The stage is set for installation....
The stage is set for installation. We've removed the backlight, including the grommet. All butyl sealer has been removed.
The idea of "restomodding" is enabling us to do things we've never dared do before with vintage Fords. Take the plexiglass R-Model back window for '65-'66 Mustang fastbacks for example. This plastic window was designed to save weight and operate as an air extractor in GT350 Shelby Mustang R-Model fastbacks when these cars were beating the pants off of Corvettes in SCCA competition. Did you know you can install one in your '65-'66 Mustang fastback today?
Tony D. Branda Mustang & Shelby has virtually anything and everything "Shelby" for classic Mustangs, including this groovy plexiglass rear window. To show you what you can do, we're installing it in a blown and injected 377ci stroker fastback at Duffee Motorsports in Phoenix.
Common sense must prevail, of course, when you're building a restomod. The Shelby R-Model rear window looks terrific, but it is impractical for the daily driver or even the weekend driver where rain often falls. The Shelby plexiglass window is more suitable for show cars and weekend play toys because, should it rain, your carpet and trunk area will likely get wet. Road noise is also a factor if you'd rather experience quiet behind the wheel.
Installing the Shelby window takes a lot of patience and an eye for detail. The rubber window grommet must be cut and trimmed to fit the plexiglass exactly. It's a good idea to lubricate the grommet and plexiglass for ease of installation. Otherwise, you install this window much like you would a windshield or backlight. We'll see how as Duffee Motorsports goes to work.
This is the plexiglass Shelby...
This is the plexiglass Shelby R-Model rear window for '65-'66 Mustang fastbacks. It arrives from Branda with a protective paper covering. Do not remove this covering until you're ready to install the window. We suggest keeping most of this covering in place during installation because plexiglass scratches easily.
Although we have removed the...
Although we have removed the protective covering, this is not recommended. The rubber grommet is installed carefully on the plexiglass window.
We suggest lubrication like...
We suggest lubrication like baby oil between the plexiglass and window for ease of installation. Be careful not to scratch the plexiglass.
Heavy-duty string goes in...
Heavy-duty string goes in the outer lip as shown to pull the lip inside the body during installation. Bring the two ends around to one side and keep them free for installation.
The window and grommet are...
The window and grommet are positioned in place. We slowly pull the string from the inside as shown.
This pulls the lip inside...
This pulls the lip inside the body, which secures the window in place. Gentle pressure from the outside helps the lip "pop" inside.
Press around the perimeter...
Press around the perimeter of the window to ensure security. Then install the stainless window molding.
Our R-Model plexiglass window...
Our R-Model plexiglass window looks sharp in a high-end restomod. Special care must be given this delicate window to prevent scratching.