Rebuilding Vent Windows, How To...

[1425956]

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]

Awesome, I'm needing to do this as well.
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[THE "10" SILVERADO]

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]

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

[i8tokyo]

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]

I took mine apart 3 years ago!! So when that time come I am sure I will appreciate your write up.

[GMC Guy]

subscribing

[HTX86chevy]

I really need to get this done Also. Subscribing.
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[88Jimmy4x4]

subscribed

[osaltyone]

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

[Phillip Pennartz]

subscribing

[1425956]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[grs]

I would like to see pics of the process.

[TDS-MN]

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]

I have been to 3 window install shops near by and all 3 swear that this is impossible. Cant wait for the tutorial.
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[primrrd]

were you able to buy the rivets from them too?

[grs]

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]

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!!!
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[1425956]

Originally Posted by primrrd

were you able to buy the rivets from them too?

Yes, I ordered the rivets and rivet tool from them. I think it was around $10 or so for the rivets and the tool.

[1425956]

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]

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.