Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Ok all you 1 piece window gurus... There are several different #'s and sources listed for felts and channels. What do i need ( i dont want stainless trim) and where is best to get it??

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

bump

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

See my previous post, I bought it from them, the chrome trim just peels off. Actually its hard to keep it on.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I got my window felt from brothers trucks in corona, ca
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Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

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Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

There's a place in Indiana that supplies "the good stuff". This guy has been in business since 1988 and has done a number of TF trucks (and probably ADs, and others) and really knows his stuff. He's got the W-I-D-E glass run channel that fits well in the groove, and wide extension channel for doing a better job of one piece window installation. He's not cheap but has the right stuff and can answer any questions. Here's his info:

Harding Automotive
Harry & Gloria Harding
1069 Reinhart Road
Loogootee, IN 47553

W: (812) 295-3544
C: (812)425-4247

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I've been using the blackdiesel's videos (awesome!) to do my one-piece POWER windows and thought others might want the info. I got a hold of these power units at a swap meet for $50 last year and now I'm trying to install them:

http://images3a.snapfish.com/2323232...B5476345nu0mrj

I got no directions, no hardware and no mating electrical connectors, but they were still worth it. Using the tip from the video, I made these "batwings" out of my old regulators:

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B5477345nu0mrj

The major dimension of each "wing" of the batwing is about 6". I cut both wings at 15 degrees and welded them together, then drilled them as shown. I used a nylock nut so I could leave the two mounting screws loose because the window has to tilt forward as it goes up.

http://images3a.snapfish.com/2323232...B8859345nu0mrj

The power unit doesn't fit into the door too easily so I cut a slot in the door about the width of the bar on the power unit, as shown:

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...B5478345nu0mrj

I cut the slot straight down, but this was a mistake. When I do the other door I will cut the slot about 1/2" wider than the bar and will angle the slot toward the back lower corner of the door. When you slide the unit in you have to reach down a couple of times into the door to guide first the "tube", then the motor assembly over the brace half way down the door. Realize that this slot weakens the door slightly, but when I install the cover plate over the hole it should give it some needed reinforcement.

Note also the allen wrench sticking out of the button-head screw. This holds the top of the bar in place. Also note that these regulators may have metric threads. 1/4"-28s almost fit, but they're too tight.

On the next installment I'll take some measurements of the regulator mounting holes near the rear-center of the door. I don't know if this is going to work or not yet (gotta have about 16" of travel and the door brace might be in the way), so we'll see...

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Hey man that looks good, That's real close to what mine looks like. I would have taken my panels off and took a pic., but their a real pain to get on and off. Thanks for sharing yours.....hoped the videos helped.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Thanks, blackdiesel. I couldn't have gotten this far without your videos!

Well, I got the thing working but the batwing design didn't give me enough travel. I actually simplified the design of the roller assembly to this:

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...5%3B9345nu0mrj

It's 12" long. The only reason I did the batwing in the first place was because the bolt heads interfered with the roller channel. In the new design I eliminated the bolt heads by welding the threaded part of the bolt into the bar. As noted in the video, I did drill two holes in the bar to access the screws that hold the channel to the window. (Sorry, I took the pic before I drilled the holes.) You can't drill both of them directly over the screw holes because the slide is in the way on one of them, but if you loosen the upper regulator mounting bolt you can shift the regulator back and forth to access the holes.

After notching the regulator slider and roller cross bar, the new design causes the window to hit the rubber stop on the door brace just as the window gets to its lowest travel. Perfect.

Also, instead of using all four bolts at the bottom of the regulator I use just the top two. Using all four can cause the mechanism to bind a little.

Another note: I made a 1-1/4" spacer out of a 2x4 to space the bottom of the regulator away from the door. This aligned the glass in the glass run channel for me.

Another tidbit: I bought my glass from "Auto City Classic". The glass is not made correctly. Even with the regulator disconnected I cannot get the glass to go all the way into the front upper corner. I have read that this is a problem with other suppliers as well, so it's best that you make a template or get a known good one and have your glass made from that.

I promised the dimensions of the holes for mounting the lower part of the regulator, so here they are (passenger side shown):

http://images3a.snapfish.com/2323232...3B%3B345nu0mrj

Passenger side shown. To do the driver's side, make the distance between the regulator bar and the door brace the same as the passenger side. The dimensions were taken by hooking a tape measure on the side/bottom of the door and measuring to the center of the hole. A cardboard template of the four-bolt pattern saves a lot of time when laying out these holes, and in making the wooden spacer. I used M6-1.0 x 45mm screws at the bottom of the regulator and an M6-1.0 x 20mm at the top.

That's it. Have fun!

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

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Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

OK, I'll bump this again. I'm working on a truck that the owner put the Brother's kit in himself several years ago. He didn't do any of the track mods that blackdiesel shows, just glued the run channel into the tops of the doors and let the windows flop.
Now, I'm getting ready to do the mods, but I don't have the vent windows to use for the front tracks. I'm planning on cutting a piece of square tubing to get the channel part of the track, but I have no idea of the length of the standoff that bolts to the door at the bottom. Would somebody have theirs out at this time and be able to give me the measurement between the edge of the track and the surface that bolts to the back side of the door?

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

You mean like this? Three feet on each side should do you for the length, this was a scrap of sheet metal spacer from a sliding patio door. I used a stove bolt on the bottom with three nuts, one to hold it in place, one to get the stand off, and one to lock it in place after adjustment. Then cut the rest off where it stuck thru. I thnk its an inch and half, but you have to adjust it to make the new track line up.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Hmm, I like the stove bolt idea. Only 1 new hole to drill per side that way.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I'm just getting started on this mod. Probably start tomorrow. I just took some pics old crow; )
Blackdiesel, great job! Cute guys! Don't see the members here very often!; )


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps744dca61.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps6c40ecc5.jpg

This pic just shows the opening site of the channel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps2a079430.jpg
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Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

thanks for the pics, if I had had that I would not have had to make up my own.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Your certainly welcome! I like to contribute info when I can;)

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Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Really, thanks for the pics. The owner of the truck I'm doing called me the other day and he found a pair of the division bars that he's sending me. It'll save me a bit of work...now that I've gathered all the info I needed to not use those pieces.

Denee, noticed that you were in Houston. This truck will call The Woodlands home when I get it finished.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

You're welcome! Perhaps the pics may be another question answered for another member; ). It's coming to the woodlands? Neato, maybe I'll see it at a local nifty50ee's or a car meet in the not so distant future! ; )
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Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Hi, is this about the depth that the runner will be? It's easy enough to cut, I can make a deeper cut. dne'

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps1933100d.jpg

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Finally got the fabrication and mock phase done and wanted to offer some comments. First thanks for blackdiesel and grimss for the original documentation and everyone else that has contributed to this thread.

1. When tacking in the modfied front channel, make sure your latch will fit. I got mine out to far and had to back track on the first door.
2. I tried to get it to work without modifying the latch side track but could not, the window kept hanging up on the front pivot point.
3. I had to move the front channel lower bolt holes about 3/8" farther towards the front than the dimensions given in the video to get the last 3 inches of drop to drop easier. Like diesels Dad said, "your results may vary".
4. I ended up pulling the chrome trim off my channels. I worked for 15 minutes on the first corner trying to do what they do in 3 minutes. Problem was the chrome on the channel I got was chinched on pretty tight and would not slide. After pulling it off it was a piece of cake.

Now one question for the group. It looks like I am going to have to shim out the channel on the sides to get it flush with the opening and cover the glass. Did anyone else encounter this and did you just use the 3M adhesive to fill the gap or something else? If the 3m adhesive dries relatively hard then it will work, if not I was going to get some high density house door jamb weatherstripping and use it (looks like I will need something about 1/8" thick).

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I had to do the same thing and shim it on the rear of the passenger door to make it fit tight to the glass. The driver side was a lot tighter and it has one spot that hangs and I have to pull the glass past it when rolling. You're right about the chrome, too. Pulled it off and the job went MUCH faster.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Ttt

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

OK, got the passenger side door done and working. Had to relocate the front track several times to get the window to go down all the way(I guess my mileage varied). Started on the driver's door and watched the videos again because I forgot to write down the length measurements for the front track. Noticed he mentioned something about cutting the bottom bracket off the rear track when you relocate it into the slot, but never showed a pic of the track after that was done. I apparently missed that statement the first 20 times I watched the video and didn't remove the bracket from the first door. The window for that door works ok, so I'm not re-doing it, but would it work better if I did on the next door? If you remove the bracket, how do you secure the bottom of the track?

This mod, IMHO, isn't worth the hassle...I like wind wings. Won't be happening to my personal truck.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

When you remove the spot welds there are 4 holes that need welded. I took off the bottom bracket like they showed and just drilled another hole and spot welded the track to the door. I remember I did the first one twice because I did not pay close attention to keeping it centered and the front and back tracks were not in the same plane.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

At the bottom of the window guide at the latch area, inside and low, there is a bracket spot welded to the guide. In order to remove the rear guide, spot welds need to be drilled so it can be taken out and modified. That little bracket needs to be removed for more room. Ill see if I can find a pic.

Post number 219 (up above)shows the rear window guide in its recessed slot, then welded into place.
I hope this helps;)
Dne'

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

What might have helped here would have been to weld a flat piece of metal where this little bracket went, that way one could fill the holes with weld. I still haven't welded the holes up!:(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pse787f16a.jpg

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Ok, that may explain my need to move the front track so far forward.
I drilled the 4 spot welds, cut the slot and relocated the track in the slot. I just never removed the bracket from the bottom of the rear track, just spot welded it back to the door in the new position. I then had to move the bottom of the new front track forward about 1-1/2" to get the window to go down all the way. It works okay, just left me a mess of holes to weld up and do body work on.
I bet if I'd cut that bracket, I could have kept the front track at the first place I drilled for it.
I'll get this figured out...just in time to never do it again. Thanks for your help.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Thats what i did to the driver side, works good but dont weld it back until you fit the window in and it working and lining up propely. Welded mine too early and it off a bit now the truck is painted i have to live with it. On the pass side i didn't drill the spot weld instead i cut the track off that bracket from the inside with a die grinder and a small cutting wheel then used whats left of the bracket to line up the track work really good and kept the window in line .

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Well, did the driver's side as the video suggests and removed the bracket. Got it first try! Used Denee's idea of welding a flat plate on the end of the track and it works great now. Used paint sticks and urethane to space and secure the run channel around the window opening. When that urethane hardens, I'll use a bit more to secure the bottom half of the run channel in the new front track. Still kept the clip in the rear one, so it's good back there.
All in all the mod isn't that hard to do if you pay attention to the videos the first few times you watch 'em. Wouldn't be afraid to do it again, now, but still, I'm too attached to my wind wings to ever do it to my personal trucks.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

My idea worked~!?! I'm so happy! I'm happy that you got it all figured out! It will be nice when you're all done;)
dne'

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

man!!!! thanks everyone for all the input on how this should be done.. I have glued my vents shut because of wind noise,, I will be doing this one piece window treatment to my truck soon! again thank you for the videos!! I have watched them several times and will do so a few more!!
Tinker

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I see the title of this thread is 55-57 one piece windows, but it will work on a 59 too right?? I hope so, I already have the glass being cut and tempered. Just weird it isn't 55-59. Thought I would double check before tearing into it. Thanks!

Aaron

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Hi Aaron from Oregon! A belated welcome to you!;) You're right, I think it should be 55-59, at least for the cab and doors I suppose. This is a testy part of your project, but I think it's a neat modification!;)
dne'


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psc51590bc.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pscbdabc02.jpg

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Does the glass template that was posted fit the door good? Is it a good seal with little wind noise? I had the big one printed off at office max yesterday ($18) and took it to the glass place. Really looking forward to this mod as it really cleans up the look and mine were shot at over $270 each.

BTW, thank you so much to the guys that put all of the work into this post. These posts are the biggest beauty of the internet. I appreciate it!

Aaron

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I didn't use the template that was posted. I bought my entire window set from Brothers Trucks when it was on sale a few years ago. I think you should be OK as I've never read anyone having any problems. On mine the seal is great and wind noise minimal.

The pic below is a mock up window to use instead of the glass for "roughing it in". Made of about the same thickness as the glass. Just need to put a couple holes in it for "handles" or something to grab on to. This is not my idea~ I take no credit for it:(
dne'

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps283cbf07.jpg

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

I used the template for my modifications, but left the front track loose so I could adjust if the windows were off a little. Then I bought a set of Brothers windows from a member. I compared the Brothers to the template and the only difference is minor at the back bottom corner (lower right in Denees photo), the angle of the short section is slightly different, like an 1/8" or so. That section is below the sill so sealing in the channel will not be an issue.

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Perfect, thank you!

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Alright alright alright. After I posted about one piece window kits in the 55-59 Chevy truck group on fezbook someone posted the link to this thread. So glad they did. Definitely gonna be doing this in the near near future....

So thanks to the guys that made this possible!

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

Just did this conversion on a '59 I am getting ready to flip. Came out nice! Makes them look like they are moving just sitting there the way the window leans forward.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...8/IMG_0299.jpg

Re: 55-57 one piece windows
 

where is everyone getting track seals and scrapers? and does anyone regret this mod? I'm at the point of no return... LOL I will have working A/C , and I cant stand driving anything I own with the windows down because of wind noise. not that I would never. I really like the look of one piece and I'm ready to make the leap....
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