Adding a side window?

[Star Stuff]

In my search for an '03 to '05 Astro/Safari van, I've decided that I absolutely require having the passenger-side window in the sliding door. If I find a nice specimen that doesn't have that, can one be easily added, or is the structural reinforcements of the non-window door different and not allow for cutting out?

[markmitch]

better off finding a donor van and swapping the doors. Much easier.

[Mmusicman]

better off finding a donor van and swapping the doors. Much easier.

... OR A JUNK YARD

hes-right-you-know.jpg (66.29 KiB) Viewed 566 times

[Star Stuff]

OK, thanks! That would be easy if the van is white, but likely tough to get a good color match with any other color.

[nosxjeep]

Painting a door seems to be a much simpler job than cutting a window in, but I guess that kind of gets at your question. Do the cargo sliders have interior trim that would also need to be modified? Or do we not care about trim?
I can provide pics of my passenger with window if needed, but I've never inspected a cargo. If there is no issue around trim, I can see how the idea of just needing to cut a hole, slap on the seal and hardware from a JY van, might be attractive.

I would suggest going to the JY and inspecting the window, seal, and hardware to see whats what and if you can successfully take apart a good window then just take it home with you. if you get lucky enough to have both vans at the JY then your research will be complete!

[Star Stuff]

Painting a door seems to be a much simpler job than cutting a window in, but I guess that kind of gets at your question. Do the cargo sliders have interior trim that would also need to be modified? Or do we not care about trim?
I can provide pics of my passenger with window if needed, but I've never inspected a cargo. If there is no issue around trim, I can see how the idea of just needing to cut a hole, slap on the seal and hardware from a JY van, might be attractive.

Yes, I suspect that someone here will know the answer.

I would suggest going to the JY and inspecting the window, seal, and hardware to see whats what and if you can successfully take apart a good window then just take it home with you. if you get lucky enough to have both vans at the JY then your research will be complete!

Things have changed over the decades, there's now only one JY locally, and it's quite a drive. I don't yet own one of these vans, so can't take it to the JY.

The main reason for my question is to know whether to dismiss all the vans I come across which don't have that side window, or consider it for purchase if adding a window is easily doable.

[90safari]

I don't know. On my first van (an 85 cargo), I ordered up a camper window and installed it. I did have to trim the lock ring, as it was made for something thicker. It was kind of nice having a built in screen though. It's hard to say whether it was harder to add a window, or try and find a color matching door.

[Star Stuff]

I don't know. On my first van (an 85 cargo), I ordered up a camper window and installed it. I did have to trim the lock ring, as it was made for something thicker. It was kind of nice having a built in screen though. It's hard to say whether it was harder to add a window, or try and find a color matching door.

There is a white 2005 Safari I am looking at right now with very low miles, but it lacks the window in the slider door. A glass shop I phoned said that while there are "kits" available, they aren't as good as the factory job. Apparently if it's ever broken, one needs to buy a whole new kit.

Shrug.

[Rod's Trucks]

RERslider door windows;
Also, some versions have the hinged window ( hinged at the top) in the slider. My '98 LS has that option on both sides.
I find it very nice to be able to just pop those latches and leave the window open a tad for ventilation. Since it hinges at the top, no rain( or at least very little) will get inside, unless it is blowing horizontally.
It would be a relatively easy, and maybe fun day trip to a JY, to get a door with what you want. Do not lo=imit youself to a Pick'n'Pull yard. Sometimes it is worth a few extra $$ to have somebody with the right tools and experience to remove it for you. A door has some significant weight, and done incorrectly, it can damage the door or YOU, if not done with a way to contain the considerable weight. Dropping a door on your foot, damaging it by dropping it on the ground after you have done all the work to get it loose; does not make for a great day.
I speak from experience with other heavy items.
Most JY's will not let you do the work, unless it is s Pick'N'Pull yard; and even then, you will often need to bring your own tools and jack, blocking etc.
Have fun, and work safe!
Rod J