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• Stop!  Please read instructions carefully and completely before proceeding with the installation process.
• To protect plastic from scratching, leave protective films in place throughout installation process.  Do not touch unprotected plastic with dirty hands.  If in doubt, protect with masking tape.
• This product is designed as a foul-weather complement to our hardtop. These windows offer the most complete foul-weather protection for your Cobra replica roadster with no modifications to the roadster body or doors.
• If you have any problems during the installation process, let me help you by answering any questions you may have, call (817) 219-8676 mobile, or e-mail us at: support@apeproducts.com

I n s t r u c t i o n s

Install Quick-disconnect Hinges to Hard Top

1. With the top installed and properly secured to the intended vehicle, Place a length of masking tape along the outer top edge of window opening.
2. Place the window assembly into the hard top’s window opening.  Position the window panel to achieve a generally uniform gap (3/16”) around the window frame.  (Due to the extra height of the windows, it may be easier to fit window with door open)
3. On the masking tape, mark the exact location of the hinges along the top.
4. Remove the hinge halves from the window assemblies.
5. Hinge placement is critical!  For proper window operation, it is important for the pivot centerline of the hinge to clear the outer mold-line of the top shell. (See cross-section view.)  When the hinge is out slightly, the open window will rest over-center in the open (up) position.  Also, all four holes drilled for the hinges must be placed along a straight line.  (Slight sanding of the hinge can affect a matched fit against the hard top.)

Cross-section view -

6. Carefully mark and pre-drill hinge screw holes in top with 5/32” drill bit.
7. Mount quick-disconnect hinge halves to hardtop using #10 panhead screws.  Screws can be left slightly loose.
8. Quick-connect side windows onto top at hinges.
9. Once connected, operate window through full range of motion.  Check to ensure alignment and free movement of hinges before tightening hinge screws.
10. With side windows held outward, snug the hinge screws to top.

Custom Fit Window Panels To Your Roadster’s Door And Windshield

11. Due to a lack of interface configuration control (i.e., handcrafted vehicles are unique), we have provided excess window material along the forward and bottom edges.
    
         ****  Words of caution: Measure twice, cut once.  Check and re-check ****
    
12. Remove the window and protect Lexan surfaces with masking tape before cutting or grinding.  (To remove slider window from side assembly, remove the handle (post screw) that limits the slider’s rear travel.  Then remove from track and carefully set aside.) 
13. With windows installed in hinges, determine the amount of material to be removed:  The finished gap between the Lexan bottom and the door top should be a full 1/2” when using the bulb seal provided.
14. Cut/grind the bottom to the desired size.  A 24-tooth jigsaw or a #36-40 grit grinding disc works well. 
15. Reattach the window to recheck fitment.  Repeat steps 12-15 as required.  Best to leave a bit of material for finish sanding of the cut edge with a long sanding block.  #36-40 grit sandpaper works well.  The bottom only needs to be rough finished due to the vinyl bulb seal.
16. The front edge will also need to be trimmed to allow the window to fit just inside the windshield post.  The forward latch should NOT need to be removed.  A 3/16” gap between window and post is sufficient.
17. Clean inside edge of windshield post with rubbing alcohol. Place Foam pad on inside edge of post where the forward latch will secure window in closed position.
18. With side window installed and latched closed at both front and rear, ensure bottom and forward edge gaps are 1/2” and 3/16” respectively.
19. After obtaining correct gaps, cut and remove ½ round seal from window panel’s rear lower corner to allow the bulb seal to fit onto window bottom.

Installing lower bulb seal

20. Remove side window from top to install bulb seal. The press-on vinyl bulb seal is installed with the channel tab on interior working from the rear of the window forward.
21. Make a clean cut of channel between metal bands with sharp knife or razor blade.
22. Leaving a slight relief  (approx 1/8”) at the rear of window, work the bulb seal firmly and fully onto the window bottom.
23. Cut vinyl bulb seal to the finished length a little short of front edge and finish installation
24. Reinstall slider window into tracks.  Slider has been made with enough room to allow for felt to be installed on slider window to both quiet and hold slider in track.
25. Reinstall slider handle (post screw) to allow the slider to be open/closed from outside vehicle.
26. Attach finished window to vehicle.
27. Happy Motoring with your new foul weather protection. 

Notes:

• If tonneau cover snap posts installed in door interfere with operation of window, cut a single vertical slit into bulb seal where each post contacts the seal.  The slit will allow the post to pass through the seal without a loss of sealing properties.
  
• Wind-wing tension may need to be adjusted to allow wind-wings to freely pivot. (I recommend replacing the original star washer and acorn nut with a ny-lock nut to allow adjustment of the wind-wing tension.)
  
• When not in use, wrap the windows face to back (with both latches facing upward) within a protective sheet or towel and store them laying them flat in the trunk.
  
• For best results and long lasting enjoyment, the window is best cleaned and protected with Meguire's ® Quik Detailer Mist and Wipe ® cleaner or other waterless wash product.  A liberal application of these products each time you wipe the Lexan windows with a soft clean towel will dramatically reduce the formation of micro-scratches.
  
• Rubbing alcohol is safe for the removal of stubborn stains or adhesives.

Last updated: February 03, 2003

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APE Products
900 Summerlin Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Message / Fax: 817- 736-0828