One-Piece Windows ??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BodyShopDropOut12 · 09-30-2004, 01:17 PM

Whats so difficult about it? I've heard on here about it being really hard to get it done. It's been buggin me all night cause the idea sounds pretty simple. Is it costly, like ya gotta replace everything within the door, or just get a longer channel and remove whats used with the vent window? Does it only work with auto windows or both?

Is it worth it, for the look and actually having a one-piece window? If anyone has any insight on this, could ya share some info. Thanks

bagged74 · 09-30-2004, 01:26 PM

if you can make it work just let the rest of us know how!.

bigblock73 · 09-30-2004, 01:34 PM

The biggest hurdle is the cost of the glass...it would have to be custom made. Then there is the fabrication to make it all work inside the door, the triangular filler piece, the channel, etc..

I am all for a kit, and provided the kit wasn't too expensive, I would buy one in a heartbeat.

Chris and Ken have done quite a bit of homework on this, maybe they will chime in and add more.

BodyShopDropOut12 · 09-30-2004, 02:01 PM

Oh wow, I didn't know that it went as far as custom made windows.

That sucks.

SCOTI · 09-30-2004, 04:12 PM

Remember the 73-87's trucks had curved glass & that throws a big wrench in the 1pc. window customizing.

flip66 · 09-30-2004, 04:20 PM

they make a kit for the 67-72 I saw it on the 67-72 Board. I did a search but could not find it.

bagged81 · 09-30-2004, 04:28 PM

They have flat glass.

The difficulty is bending the safety glass to fit the contour of our cab, at least that is what I am told.

flip66 · 09-30-2004, 04:31 PM

did not think about that

cliffsta · 09-30-2004, 05:30 PM

fill me in on why go to one piece glass. i love having my vent windows, they blow fresh air straight into your lap. i love those things!!!!!

bagged81 · 09-30-2004, 06:05 PM

IMO, it would look cleaner. Like having a solid rear glass.

Different strokes for different folks.

cliffsta · 09-30-2004, 07:21 PM

it takes, different strokes, it takes, different strokes.

Yeah i guess it would look cleaner with one piece glass.

Lynx · 09-30-2004, 09:28 PM

My problem with the vent windows is they are so stiff, and on the highway they wistle(some trucks worse then others).

BodyShopDropOut12 · 10-01-2004, 01:22 AM

I more likely to keep the vent windows too, ain't gotta roll your window all the way down in the dead of winter to smoke a cigarette. But I've known a lot of people who had they're truck broken into by poppin the vent. The locks couldn't help and they resorted to using a sealent to keep them shut forever.

ghettocruiser · 10-01-2004, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodyShopDropOut12

But I've known a lot of people who had they're truck broken into by poppin the vent. The locks couldn't help and they resorted to using a sealent to keep them shut forever.

That is my biggest concern about the vent windows, I seen people use the master cylinder latch to break into the vehicle it came off of. I think I am gonna permanently seal mine on the truck and camaro.

**N2TRUX** · 10-01-2004, 11:13 AM

Jeff pretty much summed it up. The problem with producing a one piece kit for these trucks is getting a mold made for curved glass isn't cheap. It's "very" expensive. The rest of it would be less expensive, but still add to the cost of the kit. I can't remember all the break down now, but I had a pretty good estimate a couple of years ago. I couldn't see any way to get the kit to the market for under $1000.00....

bagged81 · 10-01-2004, 11:33 AM

After doing some research, I read that it is not too hard to shape Lexan. That might be an idea.

cliffsta · 10-01-2004, 04:49 PM

on the theft issue...
if they wanna break in they are gonna break in. Vent windows or no. If you go to 1 piece design, which is EXPENSIVE, you will be out even more money when they break that window. Permenantly sealing the window ain't gonna stop a crow bar from coming throgh.

on whistling....
If your handles are broke or your weatherstripping is worn, that would cause whistling. i replaced the handles on mine to make them functional again, and my whistle went bye bye. My only probelm is my driver's side tension screw is too loose so it blows closed at like 35, so when i paint my interior in Nov, im gonna tighten that thang up.

BodyShopDropOut12 · 10-01-2004, 06:50 PM

It's not really all about going that far as breakin windows. You got easy access to unlock it. I mean, when my truck gets done the most expensive thing in the interior is gonna be the interior(minus an 8 track). I think most people might just break into these old trucks, besides any with anything expensive within them, just because they can and it's fairly easy. And they might grab whatever you got hangin around. But thats just how I see it.

**Captkaos** · 10-01-2004, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagged81

After doing some research, I read that it is not too hard to shape Lexan. That might be an idea.

Lexan has to be pampered really well. scratches are inevitable on them.

**N2TRUX** · 10-01-2004, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captkaos

Lexan has to be pampered really well. scratches are inevitable on them.

Very true. It's also not optically correct when bent unless it's molded. That means the view would make you woozy...

bagged81 · 10-02-2004, 04:59 PM

Damn.

7T7 · 10-02-2004, 09:49 PM

The folks at Percy's Performance, Inc. Have lexan that is coated with a highley scratch resistant chemical and can bend it to fit your needs.
Percy's calls it SpeedGlass.

A lot of the high dollar streetrod roadsters have speedglass for windshields. My friends 33 speedstar has it and it looks just like glass.

I understand glass is still the best choice for daily drivers but this is an option for those fair weather drivers.

Here is the site...
http://www.percyshp.com/speedglass_p...lass_home.html

09-30-2004, 01:17 PM	#1
BodyShopDropOut12 9 months Join Date: May 2004 Location: Gahanna, OH/Jacksonville, AR Posts: 430	One-Piece Windows ??? Whats so difficult about it? I've heard on here about it being really hard to get it done. It's been buggin me all night cause the idea sounds pretty simple. Is it costly, like ya gotta replace everything within the door, or just get a longer channel and remove whats used with the vent window? Does it only work with auto windows or both? Is it worth it, for the look and actually having a one-piece window? If anyone has any insight on this, could ya share some info. Thanks

09-30-2004, 01:34 PM	#3
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	The biggest hurdle is the cost of the glass...it would have to be custom made. Then there is the fabrication to make it all work inside the door, the triangular filler piece, the channel, etc.. I am all for a kit, and provided the kit wasn't too expensive, I would buy one in a heartbeat. Chris and Ken have done quite a bit of homework on this, maybe they will chime in and add more. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

09-30-2004, 04:12 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,943	Remember the 73-87's trucks had curved glass & that throws a big wrench in the 1pc. window customizing. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

09-30-2004, 04:28 PM	#7
bagged81 Signals in the bumper. Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 856	They have flat glass. The difficulty is bending the safety glass to fit the contour of our cab, at least that is what I am told. __________________ Jeff C. 1981 Chevrolet Silverado - Under major construction...again. link 1962 Chevrolet Impala 4D Sedan moredoorclassics.com 1936 Ford Pickup - Frame-off in progress link 1979 Chevrolet Camper Special Flatbed link

09-30-2004, 05:30 PM	#9
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	fill me in on why go to one piece glass. i love having my vent windows, they blow fresh air straight into your lap. i love those things!!!!! __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

09-30-2004, 01:26 PM	#2
bagged74 its just $$$$$ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: OK Posts: 2,078	if you can make it work just let the rest of us know how!.

09-30-2004, 02:01 PM	#4
BodyShopDropOut12 9 months Join Date: May 2004 Location: Gahanna, OH/Jacksonville, AR Posts: 430	Oh wow, I didn't know that it went as far as custom made windows. That sucks.

09-30-2004, 04:20 PM	#6
flip66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Garland TX Dallas area Posts: 658	they make a kit for the 67-72 I saw it on the 67-72 Board. I did a search but could not find it.

09-30-2004, 04:31 PM	#8
flip66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Garland TX Dallas area Posts: 658	did not think about that

09-30-2004, 06:05 PM	#10
bagged81 Signals in the bumper. Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 856	IMO, it would look cleaner. Like having a solid rear glass. Different strokes for different folks. __________________ Jeff C. 1981 Chevrolet Silverado - Under major construction...again. link 1962 Chevrolet Impala 4D Sedan moredoorclassics.com 1936 Ford Pickup - Frame-off in progress link 1979 Chevrolet Camper Special Flatbed link

09-30-2004, 07:21 PM	#11
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	it takes, different strokes, it takes, different strokes. Yeah i guess it would look cleaner with one piece glass. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

09-30-2004, 09:28 PM	#12
Lynx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada Posts: 513	My problem with the vent windows is they are so stiff, and on the highway they wistle(some trucks worse then others). __________________ Ben 1983 Silverado SWB 305 2002 Silverado Extended Cab 5.3 http://members.shaw.ca/bkennett

10-01-2004, 01:22 AM	#13
BodyShopDropOut12 9 months Join Date: May 2004 Location: Gahanna, OH/Jacksonville, AR Posts: 430	I more likely to keep the vent windows too, ain't gotta roll your window all the way down in the dead of winter to smoke a cigarette. But I've known a lot of people who had they're truck broken into by poppin the vent. The locks couldn't help and they resorted to using a sealent to keep them shut forever.

10-01-2004, 11:13 AM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Jeff pretty much summed it up. The problem with producing a one piece kit for these trucks is getting a mold made for curved glass isn't cheap. It's "very" expensive. The rest of it would be less expensive, but still add to the cost of the kit. I can't remember all the break down now, but I had a pretty good estimate a couple of years ago. I couldn't see any way to get the kit to the market for under $1000.00.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-01-2004, 11:33 AM	#16
bagged81 Signals in the bumper. Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 856	After doing some research, I read that it is not too hard to shape Lexan. That might be an idea. __________________ Jeff C. 1981 Chevrolet Silverado - Under major construction...again. link 1962 Chevrolet Impala 4D Sedan moredoorclassics.com 1936 Ford Pickup - Frame-off in progress link 1979 Chevrolet Camper Special Flatbed link



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10-01-2004, 04:49 PM	#17
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	on the theft issue... if they wanna break in they are gonna break in. Vent windows or no. If you go to 1 piece design, which is EXPENSIVE, you will be out even more money when they break that window. Permenantly sealing the window ain't gonna stop a crow bar from coming throgh. on whistling.... If your handles are broke or your weatherstripping is worn, that would cause whistling. i replaced the handles on mine to make them functional again, and my whistle went bye bye. My only probelm is my driver's side tension screw is too loose so it blows closed at like 35, so when i paint my interior in Nov, im gonna tighten that thang up. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

10-01-2004, 06:50 PM	#18
BodyShopDropOut12 9 months Join Date: May 2004 Location: Gahanna, OH/Jacksonville, AR Posts: 430	It's not really all about going that far as breakin windows. You got easy access to unlock it. I mean, when my truck gets done the most expensive thing in the interior is gonna be the interior(minus an 8 track). I think most people might just break into these old trucks, besides any with anything expensive within them, just because they can and it's fairly easy. And they might grab whatever you got hangin around. But thats just how I see it.

10-02-2004, 04:59 PM	#21
bagged81 Signals in the bumper. Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 856	Damn. __________________ Jeff C. 1981 Chevrolet Silverado - Under major construction...again. link 1962 Chevrolet Impala 4D Sedan moredoorclassics.com 1936 Ford Pickup - Frame-off in progress link 1979 Chevrolet Camper Special Flatbed link

10-02-2004, 09:49 PM	#22
7T7 Regular guy Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Round Rock TX Posts: 518	The folks at Percy's Performance, Inc. Have lexan that is coated with a highley scratch resistant chemical and can bend it to fit your needs. Percy's calls it SpeedGlass. A lot of the high dollar streetrod roadsters have speedglass for windshields. My friends 33 speedstar has it and it looks just like glass. I understand glass is still the best choice for daily drivers but this is an option for those fair weather drivers. Here is the site... http://www.percyshp.com/speedglass_p...lass_home.html Attached Images __________________ 'Frank' 77 Silverado 18 & 20 American CL205s Edelbrock MPFI, 700r4, Baer Brakes 9" F@rd rear, Vintage air, Bags etc etc.. Last edited by 7T7; 10-02-2004 at 10:11 PM.

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