southpaw52 Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Hi all. An unusual question to be sure, but I am in need of assistance. I am building a teardrop camper to tow behind my '56 Special. I would like to mimic the lines and look of the Special on the trailer. The trailer however is only 48" wide, so I need a narrower rear window. Does anyone know if the rear glass for a 56 Special is tempered glass or laminate? If laminate has anyone had any experience cutting a rear glass? Does anyone have a suggestion for a curved rear glass from another vehicle that would fit my 48" limitation? Thanks in advance,Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I do not know the answer, but am anxious to see the completed trailer. I have one I intend pulling behind my '50 as soon as a hitch is installed. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 It can be cut with a smallish diamond wheel chucked up in an air die grinder while an assistant plays a steady stream of cooling water on the cut. Not exactly precision but it should work for your use........................Bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 I believe all rear windows are tempered. They will shatter into a million pieces if you do it right! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 I believe all rear windows are tempered. They will shatter into a million pieces if you do it right! Mike is correct. I should have qualified my diamond wheel suggestion by saying laminated glass can be cut by that method. Tempered cannot be cut with out stress relieving it first...............Bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gmeyer316 Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Hi Anne, I am the one with the 1948 Nash rear window. I think it might work for your application, it is 38 1/2" by 12 1/2". Here are a couple pictures I tried to show you the curve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpaw52 Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Gmeyer,What would you want for this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gmeyer316 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I think $100 is a fair price. I have a pay pal account if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Flyer1 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Have never had it done but i think it might be able to be cut by "waterjet" cutting method (would need to be tried on a sacrificial small sample first ?)...if the sacrificial piece does not turn into a bucket full of small glass ice cubes then probably a good chance the real one won't. They require a template of shape and usually charge a "setup" fee which may be a bit involved on a curved piece. Many years ago i used an engraver to put patterns on my wife's car (rear quarter glass) while still in car with no problems , i thought that was cool so i tried it on a rear quarter on the table...it did not just shatter...it went "pop" as soon as the engraver touched it...what a mess. I think when "waterjet" is used the piece is under water and the cutting head is as well...which may help to absorb some of the shock...from my understanding the cutting head used garnets in a stream of very high pressure water.Just a thought ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpaw52 Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 Flyer1 and gmeyer, Thanks to both for your responses. I think we have decided to go a different route on the window. We've decided we want to be able to open the window for ventilation, so will likely go with regular house slider, or something made for a truck canopy. I have seen both in a manageable price range and the needed size. Again, thanks for your help. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gmeyer316 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 No problem Anne, that's probably a better idea, good luck on your project and post some photos when you re done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now