has anyone ever tried making the rear hatch window roll down?

[Marcus Aurelius]

I've been thinking that the old idea of a roll down rear hatch window would be a cool idea, like they had on the broncos. Has anyone else thought of this ot attempt it? I know it would be alot of modifcation work with probably having to move the wiper arm and motor, the license plate indentation on the later 2nd generation, and the hatch handle.

 

[BrianDye]

Never thought of that, but ive wanted to do a power remote hatch like the navigator and minivans lmao

 

[kohizer95]

This is the one thing that I'm jealous of 4runner owners for.

But I don't think this would be possible on an explorer, I believe the glass is wider at the bottom than the width of the hatch.

 

[rileyrs]

it might be easier to mod the rear hatch with a rolling window from a bronco or 4runner, to fit the X, and then paint it.

just a thought.

cuz ya it seems like alot of work to make your X's stock hatch and glass be a roller.

 

[BrianDye]

Yeah, honestly now, thinking about it, it would be pointless in my opinion; you'd loose your wiper, and the lock and handle and all that, unless you re-mounted it like in the low corner or something, I think it would be way to much work, unless you got a BII tailgate and basically fabbed it to fit LOL that would be pretty badass i think...

 

[kevinspann]

This is the one thing that I'm jealous of 4runner owners for.

But I don't think this would be possible on an explorer, I believe the glass is wider at the bottom than the width of the hatch.

I wouldnt be jealous of a 4runner owner. Note the fact that there is no handle on the back of them to open the hatch. Dead battery or bad window motor? You ain't gettin in.

 

[kohizer95]

good point. But I like the fact that they're able to drive around with it open. I see this guy with his golden retriever in the back all the time, the dog sticks his head out the back window.

and if the motor died, i could open the hatch. i never use my glass for access to anything anyway

 

[Fish Man]

my wife has a 4 runner...the hatch doesnt open manually so you couldnt open it if the battery died.

 

[Carguy3J]

Poor dog!

good point. But I like the fact that they're able to drive around with it open. I see this guy with his golden retriever in the back all the time, the dog sticks his head out the back window.

I wouldn't be to eager to have this "feature". Driving around with your rear hatch open is dangerous. It tends to suck exhaust fumes into the cabin. This is bad for both the driver and that poor dog. (not to mention the dog could just jump out)

Plus, if you remember, those Bronco rear windows and gates were nothing but trouble. Not only did the motors fail, but it was a great way for water to get in and collect at the bottom of the gate, which would then rot out.

Yeah, it seemed like a kinda cool thought, but just not practical. Kinda like my idea of trying to add a factory sunroof to my Explorer that didn't have one.:scratch:

 

[kohizer95]

I'll be sure to let that guy know the next time I see him.
Maybe the apparent happy look on the dogs face was caused by fume inhalation. I'm concerned now. haha

And if your battery dies, why would you want your hatch open? just wait to unload the golfclubs, or grab the jumper cables over the seat.

I'm done. Ford beats Toyota.

 

[Cobraguy]

Yeah, it seemed like a kinda cool thought, but just not practical. Kinda like my idea of trying to add a factory sunroof to my Explorer that didn't have one.:scratch:

What is impractical about that? There are thousands of them running around that have had that done. My 95 is one of them. In fact, I like the controls better than factory.

 

[Carguy3J]

What is impractical about that? There are thousands of them running around that have had that done. My 95 is one of them. In fact, I like the controls better than factory.

I'm confused. Are you talking about a sunroof, or a power roll-down rear hatch glass?

I'm gonna guess, since you mentioned controls, that you're talking about a sunroof. I'm also guessing that you re saying that you have added a non-factory sunroof to an Explorer that didn't have one. I agree that is very doable. My thought had been to remove a factory sunroof setup at the junkyard, and add it to my truck that did not come from the factory with a sunroof, nor has it ever had an aftermarket setup. I was told by several people that doing that would be a nightmare, since the factory setup has various channels and other stamping features in the roof sheetmetal that my truck would not have. I basically have to graft on a whole section of roof from a donor vehicle. If this is not the case, and it's basically just cutting a hole and running a few wires, please let me know. I would like to do this one day if that's all it takes.

 

[Marcus Aurelius]

I think Cobraguy went off on the sunroof from the previous post.

And on that note on adding a sunroof, either aftermarket or your donor/ graft idea, how about making the whole roof glass like the multipanel vista roof on the Edge. I know that would take away from the Explorer's cargo capability, but it might be an interesting mod for a more street kept Explorer.

-Marc

 

[Cobraguy]

Without comparing roofs, I couldn't tell you what would be involved putting a factory unit in one. It sure would be something to look at though. There are some very talented individuals out there that could help you with any metal work that might be required.

This company more than likely supplied the factory sunroof. They no longer show the 2nd gen available...but I hear they can still be bought. This is one very high quality product. By no means should you consider this some sort of hack product. So if you can find one for your car, and can afford it (it ain't cheap!!), this is the way to go. We have a shop here that can do it in a day.

http://www.webastoshowroom.com/index02.html