Has anyone ever given any thoughts to venting rear windows? Can anyone think of a way to do this?

 

Interesting idea.

 

VW Bugs call them pop-out windows. Doesn't help here but the windows are similar in size.

 

So to think there is anyway to achieve this with a new MINI? I had a 75 RHD Austin Mini. Had the windows. Just would love to see that functionality on a MINI, hell if a minivan can do it.....

 

MINI needs decent flow thru ventilation

 

^+1. The pop up rear sunroof doesn't quite cut it. 10 lap dances to the first one who figures out how to do it!

 

My '77 and '87 Civics had them too. Wondered about this too! I'm sure it's doable, just how much do you want to spend?

 

If I can't find someone who's done it, I'm gonna make my own. I'll let you know when I make some progress.

 

Two things: First, how do you plan to seal the window? The VW's windows pull against a seal. The Mini's windows are held in by a seal. Second, how do you plan to mount and hinge the window? You cannot drill through tempered glass. That means you will have to have a window made, drilled and then tempered or figure out another way to mount the hinge and closure mechanism. You may want to go to your local pull a part and find a mini van. Take a look at how the OEMs do it. Interesting idea though. I hope you figure something out.

 

Many years ago I had a 1977 SAAB 99 EMS that had that, really liked it.

 

I think a mini van window is larger than the rear windows of the MINI. You might be able to buy the mini van window with the locking mech. and hinges and the have the glass cut somewhere to the correct dimensions to fit the MINI. You could also. Buy the rubber seal from the mini van and then figure out a way to attach it to the MINI.

 

Its doable except for the air bags and exterior water mitigation. The hinges and latch are available in a lot of different forms from all of the car makers. Many years ago we asked the Mini designers to put pop out windows in the Mini.......turns out it was a cost thing, so no go. Us Mini owners need a pop out window retro fit kit! Comon' venders.

 

It seems to me that the way the aerodynamics are along the trailing edge of the rear side windows, you'd be inviting road dirt to enter into the car.

At least from what I have noticed, the last 4-6 inches of the glass collects and holds dirt while the remaining portion forward stays somehwhat clear.

Aerodynamically speaking, I'm not so sure I would want to open that window while driving down the road. It is a great idea however.

Maybe if it were a split window and the forward halves were able to be popped open.

 

You can't cut tempered glass. It will bust into a million and one pieces.

 

Could you have a custom plexiglass window made that could have a section that slides, or pops open?

 

I doubt that the rear window is truely flat, so you would to have one molded. Plus, plexiglass is soft and easy to scratch but still harder than glass. You would be better off using a polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is typically used in the making of motorcycle windshields. One thing you could do, is find someone that could heat up the original windows to over 900 degrees. This will anneal (remove the tempered properties) the window and allow it to be cut. If you were building a trailer queen, that would be fine but not for everyday driving. What I don't know is if you can re-temper the window afterwards.

 

HAPPICH gmbh used to make a retrofit kit for 2 door VW Rabbits & Golfs in the 80's. It was a pretty neat design which replaced the glass held in by a rubber seal.