New Coupe Glass Retro-Fit Information

[Dave Smith]

As many of you know, the Gen 2 Type 65 Coupe has a glass hatch that replaces the plexi-glass and steel surround hatch of the original design. Many customers have asked if they could buy the new glass and retro-fit on the Gen 1 Coupes.

The part is now available and is being offered as a complete retro-fit assembly that includes new hinges, gas struts, main glass, and fasteners (requires re-use of thumb latch). Click here to visit the Factory Five Parts Catalog to place your order. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. The hatch costs $599 and is being offered to existing customers for just above our cost at $399 (plus shipping and handling).

Note: In development, the rear glass hatch was precisely fit to the NEW Gen 2 Coupe body. The glass hatch does not fit perfectly in the Gen 1 hatch opening. Factory Five President Dave Smith filmed a video showing the differences.



I took some close-up pictures of the new hatch retro-fit on my 2002 Gen 1 Coupe to show how it fits. As it is, I could probably shift the hatch over to the passenger side about 1/8" to improve fit, but this is how the new hatch will roughly fit on a Gen 1 Coupe. Customers who have seen the car (and myself) all agree that the glass hatch adds a very nice finish to the car. Still, the hatch is not a perfect fit and I want to make sure you guys know what to expect.


The glass hatch dramatically improves the look of the car and doesn't vibrate while driving.


The hatch is DOT safety glass. Note: The corners are rounded and the Gen 1 Body opening is squared off. For scale, the rivets are 1/4" in diameter.


This picture shows the driver side upper corner. I mounted the hatch without adjusting the hinge. The glass needs to be shifted over about an 1/8" as this side is too tight.


Here's a close-up of the top leading edge and bolt through for the glass hatch hinge.

[Dave Smith]

This is the upper right hand (passenger) side. I still need to move the glass towards this side about 1/8".


This is a bit larger photo of the upper edge of the glass hatch on the Gen 1 body.


The lower right hand corner is very tight and like the other side, the radius of the glass does not match the radius of the body. Also, rivet head diameter is 1/4" for scale purposes.

[ss95003]

Is the $399 price a temp sale price?

[John Dol]

Dave,

That's an awesome upgrade. I have the gen 1 coupe, however I did not buy it factory direct. Am I still entitled to the $399 price?

Thanks,

John

[xlr8or]

Hmmm.....

Should I or shouldn't I?

[Hankl]

Dave,

Very good job on the glass, fortunately, I'm the never-ending builder, so I haven't got to the body work yet!!

Hank

[MikeJones]

I was wondering about the fitment for Gen 1 coupes, and if the clearances can be increased by sanding the glass in the same way that it can be done for the front windscreen. It looks great and I think it is an excellent addition so will look to make the change.

Regards, Mike

[riptide motorsport]

Now I'm torn, or mabey just lazy!! sure is nice though...........Steven

[CJBergquist]

So there is a benefit to being a slow builder...

Dave, how long is this sale to Gen 1 customers going to last?

[kpeterson]

Looks like once again procrastination pays off. One rear glass ordered for 321. I've had the kit for four years and fortunately have not done any work on it.

My advanced reply to the likely comment from Mike N:

Maybe this was planned form the start.

Kerry P

[Russ Thompson]

Mike, it's tempered glass and I have been told you CAN NOT grind it, it will shatter.

Dave, great job showing the fit issues, the video was a great idea!

As we get these new hatches we can put more info into the pool. we have some guys here with some good ideas, lets see what cool solutions we can come up wit.

[John Card]

Order placed!

[RonSchofield]

Placed my order this morning. I've done so much changes to the body, what's a little more to get a nice rear piece of glass. This will finish the car to the level that I am looking for.

[RonSchofield]

Looks like once again procrastination pays off. One rear glass ordered for 321. I've had the kit for four years and fortunately have not done any work on it.

My advanced reply to the likely comment from Mike N:

Maybe this was planned form the start.

Kerry P

Kerry,

You haven't started yet, but I fear that you would still beat me at the rate that I am going. I have got to stop making changes so I can get my coupe painted.

Ron

P.S. Any trips my way?

[patti maloney]

Hi Guys,

the glass is here at Factory Five, it's going out with kits now, We are waiting for the box to ship them in (quite a box it is) they should be here next week, we'll get all owed out after that. If you want to pick one up we can package to send in your car..!!

thanks..!!

Patti

[kpeterson]

Kerry,

You haven't started yet, but I fear that you would still beat me at the rate that I am going. I have got to stop making changes so I can get my coupe painted.

Ron

P.S. Any trips my way?

Looks like procrastination and the pursuit of perfection have both paid off. If FFR said there was only one available, I'd let you have it. Your car really deserves this touch. I'm more excited at the idea of seeing it on your car than having sit with my parts.

No current trips to N.S. but I've been to Montreal (saw a really nice roadster 10 minutes from where I go) a few times recently and might be going back.

I tried to get 321 registered in 2010 (I got infected by your goal) but the paper work got stuck in Little Rock. Got it last week so mine's got a 2011 birth date. Did you make your goal of titled in '10?

Kerry P

[Tim Potts]

I was going to Pass on the Glass.
But at $399 thats hard to do!!!
Dave I sent you a PM.

[Russ Thompson]

I got one coming as well, I hope we can all work together and see how well we can getting tips out to make it as simple as possible.
Lates update from Dave, they are boxing them up for shipping.

[KodiakCoupe]

Placed my order today. Christmas in April?

[kpeterson]

Placed my order today. Christmas in April?

I thought it felt like Christmas most of the year up there

Kerry P

[jwirt]

I ordered mine march 27 2011
Joe" the owner of the bright yellow coupe"

[John Card]

I kept pestering Dave Smith until he relented and said that I was #1 on the wait list - one spot ahead of Russ! Squeaky wheel and all....

[Russ Thompson]

I think it's just the wait for the shipping boxes at this point. John,just tell the driver to leave it on the front porch! :-)

[John Card]

As if you need two of them....

The big question is, now what do I do with my virgin plastic window and frame? Sell it to someone with cracks in theirs?

[KodiakCoupe]

I thought it felt like Christmas most of the year up there

Kerry P

Hey! I resemble that remark. It's a balmy 29*F up here right now. Awww, Springtime!

I'm hoping the glass will arrive sometime before our annual Mother's Day blizzard. So it may be Christmas in May!

Oh well, at least my workshop is nicely heated.

[xlr8or]

My black body coupe #415 has the lower corners rounded like the new body so I'm thinking it may fit pretty well without body mods.

[RoadRacer18]

What's the status with the rear hatch? I came back looking to buy and it's no longer in the catalog.

[RoadRacer18]

Never mind. I found the other thread about the rear hatch glass recall.

[massawax]

I placed my order 3 weeks ago and it appears that F5 had some problems with the provider of the glass. Jason @ F5 told me that mine had arrived badly tempered and they sent it back. Apparently it is going to take several more weeks. It is a pity.
If anyone has news and comments, please let me know.
max
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Order placed!