obviously appears to be a few options available. Jack21 has got me thinking, I will need to have a close look at how some of the other roadsters do it. I'm pretty sure the 120k and 140k Jaguar roadsters had 'wind up' windows (or 'roll up' - depending on which side of the planet your are) and their doors are very compact. (there is probably dozens of different cars to research).

Thanks

Hey Craig, thanks for the offer. If I ever get the urge to arrive at my destination 5 minutes before I have left home, I'll be in touch. (Just getting a big block over the pits in Perth may be a challenge - most of the boys over here run small blocks).

[boxhead]

Hey there Fangs, I think your biggest problem passing rego with the big block will be emissions testing.

Good luck with it all.

I will be fitting a/c but no roof or windows for me