One of my favorite things about driving in general, is the spring and summer time, cruising with the windows down. I think I'll feel a little confined with just the toll booth openings but we'll see.
I'm not under any illusions that I have the time or the patience to undertake the task of trying to modify these windows to open some other way, but I imagine the discussion must have taken place at some point over the past 35 years, and maybe a few attempts.
Here's what I found:
- Sliding windows on early prototypes.
- A custom car where they've removed the window (possibly permanently with no plans to take it in and out).
- Bob Bradys roll down window, which someone said is $5k.
- This thread which does not seem to have finished.
I was wondering if anyone has ever contemplated leaving the toll booth window functioning as it does, but creating a new large piece of window out of a lighter material that would be removable within a minute or two? I had windows on my Sterling that were like this. I'd open the door, take out the windows, and drive, arrive at the destination and put them back in if needed. It wasn't as much of a pain as you'd think. Furthermore, they 'popped' open a few inches, so if you were just going for a short drive you'd just vent, similar to 'just using the toll booth'. Here's a couple photos for your inspiration.
Sterling targa soft top roof.jpg Targa top latch.jpg
The nice thing about this is that you could keep your original fixed windows and re-install them either a) when you sell or b) in the winter time. By the way, my Sterling never leaked during my ownership. This design made a good seal.
Anyone think this idea would work? Any one know of other successful mods other than the ones I found?