unknown_host

iTrader: (1)

I have two questions:

Is there an aftermarket hatch or hatch glass for our cars that would work decently for a street driven car? Not a daily driven car, just occasional street driving. My factory hatch glass needs to be replaced, it is cloudy on the edges. I just don't want to spend the time and money to swap it if it is not for a performance gain.

Also, for those who have converted their rear hatch to a manual latch, how much weight savings was there?

Thanks!

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

I've never heard of any replacements for them aside from Used hatches, and lexan race hatches. The lexan hatches would encounter the same issues as the lexan T-Tops requiring alot of maintenance and being rather fragile.

Perhaps one of the Notchback tops? They should be lighter with much less glass area.

blue birdy 87

Ive always liked the look of this one

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/pr...ack-Hatch.html

Bit of money and cannot find the specifics on its weight, but its fiberglass and less window glass, so I'd assume its lighter

Homer23

I don't like the look of that notchback but if they have a supply of those and factory ones, you should be able to call them to give you a weight of both.

paul_huryk

I have an aftermarket notch on my Camaro and can give advice:


Pros:
It is about 50lbs lighter than stock, even with a wing on it.
It looks good from the outside and people generally like the look.
Keeps the sun out of the rear of the car very nicely.

Cons:
Has zero sound insulation properties - you hear the wind, exhaust and everything from the rear.
Terrible visibility through the window.
Mine sits a tad cockeye as it is fiberglass and very large. I've seen ones much worse, none much better.
Window is typically plexiglass - very scratchable if you don't clean it and care for it correctly. If you tint a clear one, you won't be able to get the tint off.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

speedglass and watch out for scratches is about the only choice for weight savings. Then there's the fiberglass decklid as well from VFN

86iroc2try

Keep in mind how nose heavy the car is...keep the glass for rear end weight. Take weight off the back of the car and it makes the car that much MORE noseheavy. Just a thought.

paul_huryk

Yes, but why keep deadweight you don't need to - especially that it sits very high in the car?

I noticed an improvement in handling by going with a notch - although I did change to a fiberglass hood at exactly the same time...

Shagwell

Speedglass here + Hairyglass deck lid, can't say I'd reccomend it for a street car though -





It's plausible to build some sort of lightweight frame/structure for it to make it accessible, and if done right it would still be considerably lighter than the stock stuff. - That said, I agree with 86iroc2try, there are more logical places to remove weight.