Found out not all 73-87 side windows interchange

[Old Yeller 1970]

Actually, the glass appears to be the same but if the track is different the window will not roll up completely.

I discovered this yesterday while I was trying to replace the driverside window in my '86 GMC 1500 because Wednesday I was mowing the lawn next to my gravel driveway and when I got done you can imagine what I found. So, after retrieving a window from the local junk yard I got the thing installed yesterday morning.

I'd noticed that the track looked different on the window they gave me. It was more like the track in a 67-72 window but figured it wouldn't matter. Well it would only roll up about 3/4 of the way and after spending the rest of the morning taking it out, getting another window with a track that matched the original, I finally got it right.

Any one else run into this?

[bigblock73]

Yup, been there done that. I bet you grabbed a window out of a 73-76?

[Old Yeller 1970]

They already had it pulled so there's no telling what year model it came from. They had it marked as an '81-'87 window but that is undoubtedly false. Judging from the track style and amount of rust I would guess you are right about the '73-'76 age though.

[nivimar]

Now, if the windows are diffrent are the doors still interchangable I have a 76 and soon to put shaved early 80's doors on. I mathced fit them and they were good but now i have doubt's.I heard all these trucks are the same from the doors back?

[EJC78]

Hey guys quick question is the curve of the glass different between the different years, because I ordered the onepiece window kit and the glass that I recieved has a greater curve radius then the stock one. I was thinking that the window kit may have been designed for a later year truck. Mine is a 78

[Crank]

I believe all the doors will interchange but the glass wont, but the outside diameters are the same... EJC78 Where did you order your one piece glass from, I'd like to look into one for my '79 Crewcab, thanks.
Brandon

[82c10]

Originally Posted by Crank

I believe all the doors will interchange but the glass wont, but the outside diameters are the same... EJC78 Where did you order your one piece glass from, I'd like to look into one for my '79 Crewcab, thanks.
Brandon

he got it from brother's
http://brothersonlinestore.com/prodi...number=OPWK800

[EJC78]

Yep thats where I got the kit from

[Old Yeller 1970]

I think the doors should all interchange and it looked to me like the glass (in my case) was shaped the same. But since the track was different then I would have to say the window regulators are different and will have to match the track style based on year model.

[nivimar]

You know I talked to alot of local glass shops and they saild a 73-87 glass kit would not work.If you think about it all you need is a pre cut piece of glass or template out of cardboard and a specially made channel.Brothers want's way to much for this kit.I was thinking more like $350.00 It still looks great though.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by nivimar

..... If you think about it all you need is a pre cut piece of glass or template out of cardboard and a specially made channel.....

I don't mean to be an a**, but if it's that easy, there's several members on this board that will take the first few sets off your hands after you go into production. Sounds like you have it figured out so it shouldn't take long.

It's easy to sit back & say "all you need is....."; it's a whole different level of play to actually do it. Engineering time, parts development, tooling costs, & packaging all cost money.

.... Brothers want's way to much for this kit.I was thinking more like $350.00....

How much does it cost for just 2 stock windows, 2 vent-wing windows, all the window channel fuzzies & felts? My guess is more than $350.

I feel Brothers has been the only source to step up to the plate so far & they deserve props for that (even if their kit isn't flawless @ this point). Once people get these, someone will try to build a better mousetrap & prices will drop..... just hope that quality improves @ the same time.

[SSC's76]

Well they do interchange but if you use the older window in a newer truck or vise versa you also need to change the vent window assembly to match the same year glass. If you do this it all works/fits fine.

In my 86 somone had broken the vent window out to try and steal what they thought was a CD player sitting on the dash. When they found out it was an ancient radar detector they left it. We used one of the spare vent windows from the 76 and one of the spare windows from it as a replacement. Works fine!

[Old Yeller 1970]

Originally Posted by SSC's76

Well they do interchange but if you use the older window in a newer truck or vise versa you also need to change the vent window assembly to match the same year glass. If you do this it all works/fits fine.

Did you have to change regulators or are they all the same?

[SSC's76]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller 1970

Did you have to change regulators or are they all the same?

The 86 regulator stayed. The only difference between the different year regulators is the crank peice the handel attaches to, it's 1/2" or so longer to accomodate the different (larger) style door panel.

[Captkaos]

Originally Posted by nivimar

You know I talked to alot of local glass shops and they saild a 73-87 glass kit would not work.If you think about it all you need is a pre cut piece of glass or template out of cardboard and a specially made channel.Brothers want's way to much for this kit.I was thinking more like $350.00 It still looks great though.

I have already been where the company that makes the kit for Brothers is. It would have cost me $350 for a set of JUST the glass and they wouldn't touch it unless I could purchase a MINIMUM of 10 sets at one hit, AND if my mold was off, I had to EAT the other 10 sets and Do it all over again 10 set at a time.... Which is why you don't see mine availible yet...

This doesn't include all the new hardware, and weatherstripping. Trust me, $775 is a reasonable price for markup on this item. If I got mine put together, I wouldn't dare sell it for less than $600... at a minimum.

[bigblock73]

Right on Scoti, I couldn't agree more.

[Chevrolet4x4s]

Quality costs but truthfully regardless of the price I like my vent windows.Have always hated the fact that they did away with them in new stuff one more reason to buy an 87 back vehicle.
Shane

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Chevrolet4x4s

Quality costs but truthfully regardless of the price I like my vent windows.Have always hated the fact that they did away with them in new stuff one more reason to buy an 87 back vehicle.
Shane

I don't dislike vent windows. I do hate the whistles you get when the seal isn't optimum. That's the strong point for me, 1pc windows eliminate the main source for wind noise as well as the #1 point of entry for any beginner thief.

[Old Yeller 1970]

Thanks for the info. It'll probably prove useful somewhere down the road.