Topic: sliding glass half door uppers?

[jcguin]

Does anyone have the half door uppers with the sliding glass?

If so, do they require the original frames that the vinyl velcro's around.

How is the build quality and the noise.

Did you think it was worth it?

Where'd you get it.

[larryp]

I got mine from Bestop and they came with their own frame. The road noise is no differant than the standard zip down plastic ones. The main advantage is having a window you can open or shut with one hand while driving plus you can have it cracked open part of the way with out it flapping in the wind like the original. Only draw back I've noticed because the opening isn't real large I can't pick up a pizza at the drive thru window any more.

[jcguin]

The one from Bestop looks like it can open from the front or back.  It would be nice to be able to open the front a little since I smoke.  I had a 66 mustang with the little swing out window, it had to have been designed by a smoker.  

thanks for the input larryp.

[Jeffy]

I hate sliding windows. Especially the fiberglass ones.  I had the fiberglass ones for a few years when I bought my first hard top.  It was cool at first but that soon wore off.  Like Larry saidm you can't open the window wide enough.  You can have a little bit of air by opening the front of a bit more air by opening the back.  There isn't enough room to stick your head out of the window.

The other things is the rail system.  Any water gets trapped in the rail.  This means dirt and rocks too.  This jams the windows if it's not cleaned.  The other problem I had was when it was hot and humid for day's.  The glue used to hold the upper track in would run down the window and glue it into the track.

Oh and their the whole security thing.  There is none.  Sliding windows are able as easy to get into as plastic zippered windows.  Although with the zippers you can lock the zippers together.

[Ichytriggerfingr]

I love mine, I bought them from either JC Whitney or Quadratec. YJ sliders don't open from the front, at least, mine don't. They came with skins sewn around a frame, so I just gave my old soft windows to a friend. I find that the sliders signifigantly cut down on road noise, they don't flap like the truck is trying to take off, and they make getting ready for toll booths much less dangerous. Other upsides are being able to actually see out of the window, and even just sliding from the back, they suck smoke out of the cockpit if you are going more than 3 or 4 mph. It is true that they are a bit on the small side, I'm pretty tall, and I have to stick my arm out fist first, rather than elbow first, if that makes sense. Since I have a ragtop, security will never be an issue for me, but I do find that the little toggle locks in the middle of the window are pretty secure. And I just spray a little bit of Silicone into the track to keep them sliding freely. Took me far longer than it should have to figure that one out.  

[John Do Daddy-O]

:wink: Absolutley love my sliders compared to the zip around plastics. Granted, neither are perfect, but security isnt even an issue with a ragtop and half doors. You just cant make them secure. I would say the only drawback I have found is that the sliders dont seem to be as water tight.

My sliders open front and rear, and I bought them used a few years ago form an ad in the for sale section here in 4banger. Love 'Em! :wink:

[Erik]

i HATE zip windows.  i only put on my half uppers when it's raining and i'm forced to drive for more than 10 minutes but they're great... they hold heat, they slide open enough to smoke or todd beer cans out (jk), but IF you go 4 wheeling with them you'll get dirt in them and its a royal pain to keep the tracks clean.  if you get dirty tracks they won't open and shut worth a damn.  

-Erik <--- had them tinted 5% with the rest of my hard top glass and LOVES it

[Jeffy]

Wow, 5%?

I had my top tinted to 5% and my front sliders to 25%.  What a royal PITA it is to see out the back at night when there are no street lights.  One time it was pouring rain and I had to back up a long driveway.  Basically it was a bunch of guessing to get out without hitting anything.

I still hate sliders though.  

[jcguin]

Well, I'm gonna have to get a set I guess.  My main problem with the zip style is the way it covers the door latch when it's open, and the inability to open it part way without it smacking me upside the head or feeling like it's about to.  I take them out any whenever I can anyway.  

Is beestop the only ones making them, or are there other options.  Not that I dont like beestop, I was just wondering. Thought maybe other manufactures made it with larger windows.  

And Jeffy, for the time being my Jeep is too stock for my head not to fit, but give me time. ;-)

[Erik]

i don't generally drive at night, and i don't generally have the top on except for rare occassions so the 5% doesn't really effect me.  they could be spray painted black and it wouldn't really mess me up too bad.

[callenst]

I’ve got the bestop sliders on my 01 TJ.  They are okay; if I had it to do over I would have just replaced the OEM zip-up windows.   Cons: The visibility is horrible, can’t rest your arm out side the window for cooling purposes.   Mud/Dirt gets in the glass sliding area.   They are expensive.   The YJ sliders don't open both ways.   The opening is very small and it is hard to get fast food/and your arm through it.  Pros: If you’re looking for convenience, well maybe a little, but all in all jeeps aren't that convenient.   A plus for smokers.   Think the best bet would be get full doors, and keep your half doors for the summer months or when you’d have your window down anyway.   I myself have gotten sick and tired of my sliders and I am looking for a set of full doors for the winter months.   You should be able to pick some up for just a few hundred more than the sliders, I think they are about 380$   You can get replacement zip skins for half of that.   Cheaper on internet deals.   Best of luck.   TC

[jt04GT]

Front does not open on YJ sliders??? Not so, depends on brand...there are several makers of them...I got mine on eBay and they were stated to be "original Mopar accessory from a '95" so I assume they were Bestop built, the canvas and hardware all seem to be BT?  They have dual glass that open in either direction, front slides back, back slides forward, mine also do not have a black molded frame around the glass, just canvas, mine are spice...they are great, IMHO far superior to zipper plastic windows and look much better.  A little quieter too...they use the same frames at half door plastic.  I do agree that they do not open as large as the old window zipped down but the airflow is still very good, and if weather warrants, you just take them out and put in half door armrests....Look out for a good used set before shelling out $300+ for new ones, I paid half that...
     Obviously, from the statements made here, some folks love sliders, others hate them...just like some like big women (or men , ladies) and others skinny, to each his own....see if you can test drive someone's jeep with them first, if a strange jeep owner approached me with such a request, I'd take them for a ride.....