The rear window on the driver's side exploded, so I have ordered a replacement. I am wondering the best way to install it. I have removed the door pad (vinyl with backing), to expose the metal of the door.
The options as I seem them:
1) Try to flex the new window into the weatherstripping grooves and slide it down. This might work...I think the metal bracket on the bottom of the window will fit through the top gap, but trying to compress glass could have unintended consequences.
2) Remove inner door (can this be done with unbolting, or are there welds involved?)
3) Remove the top of the door frame. I'm leaning towards this option...it looks like there are 4-6 screws that hold it on, and in theory I could then drop the window in from the top.

Anyone who's done this before have a recommendation, or an idea I have not considered?

Thank you!

 

The factory Repair Operations Manual has a detailed instruction on removal and replacement of rear door glass on page 76-12.
I have a hard copy of the manual and you are on the right track in option 3.
Some one on this forum may be able to direct you to an electronic copy as there are some hidden screws etc. to be dealt with.

 

I have found the manual in the stickey section of this part of the XJ S1/2/3 forum.
It can be found in the body section.
The relevant page is 76-13

 

Thank you! I ordered a copy of the manual a week ago but unfortunately it has yet to ship. I can take a look at the sticky.

 

I would appreciate additional help with this if you or anyone else has experience. Attached picture is what I have so far. I have removed several screws to loosen the metal piece that runs along the top, but it still won't come off.

From the start., the manual says "Prise chrome trim free from door glass frame". Which trim piece? There was one on the inside of the door/window post between the window panes (I think the manual refers to this as the B-C post), but removing it didn't reveal anything...does it mean the outside trim that runs all the way and curves around the quarter-light? There were a few other pieces I checked, but did not succeed in making sense of it. The next step is "remove screw securing inner chrome trim to door glass frame". Again...what screw, and what chrome piece? I'm not seeing any screws or chrome pieces that make sense to me.

I'll keep looking at it; if anyone has a step-by-step or youtube clip that would be amazing; between this and the fuel tank I'm a bit frustrated trying to follow the manual. There are few things I could force to move, but am concerned about damaging the trim permanently.

Thank you!
Benjamin

 

Fig

Figured it out. I was missing these two bolts under the felt channel on the B-C column. Sadly I figured it out after bending/prying a lot of chrome strip off. Hopefully it bends back back on without major issue. Now to get the window in!