Replacing rear window frame?

[impster]

Has anyone replaced the rear window frame (#41-62-8-220-962), item #1 in the parts drawing? I'm weighing the pros and cons of buying a new replacement frame and moving my old glass and other parts to it versus buying a used assembly. Cost is the key element in my consideration. I can order from BavAuto and pick up the part, thereby saving myself the additional shipping costs. Buying a used glass and frame assembly from the west coast (where these things don't rust as much as in New England) will cost an arm and a leg to have it shipped across the country. In either case (new frame only or used frame/glass assembly), I'll end up having to paint it.

So aside from having to separate the glass from my old frame (it's already rusted so bad, it's partially separated) and maintaining the rear window defroster wiring, are there any other significant challenges? Looks like a relatively simple matter to secure the glass to the new frame (windshield mastic) and everything else should just move from one to the other. Am I missing something? Has anyone else done this?


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[dohalloran]

Almost brought one home from Florida back in May, but the glass was scratched, and the colour was not BSM 475. About 32 lbs, frame and glass. But yeah, expensive and fragile to ship.
I'm in the same boat, but found a complete rear hatch locally. Just needs painting.
Others might chime in about installation onto a new frame. I think alignment is critical.
Good luck.