Vent Windows

The vent windows on the PF coupe are a lot more complicated than on the 330.  There are a total of 21 parts for each window.  The two rubber seals aren't in the picture.

The first order of business was to figure out how all of these parts go together (after locating all of them).  Then I used some rubber tape (old style electrical tape) to wrap the edge of the glass where it fits into the frame.  This made the glass fit tight and not rattle.  Once the glass was in the frame, I put the two blocks that fit at the top and bottom of the frame.  These keep the glass from sliding out of the frame.  The next item was the latch assembly.  The last thing was to install the hinge.

Then I put the rubber seal in the window frame.  You can see the cross section on the left.  You need to punch two holes, one for the hinge and the other for the pin that the vent window rotates on.  Since the rubber is hollow, just using a punch would collapse the rubber and the holes wouldn't be in the right places.  So I cut a strip of plywood just the right size to fit into the rubber.  Then I was able to punch the holes without any more problems.

Here you can see the rubber installed in the window frame.

The final thing was to install the vent window in the frame, attached the hinge and put on the clamp that holds the pin.  So 19 parts later, one side is done.

One tool that I've found invaluable for cutting rubber is a Sears Accu-Cut rubber shear.  This makes smooth accurate cuts on rubber hose, solid rubber, foam and sheet rubber.  I was able to trim the ends of the rubber seal a little long and then cut off just the right amount at the right angle to fit snugly.  I would never go back to knife cutters after using this tool.