For the '87 model year, Ford switched to a much cleaner-looking rear quarter-window assembly for Mustang hatchbacks and hardtops. Molded from vulcanized rubber, with the actual window glass embedded, the one-piece assembly was quite complex for a quarter-window, but it served its purpose by effectively blending the roof into the rear quarter-panel. But over time, with many hours of hot sun baking the side windows, the exterior rubber deteriorated, leaving a pitted and discolored window perimeter.
Over the past 10 or so years, owners of '87-'93 Mustangs have been forced to tolerate the weathered and unsightly quarter-windows. Painting over the problem only makes matters worse, while an available cover-up repair kit offers temporary improvement. Latemodel Restoration Supply has stepped up to the plate with the ultimate solution: brand-new '87-'93 rear quarter-window assemblies manufactured by an original-equipment manufacturer. Priced at $599.95 per pair and available for both hatchbacks and hardtops, the windows are identical to the original Ford assemblies, right down to the Mustang lettering on the glass.
Replacing the rear quarter-windows is a basic R&R procedure. Getting to the nine retaining nuts for each window is the most difficult part; basically, for a hatchback, you have to remove all of the plastic trim in the rear of the interior. But, for the most part, you're dealing with small Phillips head screws, although you'll need the correct socket for unbolting the front seatbelt mechanism on each side of the car.
 Latemodel Restoration Supply's...  Latemodel Restoration Supply's new quarter-windows are made by an OE manufacturer to exact factory specifications from the original-style vulcanized rubber. They include the "Mustang" lettering on the glass. |
 1 If you've ever owned an...  1 If you've ever owned an '87-'93 Mustang hatchback or coupe, you'll recognize this image of discolored and pitted quarter-window moldings,caused primarily by the intense heat of the sun. |
 2 The most difficult part...  2 The most difficult part of replacing hatchback quarter-windows is gaining access to the retaining nuts. Basically, you need to remove all of the rear interior trim, starting with the rear panel in the hatchback. |
 3 The top panel must also...  3 The top panel must also come out. Like the rest of the trim, it'sattached with small screws that are easy to remove. |
 4 You'll also need to unbolt...  4 You'll also need to unbolt the seatbelt at the floor and at theB-pillar. A special socket, available from most parts stores, isrequired. |
 5 After removing the speaker...  5 After removing the speaker grilles and scuff panels, remove the screwsthat retain the large interior quarter-panels and pull them out of thecar. |
 6 With the huge plastic rear-quarters...  6 With the huge plastic rear-quarters out of the way, you can access thenine small retaining nuts that secure the quarter-window assembly. |
 7 With the retaining nuts...  7 With the retaining nuts removed (don't forget the one in the center),carefully pop the quarter-window away from the body. More than likely,the assembly will be stuck to the old sealer. |
 8 The quarter-windows in...  8 The quarter-windows in Jeff Ford's '90 LX hatchback had been out oncebefore during a repaint, so the fresh sealer was extra gooey. It allneeds to be removed before applying new sealer. |
 9 Here's the backside of...  9 Here's the backside of the new LRS rear quarter-window. You can seehow the entire unit is molded as one piece of vulcanized rubber, withthe window embedded. The new unit comes with the nine retaining studsalready installed. |
 10 The LRS quarter-window...  10 The LRS quarter-window assemblies even come with a small sticky areato secure the rear corner. Once the window is installed, peel off theprotector sheet and press the corner in place. |
 11 Apply a generous amount...  11 Apply a generous amount of window sealer around the perimeter of thewindow opening. |
 12 Start the quarter-window...  12 Start the quarter-window installation by slipping the small upper tabinto the upper side-window molding, then guide the window into place byinserting the studs through holes in the sheetmetal. |
 13 Reinstall the retaining...  13 Reinstall the retaining nuts, then reassemble the interior panels.Now you can stand back and look at the side of your Fox-body Mustangwithout cringing over the pitted and discolored rear quarter-windows. |