CypherWulf Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 I'm wondering if there's any way to easily/cheaply convert the triangular front window panels to old style vent windows. I'm sure you remember the ones that pivoted in the middle, and had a little latch that caught on the guide rail for the bigger window? I'm just wondering if it has been done, as it would be nice to be able to just get a little fresh air inside the truck without having to roll down the main windows. ::Edit::: found a pic for refrence (83 jetta) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookspanS Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Post a pic of your window. Because I thought all comanches had vent wing windows. If you look at mine, you can plainly see the hold for the lever (which broke) and the pivot in the middle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CypherWulf Posted September 29, 2008 Author Share Posted September 29, 2008 Here it is. From what I've read, none of the '86 'manches had vent windows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Adding vent windows is easy. Go to junkyard, remove vent windows from any MJ or XJ that has them, install in your truck. They are a bit of a pain to install, but not that bad. The big thing is to make sure the ones you buy are in good shape. The pivot holes in the top and bottom are known to wallow out and cause the window to leak and/or whistle. Getting a good pair is paramount. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CypherWulf Posted September 29, 2008 Author Share Posted September 29, 2008 good to hear that I'm not stuck with fixed glass forever, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtdesigns Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 or........ put 97+ doors that don't have the 1/4 windows... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CypherWulf Posted September 29, 2008 Author Share Posted September 29, 2008 TBH I probably won't do much in the way of modifing the body, at least not for a long while (I want to get it to the point where I don't have to worry about accelerating from 20-60 without waiting for my engine to decide weather or not it really wants to do it first), but little things like this that would be relativley cheap and easy and make my ride more comfortable are always good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 good to hear that I'm not stuck with fixed glass forever, thanks. IMO leave the fixed glass the vent windows tend to suck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjbliley Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 I am looking at returning mine to fixed cause the moveable ones leak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookspanS Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 From what I've read, none of the '86 'manches had vent windows. I guess I'm special :D . I have an '86 AND vent windows 8) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoenix of Fury Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 From what I've read, none of the '86 'manches had vent windows. I guess I'm special :D . I have an '86 AND vent windows 8) So do I. I didn't know they came without them either, nice when you're cruising down the highway and need that wind in your face, because your A/C is broken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooSteeler Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Vented ones were an option for sure, I'm just not sure if there were certain years they were or were not available. My guess is they were available all years. I had vented ones and switched to fixed because of the leaking and wind noise. Now I have A/C fortunately, but I'd never go back to vented. Assuming you don't have A/C, I would suggest getting a sliding rear window in lieu of vented quarter glass. JMO.... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoloCamo Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Yea, I have vented windows and they leak and howl big time. I'm actually going to try and seal mine up to cut down on the wind noise. I've already used some sealant to cut down on the leaking, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 IMO leave the fixed glass the vent windows tend to suck. +10,000! The operable vents LEAK. Count your blessings that you have the fixed windows and save your money for something that will be an improvement. I paid extra to get the optional operable vents on my '88 Cherokee. The XJ is now 20-1/2 years old. For 20 of those 20-1/2 years the vents have been glued shut with silicone because that's the only way I could stop the leaks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookspanS Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 From what I've read, none of the '86 'manches had vent windows. I guess I'm special :D . I have an '86 AND vent windows 8) So do I. I didn't know they came without them either, nice when you're cruising down the highway and need that wind in your face, because your A/C is broken. ..OR when you never even had A/C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 IMO leave the fixed glass the vent windows tend to suck. +10,000! The operable vents LEAK. Count your blessings that you have the fixed windows and save your money for something that will be an improvement. I paid extra to get the optional operable vents on my '88 Cherokee. The XJ is now 20-1/2 years old. For 20 of those 20-1/2 years the vents have been glued shut with silicone because that's the only way I could stop the leaks. Yup, they were dropped along about 1992 in the cherokee as an option, and good riddance. Plus, they were a terrible security risk. IMO, if you do anything find a nice set of 97+ doors with power windows and power locks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajohnson928 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I'm glad I read this before switching out to the openable wing windows. Assuming I installed doors from a 97+ Cherokee on my 89 MJ, how would I get the power windows and door locks to work? Just supply power and I'm good or is it a bit more complicated? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacks Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 No, no no... gotta have wing windows!! :P A rear slider doesn't do diddlie to create air flow!! Wing wiindows= poor man's A/C here in the north country where regular A/C is a waste. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 :agree: I have never understood this constant whining about the vent windows. I have them in my 91 and they have never leaked H2O inside the cab or inner door frame, ever. Maybe the gasketry was improved in the HO years as so much else was. I also have A/C, but hardly ever use it unless the temp is 90* plus or it's raining like he!!. Prefer good air flow thru the cab, and nothing does it like the vents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I gotta have vent windows. My current rig doesn't have them but I want them. I wish the MJs had the footwell vents like the J-Trucks or K-10s and whatnot. My current rig doesn't have a rear slider either, another thing I want to remedy since I consider it must have too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbyrambler Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Maybe an episode of MYTH BUSTERS could be devoted to this worn out MaryAnn/Ginger type leak thing :yes: - - My 1987 MJ had the adj vents & same as DonH - no leaks, noise or any probs - It also had a sliding RW - - - Rear sliders are wonderful for infinitely adj airflow - - A salesman schooled me on their ventilation use during a test drive back in '86 - Once you find the sweet spot of window opening, one or both, and corresponding slider position you'll be hooked - - Seems as though Slider airflow use is becoming a lost art :smart: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Seems as though Slider airflow use is becoming a lost art That would be because trucks today all seem to have solid windows, or cabs that place it too far back for it to be adjusted while driving. They should make a power slider option... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Were any design improvements made in the vent windows that would make later ones more desirable vs. the earlier ones? The '87 didn't have operable windows, the '90 did & they didn't leak, and the '92 has fixed vent windows and broken A/C. My passenger window glass is so scraped up/sandblasted that, in direct sunlight it's like looking through a window covered with frost. I figured I'd replace the glass when the next 1/2 price day rolls around at the jy and was considering operable vent windows while I have the door apart. Fixing the A/C is also an option if I grab a condenser, lines, compressor, and can break one line loose at the evaporator (currently seized tight). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Were any design improvements made in the vent windows that would make later ones more desirable vs. the earlier ones? No. The problem is that the vent glass doesn't have a full frame, so where the frame ends there's a small "step" from the metal to the glass, and the rubber gasket couldn't be molded closely enough to properly seal that point. That's where they leaked. If Hornbrod or anyone has one that DOESN'T leak there, consider it a major miracle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempus_Fugit Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I think the operable windows were based on trim level, not model year. Were any design improvements made in the vent windows that would make later ones more desirable vs. the earlier ones? The '87 didn't have operable windows, the '90 did & they didn't leak, and the '92 has fixed vent windows and broken A/C. My passenger window glass is so scraped up/sandblasted that, in direct sunlight it's like looking through a window covered with frost. I figured I'd replace the glass when the next 1/2 price day rolls around at the jy and was considering operable vent windows while I have the door apart. Fixing the A/C is also an option if I grab a condenser, lines, compressor, and can break one line loose at the evaporator (currently seized tight). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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