Type 65 Coupe Rear Glass Hatch Update

[Dave Smith]

The Third Time is the Charm

We were very excited when we got our new glass hatches made for the Gen 2 Coupe some months ago. Our disappointment was just as big when we found that the glass manufacturer didn't temper the glass correctly. We changed suppliers (new guy in the U.S.), and thirteen weeks ago, we told everyone we'd have parts to them in eight weeks.

About a month ago, we received the first article from our new supplier. We test fit the glass, and were happy, but they weren't! Yesterday, we received the second (modified) glass hatch and have given our thumbs up. It will take them exactly one week to manufacture these hatches after which they will be delivered to us and mailed to all 38 people waiting for this part.

Patti in materials in attempting to have the new glass hatches drop shipped from the manufacturer to reduce time. I am posting photos here that shows the fitment of the new glass hatch on the Gen 2 Coupe (perfect). I also asked Jesper to mount this new glass hatch on my old Gen 1 Coupe to show guys who are updating Gen 1 cars the degree to which it fits (remember, the Gen 2 body was updated and the hatch was made to fit the Gen 2 body).

Lastly, we destructively tested the hatch for tempering according to US DOT standards and it passed perfectly.

The bottom line is that this long ordeal looks to be over shortly and everyone will have their hatches within a few weeks. I want to apologize for this delay and I also want to thank all of you for your patience, especially customer Micael Jacobsson who first discovered this problem and brought it to our attention.


Gen 1 Type 65 Coupe


Gen 2 Type 65 Coupe with new glass hatch positioned


Fitment of driver's side lower corner


Fitment of driver's side upper corner


Fitment of passenger side upper corner


Fitment of passenger side lower corner


Note: The new glass hatches are made to fit specifically the Gen 2 Type 65 Coupe body. These bodies are noted by their red gel coat construction.

[Dave Smith]

Gen 1 Type 65 Coupe glass hatch INSTALLED to show degree of fitment for customers retro-fitting cars.


Driver's sire upper corner is very tight (best if you haven't painted your car).


Passenger side upper corner. Glass can go up a bit as there is more space on this side.


Passenger side lower corner. Note: Original Gen 1 Type 65 Coupe body has a squared-off perimeter and the glass hatch is a radiused edge.


Driver's side lower corner. Tight on the outside with space on the lower edge.


This is looking down along the driver's side length of glass showing the tight driver's side fit.


We destructively tested the new glass hatch and the tempering was to spec.

[Dave Smith]

Installed glass hatch on the Gen 1 Type 65 Coupe


Positioned glass hatch on the Gen 2 Type 65 Coupe

[xylonmedia]

Awesome! Thanks Dave for the update. I know the guys are anxious to get them!

[John Card]

Thanks for the update Dave, I just called and spoke with Meredith and Patti about this today. My car has been at a standstill over at Jeff Miller's waiting for glass so they can proceed - no progress for about 2 months now. So I'm DYING for the glass to get there. And I'm sure Jeff wants it out of there as well.

[Dave Smith]

John! I picked up the phone when I heard a coupe glass call come in just as I was working on this post and I spoke to Batman himself. Jeff is such a GREAT guy and I know how patient you've been. Jeff is pretty anxious to get her done for you asap so I wont waste a day getting the hatch to you! Thanks again for the patience. All we have to do now is get those Mendeola boxes out as promised and we can look forward to a peaceful fall building season! Thanks again.

[riptide motorsport]

Looks like it fits the gen 1 very nicely.

[CJBergquist]

Dave is there still a "special" on the glass hatch for the Gen I owner/builders?

[rj35pj]

This new glass really looks nice. It adds a really finished look to the coupe.

[Rich_S]

Thanks for the update Dave, Well worth the wait. Great job by USA Mfg.

[KodiakCoupe]

Thanks very much for the update Dave. I'm looking forward to seeing the new glass soon.

[68GT500MAN]

John, your baby should be back from the cave soon! Let me know when it arrives.
Doug

[John Card]

I hope so... It's been gone since May 3rd. I almost forget what it looks like....

[xlr8or]

Then your garage should be nice and clean now.

[John Card]

Better than it has been in the last 5 years, that's for sure....

[tfalk]

Got the call, mine is being delivered tomorrow... Shame the car is buried, won't be
able to see how it fits for a while.

Anyone in the NJ area need a glass hatch? I'm going to be listing my car for
sale at some point in the near future, I'm not going to be able to get in or out
of the car long term after I have shoulder surgery.

[allbite]

I got the call as well. It'll show up tomorrow, I'm very excited to put it on...

[Georgia Coupe]

I received mine on Tuesday afternoon and it was all in one piece! Now I can get this thing into paint.

[68GT500MAN]

John, Did your glass make it down to the Bat Cave?
Doug

[John Card]

Yep, it got there Tuesday. Eagerly awaiting.....

[68GT500MAN]

Let me know when it arrives back home and if you need any help.
Doug

[Jeff Collins]

MADE IN USA, MADE IN USA! Glass looks great and will be a nice upgrade to already awesome car.

[Rich_S]

Arrived today! GLASS is GREAT! Almost too "Factory" for the coupe, but I'll just have to live with it.

Nice to have the DOT notation and F5 logo on the car!

Thanks Factory Five.

Rich

[Fluge]

Got mine today also...very nice piece!! Thanks to Dave and FFR for all the work put into getting this done.