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I recently purchased a 91 TA and one of the previous owners sandblasted Trans Am on the front windshield and the Firebird logo along with some other strange star thing on the back glass. Replacing the windshield I'm assuming shouldn't be an issue, but I'm concerned about the back glass. Is it still true that you can't just replace the back glass on 91-92 cars? Is my only option to be on the look out for a complete hatch? Suggestions where to look?
The frame on the rear glass on the 91-92 TA/GTA has clips welded to it. So you really need a rear hatch from the 91-92, or you have to get the clips off your frame and bond them to the "new" hatch
Here you can see the clips that are on the band that goes around the edge of the glass. I put a different wing on the car and did not need/want the clips. I got a JY hatch with no clips and swapped the glass without touching the band. This way I preserved my claim of having all original panels on the car.
New glass on original hatch panel drilled for new wing:
You're not too terribly far from me. I'm at the top of Kentucky right next to the Ohio river. I have a red 91 GTA rear hatch with fiberglass rear spoiler. The spoiler is junk, but if this hatch will work for you let me know.
Here's a pic:
Last edited by kentuckyKITT; 12-08-2017 at 07:02 PM.
You're not too terribly far from me. I'm at the top of Kentucky right next to the Ohio river. I have a red 91 GTA rear hatch with fiberglass rear spoiler. The spoiler is junk, but if this hatch will work for you let me know.
Here's a pic:
Hi There! What are you asking for the hatch? I'm assuming it's not terrible hard to swap out spoilers? How's the condition of the hatch besides the spoiler?
I'm torn on what to do, my current hatch is in perfect shape with the exception of the design etched on the glass which I do not want to keep. I'd love to be able to find someone who can confidently just swap out the glass and let me use the original hatch.
Here you can see the clips that are on the band that goes around the edge of the glass. I put a different wing on the car and did not need/want the clips. I got a JY hatch with no clips and swapped the glass without touching the band. This way I preserved my claim of having all original panels on the car.
New glass on original hatch panel drilled for new wing:
Final:
How complicated was it to remove the glass from the old hatch and replace it with the "new" glass from the donor car? Are the clips for the wrap around spoiler? I plan to keep my wrap around spoiler so I'm hoping I can just reuse the same clips?
You can swap out the glass only, but it will have to be 91-92 because of the high mounted stop light unless you want to mess with rewiring that too.
It isn’t like a windshield, though. The hatch has to be completely disassembled to swap the glass part and it can be tricky to get it all reassembled. Much easier to swap a complete hatch. Only the windshields are available at glass shops, have to find used stuff for all the other glass.
I think I'd try camouflaging the etching before replacing the hatch. I would imagine that you could fill the etched surface with paint to darken it up a bit. A little black or maybe even clear should make it stand out a lot less.
It could be worse... I had a Thunderbird TurboCoupe with roses etched in both 1/4 windows. LOL
Hi There! What are you asking for the hatch? I'm assuming it's not terrible hard to swap out spoilers? How's the condition of the hatch besides the spoiler?
I'm torn on what to do, my current hatch is in perfect shape with the exception of the design etched on the glass which I do not want to keep. I'd love to be able to find someone who can confidently just swap out the glass and let me use the original hatch.
If I recall correctly, the glass is in good shape. The only known issue is that one of the strut screws at the back was broke off inside the mounting tab which could either be re-drilled and tapped or you could swap the metal bracket with yours. It just bolts on underneath. I'm told the spoiler just unbolts and slides off the clips. I initially figured on someone taking it all, but if you don't want the spoiler, I'll remove it. I did have someone interested in it for repairing another one. $100 for the hatch if you want it. PM if you are interested and I'll get you the details.
On another note, after looking at your picture of the etching, that's not too bad. I was expecting to see a giant bird covering the entire glass. Depending on how deep that it is, it may be able to be sanded and buffed out. I've seen that done before in the past.
I think I'd try camouflaging the etching before replacing the hatch. I would imagine that you could fill the etched surface with paint to darken it up a bit. A little black or maybe even clear should make it stand out a lot less.
It could be worse... I had a Thunderbird TurboCoupe with roses etched in both 1/4 windows. LOL
LOL! Oh wow that would suck. I was thinking maybe even a strip of window tinting on the outside of the window? Not sure how well it would stick but it might do a decent job.
12-02-2017, 08:56 PM
