roof rack and sliding windows

[Green-80]

I don't know if this is really a tech question, but here goes.
The parts Scout I bought some time back had two items my 1980 did not. It had a factory style roof rack and sliding side windows in the top. Are these items useful enough to justify swapping them onto my Scout? I would just use the 76 model roof, but its not in very good shape.
If I don't use them, is there a market for these parts?

[Doc Stewart]

Oh yea.. There is a market. Post them up in our classifieds - costs nothing to do so.

[Robert JetFxr]

I do not like the sliding windows because of security and leaks, that is me personally. I prefer the clean lines of the solid windows and there is less wind noise. For me the factory roof rack has very little use verses a cargo type roof rack, but again that is me and a lot would depend what you will be using the Scout for.

Here you can see my wife's Scout with solid windows and a cargo roof rack.

[Patrick Morris]

I'd vote the other way on the side windows. I've always liked mine and thought that the tops without them looked a little too... plain?... like they have that big long window that you can't do anything with, except look out of. Whereas the side-openers give the vehicle a look of greater utility. But the main advantages of the the side openings are:

1. When driving down the Hwy with the main window down, if the 'back' window is also open you don't get such and obnoxious blast of wind in your face.
2. When parked/camped, it's nice to have easy access to things in the back of the vehicle, you know, just to reach in and grab something w/o having to open a door and crawl over stuff.

As Robert pointed out, they can be a security weakness. But I don't think it's any worse than the wind wings, which we all have to live with. I suppose leaking could be an issue in a really rainy climate if the felts/seals are in poor shape.

I do agree with Robert 100% on the factory rack's utility factor. Nothing beats a solid rack like the one his wife has (on her Scout). Conferr's were/are the best. I have one also. But the factory rack would be desirable to someone wanting to restore a Scout to factory new condition I guess. Or just if they want to haul sleeping bags etc on a weekend trip.

[Green-80]

Robert, that is a beautiful Scout. If I was going to carry anything serious I would want the type of rack you have.
The side windows are more tempting to me. Are they hard to install and are the felts and gaskets available?

[trbixler]

I had the fixed and changed to the sliders on http://www.binderplanet.com/forums/s...102671&page=13 there is a picture. There are weep holes that need to be cut in the new gasket. If you do not cut them it will leak. I like the sliders.