sliding window top or solid window top

[michael0584]

Right now I have a sliding window top on my 87 Jimmy. I just noticed when it rains it leaks around the sliding window seals. I have a solid window top on my 86. I like the idea of having sliding windows, but I don't like them leaking. I'm not sure which one looks better and which will be the best to have in the long run. I will be selling my 86 and would like to have the best top on my 87. What's everyone's opinion on which one looks best and are the sliding windows worth the hassle of trying to keep them from leaking?

 

[codytr1]

I prefer slider, but ultimately it is your choice. I would reseal the glass and call it good.

 

[michael0584]

Its leaking through the sliding window, from what i can tell the only way to really fix it would be to replace the seals.

 

[USSkoval]

The non-slider looks clean and modern. I prefer the slider windows though, because of the function. Mine don't leak though either.

 

[trukker]

The solid window looks better imo

 

[install]

I have always wanted a slider myself.

 

[badmix]

I had sliders on my '84, they were a pain to actually slide and I wanted a cleaner look. Mine didnt leak so I got lucky there. swamping them is pretty easy especially if you have or get the lil plastic T tool to get the molding in (part that is in the center of the seal)

Before and after

 

[michael0584]

Yea I think I like the solid window best, and my ac blows cold so I wouldn't open them because of heat. The only reason I can think of opening them is while trail riding I could open them so my 2 sons could look out the windows. I guess I'll see If I can easily fix them from leaking, If I can I'll leave the slider top on, if not I'll swap on the solid window top.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I have them on the '89. Also have leaking issues but not sure if it's them or the topper seal.

Frankly now that I've had them for 3 months I've used them a few times and not for very long. I had intended on opening them for my dogs during the road trips but it gets problematic and if you have to close them for rain or something it's a stop and get out of the seat job.
Frankly if I had a choice I'd probably just go with tinted solids.

Then again LMC has a sliding window that's more like the windows on pickup toppers but they're frickin' expensive. Doesn't have the wing thing ours do. I might just take the wings off of mine...not sure what they're supposed to do anyways...other than let mold grow on the back of them.

 

[lectric80]

Good luck trying to get them sealed up. The only replacement seals I have found are a poor fit and don't do anything to improve the sealing. Biggest reason I ditched my sliders for solid factory tint windows. I had always planned on having the sliders, but after having them, I will never have another set of them.

 

[blazinzuk]

anytime its warm enough for the backseat passengers to use the sliders my top will be off....so.......... no sliders

 

[chulisohombre]

i think the slider windows look cooler,but i would not use them much i dont think.so solid tinted windows would be my preferance.my truck has enough rust,i wouldnt want one more thing that adds to that.

 

[loudnslow]

I like the one piece tinted better as well.
Other than junkyards, where's a good place to get these?

 

[chulisohombre]

glass shop maybe.or aftermarket like lmc or something like that.prob not as cheap as junkyard though.

 

[badmix]

check Craigslist or even ask around here, I actually got one side from Craigslist, guy was cleaning out garage and had topper laying around, I yanked the glass for 50bux. but I broke one side installing it and found a local glass guy to get me the other side for 100bux installed (figured let the pro do it this time, lol). Still not bad. I got my glass untinted and had them tinted, but You will need to get new seals, I got mine from LMC and it makes a difference weather you have factory tint or not.

 

[USSkoval]

I have them on the '89. Also have leaking issues but not sure if it's them or the topper seal.

Frankly now that I've had them for 3 months I've used them a few times and not for very long. I had intended on opening them for my dogs during the road trips but it gets problematic and if you have to close them for rain or something it's a stop and get out of the seat job.
Frankly if I had a choice I'd probably just go with tinted solids.

Then again LMC has a sliding window that's more like the windows on pickup toppers but they're frickin' expensive. Doesn't have the wing thing ours do. I might just take the wings off of mine...not sure what they're supposed to do anyways...other than let mold grow on the back of them.

For you fellas with leaks, check to make sure the drain holes are clear in the lower slider rail.

The wings are to direct more air into the cab. If you remove them, let me know, as I need one for the driver side.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I checked, they look good and open.

However...wtf is this for? Notice the grey plastic trim or something in the channel? Both sides have it.

 

[Drey]

Ive got sliders and love them, what I dont like are the retarded wind deflector glass peices. I messed up and wasted teh time to fix one then the other one broke. Before winter comes around the other one is coming back off!

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Do you guys have the grey plastic stuff in the channel on yours?


Drey, how do you take the wing thingies out?

 

[Metrodps]

I had solid and installed sliders! I know I posted diagram once and part numbers for topper seals might be able to get window seals from GM still.

Before

After

Side Window change 101 The seals are two part the rubber and a rubber insert locking rubber. I believe the main seal is like $99.00

Here is how I did my window change it was easy to do. You will need two flat head screw drivers and spray bottle of soapy water. A very small flat head to reinstall lock rubber. *if you have a window install tool works best about $5.00 for it. Looks like a pick with a pigs tail end.

1.) looking at window from outside you will see a little metal clip in the middle of rubber at the bottom. Take a small screw driver and pop that out.

2.) You will now see a small gap between the inner rubber strip. Take one end of it and pull it out in a lifting manor (away from truck).

3.) Now you will need two flat head screw drivers. Start a few inches from the lower rear corner and insert one screw driver in under the lip of the metal frame. Next spray some soapy liquid on rubber and insert other screw driver and work it around to lift the frame/glass out of rubber. *works best going to top.

4.) Once you get the rear upper corner out it is a breeze. Keep going till you have most of the top out of rubber. At this point you can pull the frame/glass out.

5.) I took the seals out and cleaned them in warm water to get crude and old black goop off. I used a butter knife to get it clean (DO NOT LET YOUR WIFE SEE YOU DO THIS).

6.) After they were dry I put a thin bead of black RTV on the fiberglass lip and placed rubber onto it.

7.) I then placed the lip of the frame/glass in to the front corner of rubber and started to wards the rear. Using the screw driver to pop the outer lip out at the rear and worked on up and over to toward the front. *you will need the soapy liquid from time to time.

8.) Once you have it in you will take the thin rubber piece that you pulled in step 2. Start in the middle bottom and insert it into the gap in the rubber *I used a small flat head to push the upper edge down into channel. The best way to describe this motion is kind of like a wrist flick or reverse knock.

9.) Now if you did every thing right you should have a little extra locking rubber when you get to bottom *(stretches when you pull it). Cut this as close to the other end as you can (about 1/4 inch).

10.) Now you will replace the metal clip pull both ends out just so you can slide them into the clip. Now press it into the grove.