Crank windows

Does anybody other than IM have a replica speedster with crank windows? I've researched just about every company I can find and they are the only ones that I know of. I know the look won't be as authentic but I'm think about it from a security standpoint and also to seal better than the side curtains. I want go with IM but they are just too far away for me to be comfortable with. Thanks for any help you can provide.

IM is the only one with a Speedster replica that I am aware of. However, Specialty Auto Works (SAW) of Knoxville, TN makes a gorgeous 365A Cabriolet with roll-up windows. A couple of the guys on the forum have them and love them. They're mid-engined, water-cooled, with Subaru engines on a proprietary frame.

Chria, I know that CMC years ago offered that option but, as you know, their regular body style (not the wide) has been out of production for years. Street Beasts, their successor, are still offering the wide body style; not sure if they offer that option on it though.

And some have converted from a speedster to a convertible D (new windshield frame, new top and frame, plus lots of fiberglass and fabrication work). Why would roll up windows offer more security than side curtains --- with a convertible top that can easily be unsnapped or cut???

Chris, far away from where?

Thanks guys, pretty much what I figured. Far away = Vegas to Vancouver BC.

Here's an attractive alternative:
http://www.fibersteel.com/SlideWindows.html

Cory, sorry to say it, but Fibresteel will put out those sliding windows for Speedster Replicas when G.W. Bush pulls out of Iraq. He's had those things up on the site for 4 years and has yet to make one pair to fit a replica. Inquiries are answered with... "in a few months".

Oops.

No big deal. I wanted them for my VS and looked at them (wishing) just like you just did. He should take those pics off the site after all this time.

It isn't completely outside the realm of possibility that I could manufacture some prototypes in the next few weeks. All I'd need are some door dimensions for the different replica manufacturers, the distances between the holes for side curtain posts, windshield angles and roof lines, and I could probably bang out a set in a day or so.
Natch, I want to finish MY car first -- but I'm game to try. It can't be any more difficult than some of the other stuff we've accomplished in the last six months.
I'm also going to be playing with Lexan for the first time, too, so I'll have all the materials at hand. I have to make a new windscreen prototype to send to Dario before too long.
Anybody wanna send me some dimensions? If that works, maybe I could try rolly-ups!

Cory, I am seriously interested. Maybe we can get some measurements at Carlisle.

hey if you guys want, I can bring my windshield frame and top frame from my IM roadster, if that would help, and my doors are actually off the car because it's in the body shop waiting to be painted. I got an authentic top frame and windshield frame for it so these are extras that I was hoping to swap to my CMC speedster to make that into a roadster if someone could make a mold of the IM's doors to have the roll ups.

Hey, If you guys get side glass demensions from the IM, could you please post them or I could send you some cash for a paper template. I have a CMC with what I think is a IM windshild, it has the high flat posts. Thanks,Chuck

I'll bring a tape measure to Carlisle. I'll get what I can from as many as are there, and I'll be mailing dummy cardboard templates out afterward for tweaking purposes. If it looks do-able, I'll start tinkering.

Chris, sorry for the hijack. I'll keep a sharp eye for crank windows for you.
Best lead so far are the SAW guys (who post here now and again):
http://www.specialtyauto.com/response.htm
If you go to the very bottom of that page, second photo from the end, right side, it looks to me like there's a window crank in the car with the black dashboard. The photo doesn't show the door's top edge.

Can someone in UK take some pictures of the Chesil with the windup window option. It looks like an extra piece is added to the std Speedster windhield post. They sell a "set of windup windows" for &295. Does anyone with a Chesil know what's included in it? I'd like convience of wind up windows (or even ability to slide up a Lexan panel from within the doors --- but don't want expense of changing out the windshield (frame and glass) and also the top (frame and top fabric). Also noted they have FG hard tops for &995!

In the old hot rod days we would tear everything out of the car that we could to bring the weight down. The window cranks weighed a ton, so we would remove the crank and gears, attach a gearshift knob to the bottom of the glass bracket with a bolt, and lift the plexi glass up and down. A vertical slot cut in the thin aluminum door pannel would allow you to secure the old plexi glass up or down by turning the shift knob right to tight and left to loosen.......caveman yes, but it worked.

Excellent idea, Wolfgang. I have a CMC with a regular windshield and rolly-up windows. They work and plug up the hole but the seal between the w'shield and the door glass is a little, uuhhmmm...primitive. Would be nice to see a close up of how the Brits do it.

I would check in with John Leader Of JPS I think he has been known to do window conversions.
Im not sure, but i would check it out.
The only advantage to rollups is ease of window use. They offer little else on a speedster.
Only when you do the complete conversion do you get more headroom to help you getting in and out of the car with the top up.

My windows dont leak at all. But I still get a little drip here and there on the windshield in a hard downpoor while moving at speeds above 45 mpg.

"John Leader Of JPS I think he has been known to do window conversions"

John Steele is the owner of JPS. John Leader has a drop dead beautiful GT built by JPS.

There is a big difference in the seal with a proper roll up/power side window that seals againts the post and fits into the top flaps right, a front bow that seals from post to post, and a a good canvas and frame that fits right. It not only seals out moisture, but it helps hold in heat too. I have driven mine in heavy rain and the Speedster remains dry and warm without the canvas flapping, etc.

Regarding FiberSteel's slide windows - updated link: http://www.fibersteel.com/OldSite/SlideWindows.html

Have they been able to do them after all?

They've been advertising them for several years, but they've never really been available. I'll believe in them when I see them.

Hi Guys,I have a Chesil (UK replica) I also have the wind up windows - optional.The extra bit is a small wing glass guide attached to the top of the door.Nothing is on the screen.It provides a seal against the screen and the glass guide.If anyone wants a pic let me know your email address and I'll send a detail pic(s) I'll have to take a detail pic,so let me know.