That would be a great idea. Those side rear window look like they should open like they did on my old caravan also.

 

HA! There's an awesome idea, make the rear side windows lift open like a hatch, rather than mess w/ the rear hatch! Loading in your groceries? You wouldn't even have to walk around back!

That said, this should be entirely possible. You could probably steal the hinges from something like an older Blazer or Rodeo, and probably just epoxy the catch for the latch mechanism to the glass. The hardest part would be figuring out what to do with the rear wiper (just delete it?), and drilling the holes for the hinges without cracking the glass (I'm assuming it's safety glass like the windshield). Weatherstripping might turn into an issue, but nothing that couldn't be overcome with some trial and error.

 

Some good ideas! I remember older VW's had a "push-out" rear side windows and some vans had a remotely opening rear side window.

I'm not buying the excuse that exhaust fumes will enter the rear of the car if other SUVs can have an opening rear hatch window--just don't drive so fast if you've got it open--say with a long item poking out...

 

I actually assumed this was a feature when we bought the Jeep. I was very surprised that it did not have the opening rear hatch window. Would like to see a mod on this/!

 

We should all be happy that the Patriots dont have windows that open in the rear hatch, Especially with water leak problems they already have.
LET ME EXPLAIN: My wife has a 2008 Jeep LIBERTY, they have the window in the rear hatch that opens and it has leaked since we bought it new. The dealer said it was a known problem and the window seal has been replaced twice, ( the second seal was even a revised seal made by chrysler to fix the problem ) and the window was adjusted also, it still leaks, very slowly, but it still leaks. Not only do we have the leak problem, but they also scratched the back glass in several places while working on it, and they will not replace it because they say they did not do it. My wife wants me to silicon it shut.
So Take It From Me, Be Happy You Have A Fixed Window In The Hatch Of Your Patriot.

 

All good points...but then how about all those Ford Explorers, Escapes, etc. that don't have this problem? Can't Chrysler get it right? Hire a Ford guy off the line and see what they can do--these leaks--I don't have any-YET--are getting rediculous!

 

my dad has had an 07 commander since new and still no leaks or any other issues with his rear hatch..... come to think of it instead of taking parts off a different make it may be easier to retro fit liberty or commander parts to a riot for the glass hatch they are similar in size and shape if im not mistaken.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by trumpetwasher
I had a 2005 Liberty, and it never leaked

The 2008 Model Liberty is the first year for the new model, the back hatch and window are different then the 2005, and I am glade yours does not leak.
I guess what I am saying is it looks like Chrysler was not putting enough money into their R & D ( Due to their lack of funds, That almost put them into Bankruptcy) for the last models that were put to market, so this has left some of us with repeat problems in our vehicles. Hopefully Fiat can fix these issues and make the next models even better.

 

I wish my pat had this as well....makes loading stuff in much easier...

 

Personally, I think it;s easier to load/unload without that opening window. With the window you have to lift everything higher, and then bend in further, not very ergonomic.

Groceries I just put in the back through the rear doors, as my rear seats are always folded down.

 

my 99 grand cherokee had this too (never leaked in 12 yrs), i wonder if the hardware from that can be retro-fitted to the pat?

 

no, you load up the first level, then close the tail gate, pop the window and load the rest without the lower part falling out. I have a suburban and this feature is great! you can stuff things in and around the lower level and not worry about it falling out...

 

Anyone figure this out yet pleaseeeee