2003 Chevy Malibu – Quarter Glass Install

2003 Chevy Malibu – Quarter Glass Install

Hi everyone,

I hope someone has done this before :)

I am in the process of installing the rear quarter glass on a 2003 chevy Malibu.  This is the quarter glass that goes on the rear driver's side door behind the window that actually goes up and down.
All bolts line up except for one (the one that won't line up is the one on the top of the door).  I've fiddled/jiggled/ etc… ;)  all I can but I can't seem to place it properly.  I'm guessing there is some trick involved.
 
I did not remove the rear door glass (one that goes up and down) to take out the old broken rear quarter glass nor in my current process of installing it.  I have left it in the max down position the whole time. For someone who has done this before did you remove the rear door glass to install the quarter glass?  I don't think this is possible because how would I get in the rear door glass once the quarter glass is in.

Any help will be appreciated.
 
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5148/p1010045pq9.jpg
 
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9647/p1010047bq0.jpg
 
 
 

Sincerely,
Tony
2003 Malibu 3.1

this is why god invented glass shops..........never done one sorry.

Hello,
 
I am an automotive engineer familiar with these types of systems.  Please refer to the attached pictures when reading my response.
 
A.  The gaps at item 4 and 1 tells me the quarter glass is not completely installed.  It is very close but not quit "home."
 
B. I believe item 5 is where you are trying to align the holes to fasten the bolt.  If this is not a correct assumption, let me know. 
 
C.  If my assumptions are correct, you will need to remove the header and B-pillar part of the glass run channel: items two and three.  If you don't remove the header and B-pillar, it will be extremely difficult to install.  It will be hard to get the final position of the part.
 
D. If you can, align the attachment part of the quarter glass module in to the hole and start the bolt.  Do not tighten the bolt yet.  Rotate the quarter glass into position by pulling back at the upper part of the division post.  See item six.  It may take some muscle to pull it into position.  You can make installation easier by applying wet soapy water to the rubber of the  quarter glass module or the sheet metal.  Make sure your "gaps" are equal on the inside and outside of the vehicle.  **** AT THIS POINT, MAKE SURE THE GLASS IS IN THE DIVISION POST.  IF THE GLASS IS NOT IN THE DIVISION POST, IT WILL NOT CYCLE UP!  *****
 
E. At this point, tighten the bolt at the base of the division post: item five.  If you used soapy water, be careful NOT to rotate the part out of position when you tighten the bolt.
 
F.  Install the molded corner the the header and B-pillar (not shown).  Feel free to use the soapy water trick to aid installation.
 
G.  Install the B-pillar stating at the molded corner and working your way to the bottom.
 
H.  Install the header starting at the quarter glass module and working toward the B-Pillar.  The last part may seem hard to install but it will "snap" into the sheet metal. 
 
I hope this helps.