Holding rear glass open while cruising

I'm preparing to fabricate something that would allow me to safely drive with the rear lift glass cracked open an inch or two. I understand that what ever I make would have to be able to properly support the glass and protect the hinges from flexing. Making the rear side fixed glass hinge out just like the glass right behind the door does would be even better, but more difficult. Has anyone done anything like this before?

I'm preparing to fabricate something that would allow me to safely drive with the rear lift glass cracked open an inch or two. I understand that what ever I make would have to be able to properly support the glass and protect the hinges from flexing. Making the rear side fixed glass hinge out just like the glass right behind the door does would be even better, but more difficult. Has anyone done anything like this before?

And why are you doing this?

I'm preparing to fabricate something that would allow me to safely drive with the rear lift glass cracked open an inch or two. I understand that what ever I make would have to be able to properly support the glass and protect the hinges from flexing. Making the rear side fixed glass hinge out just like the glass right behind the door does would be even better, but more difficult. Has anyone done anything like this before?


To be honest I've driven around for years with the rear hatch window fully open and never noticed a problem with the hinges or the struts... Worst I could see happening is the struts would weaken by constantly doing that but the amount I personally do that I doubt it would be much of a problem... They're pretty well supported windows..

I've driven with mine wide open several times and haven't noticed any damage, either.

And why are you doing this?

Because I prefer driving with my windows open. I hardly ever use the AC and actually wish it would have been possible to get the truck without it. Besides increasing the ventilation I also think it would look trick. Imagine having the rear glass power into the tailgate like the wagons of the past. Cool in my book. Plus my dog would like it!

The main reason this is not done is because the exhuast can possibly enter the truck. Carbon Monoxide is colorless and ordorless, enough gets in the truck you fall asleep and Die!!! There is a vacuum created at the back of the truck due to its aerodynamics, thats why the back window gets so dirty compared to your windshield. I know it can be done and others have done it, just giving you the warning on the dangers !!

The main reason this is not done is because the exhuast can possibly enter the truck. Carbon Monoxide is colorless and ordorless, enough gets in the truck you fall asleep and Die!!! There is a vacuum created at the back of the truck due to its aerodynamics, thats why the back window gets so dirty compared to your windshield. I know it can be done and others have done it, just giving you the warning on the dangers !!


Other than the extra dirt collecting in your truck it's not dangerous at all if your driving around with all the windows open like the OP implies. I agree that there is a danger if only the rear hatch was open.

Yeh there is nothing wrong with it but have windows open.I turn my vents on low just because with me leaking oil i rather have more of the smell dissappated when i get on the throttle.Other than that no smells just more air.

Other than the extra dirt collecting in your truck it's not dangerous at all if your driving around with all the windows open like the OP implies. I agree that there is a danger if only the rear hatch was open.

You are absolutly correct about having "ALL" windows open. I was just trying let people know why the Auto makers do not recommend the window open while driving or offer options like they did in the past where it would go down in the tailgate. They could not be sure people would use it properly with other windows open and all you need is one accident and the lawyers would have a feild day with the manufacturer.

Actually, having your rear window open while driving will allow carbon monoxide and other exhaust gases to enter through the open rear window which is unsafe and unhealthy.

ther are already exhaust valves that allow air out the rear of the vehicle.

I was gonna close my glass, but I got high.
I could have closed it real fast, but I got high.
Now, I'm in the ditch, and I know why, cuz I got high.
Because I got high
Because I got high

I was gonna close my glass, but I got high.
I could have closed it real fast, but I got high.
Now, I'm in the ditch, and I know why, cuz I got high.
Because I got high
Because I got high

:lol:

Good one!

But really, it is really unhealthy. I was taken to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning when I was younger because my parents had the rear window down on our full size blazer and the constant exposure to the exhaust fumes was the cause. My parents sold the truck a week later. They knew there was exhaust coming in yet being old morons they were, they thought nothing would happen. This proved them wrong. I was in the hospital overnight on observation.

Because of that reason alone, most SUV manufacuters don't allow anyone to lower their rear windows anmore and most have removed the ability to do so.

Under front cowl is the fresh air intake and in the rear window pillars there are supposed to be exhaust vents to allow air flow through the cabin.

So to anyone considering this, there is a reason the window is installed that way and you opening it will only put yourself and your passengers health in danger.

It isn't fun being on a oxygen mask overnight and sick, you don't want to go there. :(

:lol:

Good one!

But really, it is really unhealthy. I was taken to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning when I was younger because my parents had the rear window down on our full size blazer and the constant exposure to the exhaust fumes was the cause. My parents sold the truck a week later. They knew there was exhaust coming in yet being old morons they were, they thought nothing would happen. This proved them wrong. I was in the hospital overnight on observation.

Because of that reason alone, most SUV manufacuters don't allow anyone to lower their rear windows anmore and most have removed the ability to do so.

Under front cowl is the fresh air intake and in the rear window pillars there are supposed to be exhaust vents to allow air flow through the cabin.

So to anyone considering this, there is a reason the window is installed that way and you opening it will only put yourself and your passengers health in danger.

It isn't fun being on a oxygen mask overnight and sick, you don't want to go there. :(



Ahhhh! That explains many things!!!!

LOL!

Ahhhh! That explains many things!!!!

LOL!


You owe me 2 new 20" lcd's and a keyboard and a fresh cup of coffee damint! :nutkick:

Real mature guys, I am trying to help someone avoid a potentially harmful situation and you laugh at me being in the hospital.

Thanks for your understanding.

Because of that reason alone, most SUV manufacuters don't allow anyone to lower their rear windows anmore and most have removed the ability to do so.

I guess thats why I'm the only Blazer around with sliding rear glass on the sides.

I guess thats why I'm the only Blazer around with sliding rear glass on the sides.

I am sorry that I wasn't more specific, I meant RECENT SUVs.

A lot of them stopped allowing the rear window to go down because of this.

Real mature guys, I am trying to help someone avoid a potentially harmful situation and you laugh at me being in the hospital.

Thanks for your understanding.

Now you guys see what you've gone'n'done! Moderator's get hurt too!
I understand LT. Damn. You really can put a guilt-trip on though. I felt guilty myself!

I agree the possibility of exhaust fumes entering the cabin is a serious problem that needs to be taken into consideration here. This is the reason why many owners manuals will tell you not to drive with the lift glass open.

Like some have touched upon, the location and size of a rear glass opening, how fast the vehicle is traveling and whether or not the front windows and/or vents are open, will all effect whether or not dangerous gasses are drawn in.

Some modern vans and wagons have side window vents all the way in the rear. Convertibles and Jeep Wranglers are completely open in the rear. The people driving these vehicles are not having exhaust gas problems. All modern vehicles (Blazers included) have dash air vents that are always open, even when turned to OFF. So creating a small additional opening on the rear of the Blazer while the front windows are open shouldn't expose passengers to unsafe conditions. I would never recommend cruising at highway speeds with the lift glass wide open. (especially with the front windows closed)

I agree the possibility of exhaust fumes entering the cabin is a serious problem that needs to be taken into consideration here. This is the reason why many owners manuals will tell you not to drive with the lift glass open.

Like some have touched upon, the location and size of a rear glass opening, how fast the vehicle is traveling and whether or not the front windows and/or vents are open, will all effect whether or not dangerous gasses are drawn in.

Some modern vans and wagons have side window vents all the way in the rear. Convertibles and Jeep Wranglers are completely open in the rear. The people driving these vehicles are not having exhaust gas problems. All modern vehicles (Blazers included) have dash air vents that are always open, even when turned to OFF. So creating a small additional opening on the rear of the Blazer while the front windows are open shouldn't expose passengers to unsafe conditions. I would never recommend cruising at highway speeds with the lift glass wide open. (especially with the front windows closed)

This is true.

The thing is, the window does not have to be open for this to occur nor do you have to be at highway speeds.

The rear of our blazers already have rear one way exhaust valves in the rear window pillars already. You don't need to open the rear window.

The most harmful components of the exhaust are odourless and can really sneak up on you.

If you want good air circulation, I have great luck by opening the opposite window other than the one you are next to. For example, if you have the driver's window down a bit, open the rear passenger window and bit and you will feel the difference.

My Blazer won't even let you open the back window unless it is in Park. Not from the keys, from the dash switch, or the tailgate button. Convertibles and Jeep Wranglers are not of any concern. They haven't a cieling to trap the rising CO2.

Convertibles and Jeep Wranglers are not of any concern. They haven't a cieling to trap the rising CO2.

Good point. Did I mention I have a sunroof? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Real mature guys, I am trying to help someone avoid a potentially harmful situation and you laugh at me being in the hospital.

Thanks for your understanding.

I mean no disrespect BLT, just having a little fun. :evillol:

Sometimes I can't help myself.

Convertibles and Jeep Wranglers are not of any concern. They haven't a cieling to trap the rising CO2.

After giving this more thought I have concluded that it's not so much a "trapping" issue, (at least not while driving) as it is a situation where the fumes are drawn in and continuously flow through the vehicle, like when BlazerLT went on his vacation "trip". (sorry, I couldn't resist) It would probably be best to error on the side of safety and leave the rear gate closed.

After giving this more thought I have concluded that it's not so much a "trapping" issue, (at least not while driving) as it is a situation where the fumes are drawn in and continuously flow through the vehicle, like when BlazerLT went on his vacation "trip". (sorry, I couldn't resist) It would probably be best to error on the side of safety and leave the rear gate closed.

That is extremely creative.

I wish it was a "trip", but the wooziness, vomiting and the headache is the worst thing I have ever went through.

Glad you made the smart choice for your health. ;)

I have heard that as long as your exhaust exits out the side behind the tires you should be ok and it is not that bad, it is when you do a custom exhaust that exits straight out the back. When I do my dual exhaust it will exit at an angle just behind both rear tires so if I wanted to ahve that glass open I could. But as always, it is better to be safe then sorry and I agree with BlazerLT, the most deadly gasses in your exhaust are odorless so please everyone be safe when cruising in the summertime. Good luck

I have heard that as long as your exhaust exits out the side behind the tires you should be ok and it is not that bad, it is when you do a custom exhaust that exits straight out the back. When I do my dual exhaust it will exit at an angle just behind both rear tires so if I wanted to ahve that glass open I could. But as always, it is better to be safe then sorry and I agree with BlazerLT, the most deadly gasses in your exhaust are odorless so please everyone be safe when cruising in the summertime. Good luck


My dad thought that as well see the exhaust on our old K5 Blazer exited the side too.

The airflow going over the side, bottom and top of the truck actually all curve around the back of the truck.

He never ever made that mistake agin, we warned him so many times and he bawked it until I was in the hospital. I still will never forgive him for it.

Dude let it go, he was not trying to kill you, he is just old school. Same with any older guy, they were right and you were wrong even if exactly what you said happened. But I hear yea. Some people are never wrong. Forgive, forget, move on. But I do see that the apple didn't fall far from the tree! :evillol: