Adding Alpine Windows

[NickDawson]

Hey folks,
As my search continues I have a question about tops, er rather windows.

I love the look of the alpine windows commonly seen on the tropical tops - I've noticed that our hosts sell the glass and seals.

Has anyone cut in their own alpine windows? Can it be done? And if so, are there templates available?

Thanks!
-N

[Jeff Aronson]

Nick,

I've seen it approached as a project in British magazines, so it's been done. The challenge would be getting the cut exact enough so the seal would fit exactly. Otherwise, you'll have another opportunity for leaks.

Jeff

[Bertha]

I did it on my 109 roof. You will need a template of the opening(I can send you one if I can find it) I used a plasma cutter, but a jig saw would work as well. The placement of the windows vary deping on if it is a 109 or 88. Not really that tough of a job.

[NickDawson]

I did it on my 109 roof. You will need a template of the opening(I can send you one if I can find it) I used a plasma cutter, but a jig saw would work as well. The placement of the windows vary deping on if it is a 109 or 88. Not really that tough of a job.

Thanks- glad to hear it can be done with a saw. Like Jeff said, I am sure the tolerances are tight though.

[ShootingCar]

template would be great

I am gearing up to do this as well. I have gotten the special tool to install the rubber molding. I got some measurements from Ike Goss (Leafsprung) for the location of the windows. But I don't know how much larger to cut the openings. So a template would be great to have for that. If you have them available could I get one from you? Nick, I have a bunch of photos from others on the installation and have a posting down the line on this also.
PM me if you need anything.
Jeff

[Linus Tremaine]

jim did it to his 88

http://www.seriestrek.com/headliner.html

no details, but finished product pics.

[LaneRover]

I've thought about putting one at the front of my Rover to improve the view of the driver at simple things like stop lights.

Unfortunately I think that curve is a bit too different.

Brent

[Terrys]

Thanks- glad to hear it can be done with a saw. Like Jeff said, I am sure the tolerances are tight though.

The tolerence isn't very tight. I replaced the seals in mine and the glass is about 1/8" smaller than the opening, all the way around. When you get the glass into the main seal, but before the filler piece is in place, the glass can move a little bit, side to side.

[LH Drive]

I picked up a pair of alpine window glass for a Series LR that came up on ebay a couple of months ago and plan to cut some holes on my 88 hard top. Been searching the net and have not found information on this kind of modification/install.
Terrys, If the hole was 1/8 larger than the glass. I could just make my own template by using mylar or some thin flexable plastic film. Spraying the curved inside of the alpine glass with 3M adhesive spray, stick the mylar film against the glass with the glue so it will not move. Then out line the alpine window with a fine point sharpie marker using the edge of the glass as a guide( the sharpie should make about an 1/8" line) then just remove the mylar film, cut out your pattern with some sizzors and whipe off the adhesive spray with accetone or just leave it on if you're cutting the hole that same day. I would wipe mine clean cause I don't know when i'll get around to finish the job.
I just don't know where to cut the hole on my 88. Would need some measurements from an original top that has the glass removed. Then I could spray more 3M glue on the mylar template, stick it on the hard top, mark it up with the sharpie, remove my template and cut away.

[ShootingCar]

Alpine Window Install-cont

LH Drive,
I picked up the magic sealing tool on this website or it may have been on Guns and Rovers. So I am in possession of it now and when done if you want it, let me know. It's $40.00 with shipping and has been passed down installer to installer. PM or email me if you want it next. I like your pattern idea. We are going to do this later this summer on mine. Did you get the seals? RN has them.

I have been procuring photos and info on this installation to gear up for it.

Jeff

[Terrys]

Perfect Timing. I just found this article on the LR UK Forums on changing alpine window seals.

http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.php?t=53438

[NickDawson]

Perfect Timing. I just found this article on the LR UK Forums on changing alpine window seals.
http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.php?t=53438

great replies and thanks for the link terrys!

[ShootingCar]

more info

Wow Terry, thanks for that link it added to the deciphering of this mystery! The following is another link to the installation of alpine windows that someone else posted on this forum.

As the Land Rover Forum post said, it appears to be the sealing installation tool that makes the difference. Ike Goss gave me relative measurements where to install the on the 88 roof if anybody wanted them. I was still trying to figure out how much larger to make the hole size. But per earlier posts here it appears to be 1/8" larger or less.

thanks Nick for posting a question that I was looking for as well.

Jeff

http://www.zen79997.zen.co.uk/percy/index.html

[LH Drive]

LH Drive,
I picked up the magic sealing tool on this website or it may have been on Guns and Rovers. So I am in possession of it now and when done if you want it, let me know. It's $40.00 with shipping and has been passed down installer to installer. PM or email me if you want it next. I like your pattern idea. We are going to do this later this summer on mine. Did you get the seals? RN has them.

I have been procuring photos and info on this installation to gear up for it.

Jeff

I would like to be next in line for the special tool. Wouldn't want to chip the alpine window by using the wrong tool for the job. I'm in no hurry so take all the time you need.
Your hard top looks better than mine so you should take plenty of step by step pictures and write up an article about the install. Maybe you could post it up here.

[mrdoiron]

Anyone ever use a D1 Apline window for Defender

I would of course need a proper template to cut, and the orig D1 rubber - but curious if anyone has done this ?
The hard top I have is a LR90 without Alpine Windows. Looking for best route to take

I am gearing up to do this as well. I have gotten the special tool to install the rubber molding. I got some measurements from Ike Goss (Leafsprung) for the location of the windows. But I don't know how much larger to cut the openings. So a template would be great to have for that. If you have them available could I get one from you? Nick, I have a bunch of photos from others on the installation and have a posting down the line on this also.
PM me if you need anything.
Jeff