Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1425956 · 03-16-2012, 09:32 AM

I decided to rebuild my vent windows on my 84 GMC due to excessive wind noise and window rattle. I ordered all new door rubber for my truck from Classic Truck Parts in Kansas City, Missouri. Shipping and tax included, it was $140 to my door. This included a package of rivets and the rivet setting tool.

I completed the drivers side first and it took me about 4 hours total from start to finish. I imagine I will be able to complete the passenger side in 2 hours or so now that I know exactly how it has to be done. The quality and fit of the product is near perfect and I am very satisfied with it.

I will be taking pictures and notes when I do the passenger side this weekend and will be putting together a how to with pictures of each step from start to finish. There are quite a few steps involved, and getting the vent window rubber seated was the toughest part of the project. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, you should be able to complete this with no problems. Patience is key when doing this.

Please be patient with me and I will have this tutorial and part numbers posted this weekend.

J Knight · 03-16-2012, 09:56 AM

Awesome, I'm needing to do this as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

THE "10" SILVERADO · 03-16-2012, 10:56 AM

this would be a great thread for the FAQ guide section! Can't wait for pics. I need to do this aswell but I've heard it's a big PITA.

chevy2man63 · 03-16-2012, 12:48 PM

I need to do this to my 86. so im following

i8tokyo · 03-16-2012, 01:18 PM

I have taken mine out and stripped the paint, rust and old rubber out. Painting them this weekend and then putting them all back together. I will definately be watching...

Zebb · 03-16-2012, 07:16 PM

I took mine apart 3 years ago!!

So when that time come I am sure I will appreciate your write up.

GMC Guy · 03-17-2012, 03:07 PM

subscribing

HTX86chevy · 03-17-2012, 08:05 PM

I really need to get this done Also. Subscribing.
Posted via Mobile Device

88Jimmy4x4 · 03-17-2012, 11:06 PM

subscribed

osaltyone · 03-18-2012, 02:43 AM

Pics would be great! I started mine on a extra set of wings and gave up after about 20 min.

Phillip Pennartz · 03-18-2012, 08:47 AM

subscribing

1425956 · 03-18-2012, 09:22 PM

Well, both doors are now complete. Every seal, piece of rubber and weather strip on the truck has been replaced. I went ahead and repainted all of the plastic trim and door panels inside the cab as well....But that is a whole separate thread....

The knowledge from completing the drivers side first greatly reduced the work time on the passenger side. If I had to do another truck from start to finish, I could probably have both doors done in 3 hours or less. And NO, this is not an advertisement!!

I took pictures from start to finish on the passenger side and I am working on posting pictures with a tutorial. I will have it completed and posted in the next few days.

I am pretty satisfied with the outcome, and the wind noise is nearly non-existent. I am sure these trucks had some minor wind noise when new because of the design. I think it is time for some new window motors though. I know window operation will get better once everything settles in place and takes shape, but they are SLOW!

I'll post some final pictures with freshly painted trim and new rubber soon.

**RPOZ11** · 03-18-2012, 10:01 PM

which year vent seals did you use?

I was of the understanding that the later 80's seals were much larger and better sealing???

orbot · 03-18-2012, 10:10 PM

I wanna see too... ive heard lots of talk of that being a very dificult thing to do, lets see if they are right.

1425956 · 03-18-2012, 10:20 PM

81-85 Vent window weatherstrip, part # 03-809A. They are 2 piece.

81-91 Door glass channels, part # 03-323 (Left) and 03-324 (Right)

Bought from Classic Parts in K.C.

I did notice that there was a very slight gap between the door frame and the new rubber seal that goes around the vent. Maybe this is what you are talking about.

AusTx68 · 03-19-2012, 12:56 AM

I'm really needing to do this for my 87'. Looking forward to seeing your tutorial

grs · 03-19-2012, 09:13 AM

I would like to see pics of the process.

TDS-MN · 03-19-2012, 10:16 AM

I am interested to see what you did for this job. I've been lucky enough to score pretty nice vent window assemblies from the salvage yard when i've needed, but being able to rebuild them would be a nice option. Glad to hear that it turned out well for you!

HTX86chevy · 03-19-2012, 11:49 PM

I have been to 3 window install shops near by and all 3 swear that this is impossible. Cant wait for the tutorial.
Posted via Mobile Device

grs · 03-20-2012, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTX86chevy

I have been to 3 window install shops near by and all 3 swear that this is impossible. Cant wait for the tutorial.
Posted via Mobile Device

What did they say was impossible?

**RPOZ11** · 03-20-2012, 03:00 PM

Not impossible.
Just labor intensive!
It takes patience installing these.
What I find most challenging is getting the angles in your favor once inside the door; just trying to get it all lined up!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

1425956 · 03-20-2012, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTX86chevy

I have been to 3 window install shops near by and all 3 swear that this is impossible. Cant wait for the tutorial.
Posted via Mobile Device

Certainly not impossible, or even really that difficult. Just takes a little patience. Two rivets have to be removed to complete the process on each window.

I am almost done with the tutorial and will have it posted up soon.

The task seems to be intimidating at first glance, but it is fairly simple. Vaseline is your friend

arrover · 03-20-2012, 10:11 PM

Looking forward to the tutorial! Where did the parts come from? I think LMC is located in Kansas City but Classic Industries is in California.

1425956 · 03-23-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrover

Looking forward to the tutorial! Where did the parts come from? I think LMC is located in Kansas City but Classic Industries is in California.

I stated I got the parts from Classic Parts in KC. You are correct about Classic Industries, they are in CA, along with Brothers. LMC is actually in Lenexa, KS, a suburb of KC.

primrrd · 03-20-2012, 12:47 AM

were you able to buy the rivets from them too?

03-16-2012, 09:32 AM	#1
1425956 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Joplin, MO Posts: 161	Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I decided to rebuild my vent windows on my 84 GMC due to excessive wind noise and window rattle. I ordered all new door rubber for my truck from Classic Truck Parts in Kansas City, Missouri. Shipping and tax included, it was $140 to my door. This included a package of rivets and the rivet setting tool. I completed the drivers side first and it took me about 4 hours total from start to finish. I imagine I will be able to complete the passenger side in 2 hours or so now that I know exactly how it has to be done. The quality and fit of the product is near perfect and I am very satisfied with it. I will be taking pictures and notes when I do the passenger side this weekend and will be putting together a how to with pictures of each step from start to finish. There are quite a few steps involved, and getting the vent window rubber seated was the toughest part of the project. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, you should be able to complete this with no problems. Patience is key when doing this. Please be patient with me and I will have this tutorial and part numbers posted this weekend. __________________ Jeremy I have done so much, for so long, with so little, I can do anything with nothing! 1984 GMC Sierra Classic-1/2 ton-SWB (R.I.P.) 1986 GMC Suburban 3/4 ton 4x4 2014 GMC Sierra LTZ Z-71 Crew SWB

03-16-2012, 09:56 AM	#2
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... Awesome, I'm needing to do this as well. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350

03-16-2012, 10:56 AM	#3
THE "10" SILVERADO Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Marble Falls, TX Posts: 1,575	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... this would be a great thread for the FAQ guide section! Can't wait for pics. I need to do this aswell but I've heard it's a big PITA. __________________ Michael Re-starting the neglected '77...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=425464&page=9

03-16-2012, 12:48 PM	#4
chevy2man63 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Concord VA Posts: 33	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I need to do this to my 86. so im following

03-16-2012, 01:18 PM	#5
i8tokyo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 61	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I have taken mine out and stripped the paint, rust and old rubber out. Painting them this weekend and then putting them all back together. I will definately be watching... __________________ 1982 C-20, 454, TH-400, PS, A/C, 71,000 miles 1978 C-20, 350, TH-400, PS, Non-A/C, 112,000 miles If it ain't broke, there is still probably room for improvement. Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

03-16-2012, 07:16 PM	#6
Zebb Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dalton, NH Posts: 165	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I took mine apart 3 years ago!! So when that time come I am sure I will appreciate your write up.

03-17-2012, 03:07 PM	#7
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... subscribing __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

03-17-2012, 08:05 PM	#8
HTX86chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 349	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I really need to get this done Also. Subscribing. Posted via Mobile Device __________________

03-17-2012, 11:06 PM	#9
88Jimmy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: houston, texas Posts: 1,974	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... subscribed __________________ 2008 Silverado Z71 RCSB 1991 GMC Jimmy 4x4 1976 GMC Sierra C15 SWB

03-18-2012, 02:43 AM	#10
osaltyone Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Corona, ca Posts: 406	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... Pics would be great! I started mine on a extra set of wings and gave up after about 20 min.

03-18-2012, 08:47 AM	#11
Phillip Pennartz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Wichita Falls,Tx Posts: 56	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... subscribing

03-18-2012, 09:22 PM	#12
1425956 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Joplin, MO Posts: 161	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... Well, both doors are now complete. Every seal, piece of rubber and weather strip on the truck has been replaced. I went ahead and repainted all of the plastic trim and door panels inside the cab as well....But that is a whole separate thread.... The knowledge from completing the drivers side first greatly reduced the work time on the passenger side. If I had to do another truck from start to finish, I could probably have both doors done in 3 hours or less. And NO, this is not an advertisement!! I took pictures from start to finish on the passenger side and I am working on posting pictures with a tutorial. I will have it completed and posted in the next few days. I am pretty satisfied with the outcome, and the wind noise is nearly non-existent. I am sure these trucks had some minor wind noise when new because of the design. I think it is time for some new window motors though. I know window operation will get better once everything settles in place and takes shape, but they are SLOW! I'll post some final pictures with freshly painted trim and new rubber soon. __________________ Jeremy I have done so much, for so long, with so little, I can do anything with nothing! 1984 GMC Sierra Classic-1/2 ton-SWB (R.I.P.) 1986 GMC Suburban 3/4 ton 4x4 2014 GMC Sierra LTZ Z-71 Crew SWB

03-18-2012, 10:01 PM	#13
RPOZ11 72 BB C30 Super LongHorn Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chavez Ravine Posts: 1,606	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... which year vent seals did you use? I was of the understanding that the later 80's seals were much larger and better sealing??? __________________ 72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM HO72 build : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492 2017 SS

03-18-2012, 10:10 PM	#14
orbot Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chula Vista, Ca Posts: 518	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I wanna see too... ive heard lots of talk of that being a very dificult thing to do, lets see if they are right.

03-18-2012, 10:20 PM	#15
1425956 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Joplin, MO Posts: 161	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... 81-85 Vent window weatherstrip, part # 03-809A. They are 2 piece. 81-91 Door glass channels, part # 03-323 (Left) and 03-324 (Right) Bought from Classic Parts in K.C. I did notice that there was a very slight gap between the door frame and the new rubber seal that goes around the vent. Maybe this is what you are talking about. __________________ Jeremy I have done so much, for so long, with so little, I can do anything with nothing! 1984 GMC Sierra Classic-1/2 ton-SWB (R.I.P.) 1986 GMC Suburban 3/4 ton 4x4 2014 GMC Sierra LTZ Z-71 Crew SWB



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03-19-2012, 12:56 AM	#16
AusTx68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Posts: 1,278	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I'm really needing to do this for my 87'. Looking forward to seeing your tutorial __________________ '68 C-10 SWB 383 Stroker (Sold 3/2/2013) '87 R2500 LWB 454 TBI converted to Carb

03-19-2012, 09:13 AM	#17
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I would like to see pics of the process.

03-19-2012, 10:16 AM	#18
TDS-MN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mpls, MN USA Posts: 151	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I am interested to see what you did for this job. I've been lucky enough to score pretty nice vent window assemblies from the salvage yard when i've needed, but being able to rebuild them would be a nice option. Glad to hear that it turned out well for you! __________________ TomS. '98 S-10 Blazer 4dr 4wd - 4.3, AT, stock & '85 K-10 w/ 305, 700r4, np208, and RUST! SOLD Dec 2014

03-19-2012, 11:49 PM	#19
HTX86chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 349	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... I have been to 3 window install shops near by and all 3 swear that this is impossible. Cant wait for the tutorial. Posted via Mobile Device __________________

03-20-2012, 03:00 PM	#21
RPOZ11 72 BB C30 Super LongHorn Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chavez Ravine Posts: 1,606	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... Not impossible. Just labor intensive! It takes patience installing these. What I find most challenging is getting the angles in your favor once inside the door; just trying to get it all lined up!!! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM HO72 build : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492 2017 SS

03-20-2012, 10:11 PM	#23
arrover Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 291	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... Looking forward to the tutorial! Where did the parts come from? I think LMC is located in Kansas City but Classic Industries is in California.

03-20-2012, 12:47 AM	#25
primrrd Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: houston, tx Posts: 323	Re: Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To... were you able to buy the rivets from them too?

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