Glassback Install

Sanctus

Sanctus

Member
May 17, 2005
146
2
19
Trabuco Canyon
#1
Alright gentlemen, I think I have come across a mod which greatly exceeds my abilities. Which means I have no choice but to do it myself. :D

Through a strange twist of events I got a hold of a CDC Glassback (Link) and I am looking to install it with the help of a few buddies.

With this type of mod I can't say I really know what I'm getting into but isn't that 1/2 the fun?

CDC wont supply any instructions to any non-authorized dealer which certainly complicates things. I have the template for sectioning out the roof center but even the placement of that is up to the installer's discretion.

I found this video Youtube that serves as a semi-instructional just without the specifics. But it doesn't mention what type of cleaner to use, what epoxy/sealant etc. I haven't even settled on what type of tool to cut through the roof (metal shears, Skillsaw, jigsaw?)

So if you have done a moon-roof/sun-roof install or anything of the like I'd be curious to get your feedback.

--Sanctus
 
#3
yeah, that takes some guts. I've watched that video before, and its actually quite good. On the plus side, you dont often get such a nice video on how to do a mod. That said, you also dont have to cut a hole in your roof for most mods.

I dont understand how the glass fits flush with the front windshield. The original metal from the roof that comes in contact with the windshield is not removed, yet the final product is supposed to fit flush with the front windshield. Other than that, it all seems to make sense. If you can get your hands on a finished one to inspect, it might answer any nagging questions left by the video.
 
#6
You have more guts than I. I would not attempt such a conversion no way, no how.
You could end up with a convertible and a car that's worth very little.
Best of luck.
 
#7
Good luck to you, this is quite an undertaking. I am guessing that CDC does not want unothorized shops installing these tops because of potential warranty problems etc. But if this is for your own use ONLY I would hope they can make an exception, perhaps if you were willing to sign a no warranty wavier.

I would use a jig saw to cut the roof if it were me. It is a lot easier to control than a cut off or other rotary tool, at least for me it is.

Again... Good luck and keep us posted on your project.
 
#8
Steel Horse said:
Since you race your car won't this have some adverse effects on performance? I don't know much abut them so just thinking out loud so to speak.
Click to expand...

My guess would be that it is much heavier than the stock roof, and so raises the center of gravity, as well as making it heavier in general. But, road racing is all about having fun too, not just the quickest lap times. Sometimes, in mid corner, you want to see the clouds. I doubt it would have a huge detrimental effect, and something that surly can be made up with driver skill.
 
#9
GreyDiesel said:
My guess would be that it is much heavier than the stock roof, and so raises the center of gravity, as well as making it heavier in general. But, road racing is all about having fun too, not just the quickest lap times. Sometimes, in mid corner, you want to see the clouds. I doubt it would have a huge detrimental effect, and something that surly can be made up with driver skill.
Click to expand...

Those are all good points, but what I first thought about was it will probably increase "Body Flex" in road racing conditions.
 
#10
Roadracing notes: From what I have read the glass weighs roughly 20lbs more than the OEM roof which yes is at the highest point on the car. Certainly not ideal. However, the glass itself is a dual laminated tempered and tinted piece which actually adds structural rigidity. Some fellow racer friends have questioned why I would do something to my car that doesn't make it go faster but at the end of the day this is my daily driver and secondly my weekend warrior. Any extra girth is offset by the cool factor. Plus, you don't know what I paid for it ;)

Installation Notes: Remarkably similar to a sun-roof installation this should be pretty straightforward. About the flushness of the windshield/glassback, the paper template provided allows the installer to place it as far forward or as far rearward as desired. I think it should be flush with the front for the desired effect but again this is a sort of grey area.

It also came with a type of plastic weatherstripping that kind of frames the glasstop as well as a custom premolded headliner which is pretty neat.

Some links:
S197 V6 install: Link
Chrysler Glassback Install : Link

Pictures:
3796228422_f16207feec.webp

3796228430_e988736558.webp

View attachment 249546
 
#13
bottom line is that CDC will not give you the instructions, even if you are not trying to make money on it. they want to be sure it is installed correctly to avoid any liability issues that may come up due to improper installation.

i have not seen it in person, but i imagine that the trim pieces merely give the illusion that the glassback is flush with the windshield, since the roof skin is not completely removed during installation, the glass has to sit on the roof. when i first heard about it, i assumed that it would replace the entire roof skin. seems to me that would be easiest and the best way to make it flush mount. guess CDC knows better than me. :shrug:

i think you are on your own for installation tips, unless you can find someone that has installed one as the tech and is willing to offer pointers.
 
#14
Awesome opportunity! I'd love to have one on mine! I got to watch a glassback install at a car show back in June. That was neat to watch! First step was removing the headliner (which I missed). I got over there right before they cut into the roof. They had a big heavy blanket spread out preventing from metal shavings from falling onto the interior. They used some type of cutting tool I've never seen before to cut a "V" notch in the center of the roof, but a large drill bit will work as well. All you need to do is make a hole large enough to get a jig saw blade into. They used a jig saw for the rest of the cutting. It's amazing to see that there is only a single thin layer of aluminum with no structural bracing in the roof! All the bracing is around the edges of the roof! They then scuffed all the paint on the remaining metal, cleaned it, let it dry, applied an adhesive promoter to both the metal and the glassback where it would attach, let that dry for about an hour or so. Then they used some type of sealant for the actual bonding of the glass to the metal. They taped all around the seam to keep it clean and said it would take about 14 hours for it to set up.
 
#19
Hey gang-

I've been working with Sanctus on this issue via email, and am hoping to be able to provide as much help as possible, and might be able to get him the actual instructions. There are a few hurdles I have to go through, but I am working on it.

As I told him over email, we do not pass these instructions out as many of you have stated, because of potential warranty issues and simply because the Glassback kit is not available directly to the end user. It must be purchased/installed by an authorized installer/dealer as each roof system has a serial number and is tracked. However, since we are car enthusiasts just like all of you, and our company was founded on the do-it-yourself idea, we might be able to bend the rules a little for Sanctus. :-)

To clarify a few comments above- you can use a jig saw to cut the hole, but we prefer to use a sheet metal sheer, as it makes almost NO metal shavings at all, and leaves you with a nice clean edge. The sheet metal that is removed IS rediculously thin, providing no structural support to the roof at all. The glass panel is a double-layer of glass that is laminated with a solar-absorbing laminate, and after crushing a Mustang for roll-over testing (yes, we crunched a car), it has been proven to be stronger than the factory Mustang roof.

Regarding making the glass panel flush- if we 'sank' the glass into the roof, it would affect the roof structural components as well as the glass thickness, altering its ability to keep your head cool. The OEM glass roof uses an entirely new roof stamping, which although is very cool, is simply just not feasible for the aftermarket. We provide trim pieces that surround the glass panel that are OEM in quality and appearance providing a flush appearance for the Glassback; most people don't even recognize them as not being stock when they are looking at the Glassback.
 
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