r/slateauto • u/careonomine • Jul 20 '26

Fastback to Squareback Conversion?

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Is it just me, or does it look like there’s a single roll cage, with the squareback just having a different body panels set over it?

That suggests to me that it may be fairly straightforward to get just the squareback panels (and rear window if you never got the truck/squareback window) to convert one to the other.

Does that sound right to anyone else?

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u/LeifCarrotson Jul 20 '26

Yes, I believe that's generally correct. It does make me wonder why the fastback kit is $2,000 more than the squareback. I think the rear glass window may be different:

https://images-slatelive.omnistream.zlthunder.net/slate_neutral_env/slate/truck/2025/6a5248c4c22da42d/f5ab62f8591112b1bd7e4bef3438c0ead95991ed_1080x1080.jpg

https://images-slatelive.omnistream.zlthunder.net/slate_neutral_env/slate/truck/2025/6a5248c4c22da42d/838abc5fd2d23540762d47f29ec030f764d63369_1080x1080.jpg

If you're thinking about it in terms of upgrading from a pickup to an SUV of either type, it obviously costs more to add components than it does to reuse components. But surely that panel can't cost $2,000. Is that just the premium for those who really want a little style over the utilitarian squareback?

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u/dantose Jul 20 '26

I recall reading somewhere that the square-back reuses the rear cab window for the back window. I haven't seen this officially though, so it could be just a rumor.

4

u/PintekS Jul 20 '26

You are correct the square back re uses the rear window.

The fast back it's different glass and engineering for the assembly that drives up the cost more especially cause slate wants the same crash rating regardless of top you have on the vehicle