driving with rear window open

I have good memories sitting in the back of the wagon years ago, warm day windows down. I miss the roll down back window. I know they gave us the fragile back vents for this purpose on the rmw, but... Does anyone leave their back window open on the road? It seems like it would look weird and not be so good for the window, but I wonder. It made sitting back there really fun. Not that my kids don't love it anyways...

Here was our second to last big wagon. The last was a blue metallic pontiac. I liked washing it more than the caprice. It sparkled so much.

Not sure if that is a good idea. I'm pretty sure exhaust gets sucked into the cabin.

Tom

I could see how that could happen. Curious though, was it recommended against driving with the window down for the boxies? I'm sure my parents never looked at the owners manual. I had a bronco for many years that I drove with the back window down more often than up too.

I think they had optional or after market vents/spoilers that mounted on the roof or rear pillars to direct the exhaust fumes away from going inside when the rear window/hatch was open.

I still have my 89 Buick Electra estate. When I first owned it, driving with the rear window down was great fun. However, when I upgraded to dual exhausts that flowed straight out the back, I could smell the exhaust a bit more. Originally, it was a single exhaust and did a right angle out the side. When I get her back driving on the road, I plan to angle the exhausts to the sides; think it helps with the fumes.

""Originally, it was a single exhaust and did a right angle out the side.""

This is why the factory LT1 Wagon exhausts angle out the corners. Many times they are replaced with pipes having a more direct exit out the back. This makes sucking in fumes with the rear window open or gate down more of an issue.

I drive with the hatch glass up on my '96 all the time here in Texas. Don't think we closed it or the windows once when we took all six kids to Enchanted Rock over the holidays. I like the breeze!

81X11 wrote:

I drive with the hatch glass up on my '96 all the time here in Texas.   Don't think we closed it or the windows once when we took all six kids to Enchanted Rock over the holidays.   I like the breeze!

Ya know, it was that thread that got me to thinking about this. It sounded like a nice trip and got me to thinking about summer.

turnofftheradio wrote:

81X11 wrote:

I drive with the hatch glass up on my '96 all the time here in Texas.   Don't think we closed it or the windows once when we took all six kids to Enchanted Rock over the holidays.   I like the breeze!

Ya know, it was that thread that got me to thinking about this. It sounded like a nice trip and got me to thinking about summer.

My kids love riding in the 3rd row with all the windows open.

""Don't think we closed it or the windows""

Having the side windows open would negate the vacuum that sucks in the fumes.

Just tie the kids on the roof rack facing forward if they turn blue to "air them out".

81X11 wrote:

turnofftheradio wrote:

81X11 wrote:

I drive with the hatch glass up on my '96 all the time here in Texas.   Don't think we closed it or the windows once when we took all six kids to Enchanted Rock over the holidays.   I like the breeze!

Ya know, it was that thread that got me to thinking about this. It sounded like a nice trip and got me to thinking about summer.

My kids love riding in the 3rd row with all the windows open.  

I like fresh air too, but as fragile as those lift gate windows are (and expensive) to me that seems risky. But, knowing you Mike, I imagine that like many of us you have a spare 1 (or 3) hanging around.

If you were going to drive around a lot with the rear window open...I would recommend getting a set of these (one would be enough really):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002TKD2O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use one for my hood and one for my hatch glass at shows just because I'm paranoid and don't want people slamming my hood by accident.

Great idea.

What happens if Mongo tries to close your hood with one of these in place?

dmg4 wrote:

What happens if Mongo tries to close your hood with one of these in place?

Mongo gets his ass kicked if he tries to use your hood as a chin up bar.  If you try to close it normally...it is very obvious you forgot to take it off and no harm.

I use Fbody struts since I have a fiberglass hood. So I use these to keep a gust of wind or a causal messing around with the hood from hurting someone or letting it slam and bust it up.

If you leave your hatch glass unlatched but in the down position (just sitting against the latch) and then accelerate to 100mph, the low pressure vacuum behind the car pulls the window open and into the up position. Ask me how I know lol.

The idea of not having the rear glass secured scares me, just because of the cost of replacement.

Sprocket wrote:

If you leave your hatch glass unlatched but in the down position (just sitting against the latch) and then accelerate to 100mph, the low pressure vacuum behind the car pulls the window open and into the up position.   Ask me how I know lol.

 Porsche owners spend a lot for a spoiler that does that.


That lock thing is pretty cool.  Only problem is I would not force it, but everyone in my household would.

I guess we can safely say it can be done, and the should it be done part is up to me, and the condition of my hinges/struts, as long as the other windows are open.
There are a few cruises this year I'll probably try this out on.

brokecello wrote:

If you were going to drive around a lot with the rear window open...I would recommend getting a set of these (one would be enough really):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002TKD2O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use one for my hood and one for my hatch glass at shows just because I'm paranoid and don't want people slamming my hood by accident.

This is a great idea, I've just finished ordering one to carry in the car in the event of a failure, or to secure the hatch open. It could also be considered cheap insurance to prevent injuries from falling hoods. Those gas cylinders are really great right up to the point that they become a risk. This is usually on the first cold morning you are trying to load the car up with urgency, #irritating!! Regarding driving with the window open, other than looking a little odd, I've never had an issue with it. I've always been concerned with the effect it would have on mileage at speed. But I've never been concerned with fumes or general safety.

So, with the widespread power outages we had here I had to move my generator to my buddies rescue. As it turns out, it fit better in my hyundai hatch that I sold than the wagon. So, I got to take a spin with the back window open. Nothing interesting happened.

Now I need to get some smaller wheels for the generator so it clears the headliner trim.