1953 Chevy Truck Window Information

[gag1025]

I am looking for two items. One is a side vent window handle (both the handle and the bottom part that the handle locks onto when you lock the vent window). I can find the handle but not the other part. Two is a one piece side window so that I can eliminate the vent window. I have seen many of them but cannot find a source for them.

[47 Fasttoys]

I believe prior to 1951 all the doors had the 1 piece windows. The issue is if you want the 1 piece you need to either swap to earlier doors or modify your existing doors, track system and window trim. A few guys seem to do just the opposite so maybe s trade could be worked out. If mine where a standard door I would swap to have the vent windows.
Rob

[gag1025]

I have seen many one piece windows on 1953 Chevy trucks. I doubt that they used the earlier doors. You are correct in that you have to modify (a term used on most of the restoration processes on these old trucks because very few of the replacement parts fit as they should) the window frame to fit the one piece window. My guess is that there are companies that make these for replacement purposes. I also saw an article in one of the Classic Truck magazines on how to do the modification but cannot find it. I probably threw it away. The vent window handle as well as the lower part it mates up with are pitted. I have no problem finding the handle but the part it mates up with when you lock the window down is the part I cannot find. I can buy an all chrome side window assembly but do not want to pay the $275 per window.

[Atommik]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but if you want to switch to one piece windows, why do you need vent window parts?
I believe the piece you are looking for is only available only if you buy the frame.

[gag1025]

Atommik

I am looking at both options. The chrome handle and part below it are pitted so I do not want to put them on my restored truck because they look very bad. I was also thinking about switching to a one piece. I did find a company that makes and sells the one piece. Classic Truck Glass (866) 766-2378 http://www.classictruckglass.com/. The price of the glass kit is $340 but you also need a different regulator for each window ($150 for the pair) which brings the total to $490 plus S&H (Over $500). I did find out that you can buy the handles for $9.00 each but the bottom chrome latching part is not for sale. You do have to buy the Vent Window Assembly to get this part. The cost from a local parts place USA 1 Industries 336-792-011 http://www.usa1industries.com has the chrome vent windows for $289 each ($578 total) so there is not much difference in the total price. Also I will have to modify the present door a small amount to make the one piece fit. It is not really that important to me that I have a one piece look. If I was really that hung up on doing it I would have done it before I had the doors painted. I was simply weighing my options which I like to do in most cases. After mulling it over I think I will buy the chrome vent windows and keep the original 1953 Chevy look.

[Russell Ashley]

The one piece windows seem to be quite popular here on the forum but I still like the look of vents with chrome frames. I also like the function of being able to open them and cut down on the wind in the face when I drive with the windows open.

[Iceburgh]

There is no company out there that makes the conversion, unless you go with the electric window kit. Then I would assume it is universal and modification will be needed.

My '53 has one piece window by making what I needed based off of measurements from a '48 I had sitting around.
I will say this just part to do the conversion was around $500 if I remember correctly.
We did it to another truck for a paying customer. It cost him $1200 to switch from a wing to a one piece.
Pros and cons to each. Depends on the look you want, the fab skills you have or the money you want to spend.

[Atommik]

Good explanation to my dumb question!
I kept the vent widows on my 51. Also kept the cowl vent at the back of the hood functional.
"They just don't make 'em like that anymore."

[FiftyTwo]

Lot's of info here on converting to 1 pc. windows. Bottom line, its easier just to switch to 1950 and earlier doors.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t.../#post-5760700

[strider621]

Someone had replaced the doors on my 1950 3100 with 1952 doors. I liked the push button handles with the ability to have door locks on both sides, but wanted the single piece windows. I ordered the kit form http://www.classictruckglass.com/ and installed them. I had a little trouble installing but their customer support was excellent. The windows fit and function great.

Keith

[gag1025]

Keith, they seem to be the people to order these one piece kits from. They are the people who developed the one piece system. They also will tint the glass to whatever shade you want. Di you use the manual or electric system?

[strider621]

gag1025, I used the manual system and just purchased new regulators. I had them tint the windows to match my windshield. Could not be happier with them.

[gag1025]

Iceburg

http://www.classictruckglass.com/ makes both manual and electric conversion kits for our trucks. After much consideration I am replacing my Vent Windows with chrome ones. The one piece ones look greaat but I decided to keep the original window appearance. I am also thinking about a one piece windshield (later on) but may never do it. After all it is only money. BTW I will send you a photo of my HID Xenon headlights. They look and function great.

[Iceburgh]

Glad to see someone making this kit....PIA to fab it.