1953 Chevy Side Window Replacement

[gag1025]

I need help. When I bought this '53 3100 the side windows needed a lot of work. I took them out, painted them and am in the process of reinstalling them. I am going to replace the felt track and replace the rubber. My problem is that the vent window was loose. I ordered the glass setting tape which is a rubber strip that you secure in place with black silicon and then slide the vent window into the grove for a tight fit. My problem is that with the rubber strip in the frame there is not enough room and the glass will not slide into the frame. I would like to hear from someone who has actually done this. Thanks.

[54 jimmy]

i am in kinda the same boat. i hah a broken vent window and got a used one. so i am going to use urethane window glue to glue the new window in. seem to be eaiser. i haven't glued it in but i have talked to a few glass shops and the said it would be the better route. they said the old rubber seal like you have you might break the glass trying to get it in. urethane cost $20.00 so i am going that route.hope this helps.

[oldcouple]

I cleaned the old channel, lubbed it with wd40, warmed it up with a heat gun and place the rubber on the window, tap gently with a rubber mallet and seated it.

[gag1025]

Thanks for the tips. Oldcouple, did you use silicon between the rubber and the frame? More are welcome.

[oldcouple]

No, it was a tight fit, the wd40 almost acts like glue, I had to heat it up again to replace after some punk neighbor kid pried it open and broke the glass, it came out with some work.. funny thing is, kid cut his hand, bled all over trying to get the radio out, which he didn't , and the other door was unlocked.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by oldcouple

No, it was a tight fit, the wd40 almost acts like glue, I had to heat it up again to replace after some punk neighbor kid pried it open and broke the glass, it came out with some work.. funny thing is, kid cut his hand, bled all over trying to get the radio out, which he didn't , and the other door was unlocked.

stupid is as stupid does.

[54 jimmy]

here's your sign

[Atommik]

I worked at a ford dealership for 10 years, the f-150 at the time then had vent windows. We used rust penetrant (like wd 40) to lube up the rubber strip on both sides, then lay the strip on the frame and slide the glass in, then trim off the excess. Once it dries, it holds in place very well.. Also, double check with where you got the rubber strip. There are different thicknesses available. Yours may be to thick.

[Russell Ashley]

I got some glass setting tape from Steel rubber Products (www.steelerubber.com) for my last project. It comes in 1/32 or 1/16 thickness so you should get the thickness that fits your glass and frame. The frame and glass must be very clean when you install it. Cut a length that fits around the glass with about an inch extra on each end. Put it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes until it softens up and then wrap it on to the glass. Don't stretch it but pull it snug and form it to the glass. When I did it I trimmed the excess at the corners but don't leave a gap. Push it into the frame as much as you can with hand pressure and then set the back edge of the glass down on a flat piece of wood and lightly tap the frame on to the glass with a rubber mallet. When you get it fully installed take a razor knife and trim the excess rubber by running the blade along the edge of the frame. You don't need to use any adhesive as the setting tape will hold the glass in place. This procedure worked well for me and wasn't actually very difficult.

[gag1025]

Thanks for all the input. I decided to take it by one of the local glass companies and let them do it. I know that they don't use rubber setting tape.
I was going to ask him what they did use but never got an opportunity because one of the guys who works there is a friend of mine that I have not seen in over 25 years, so we started talking and I forgot to ask. I will when I pick it up tomorrow. I will report what I find out.

[54 jimmy]

if the glue it in with urethane make sure you takr the whole frame. if not the windo might sit in too farand not seal wher it meets the mainwindow on the vertical seal.

[gag1025]

Thanks for the tip. I actually replacd the rubber then bolted the spring assembly on and riveted the vent window frame onto the vent window assembly. I took the entire assembly to them. Several of my friends who have old restored vehicles told me that this is the place to take it so I felt that this would be the best solution. Plus, as someone suggested, if it leaks then it will be on them to correct the problem. But, according to my buddies they have never had a problem with windows that they took to them. Most of the restoration I have done but when I run into something that I don't feel comfortable with I take it to someone who knows what they are doing as in this case. Plus, the guy told me that the rubber will deterioate over time.

[JumboAMONGus]

i did my side winow and it was easy but i tried to do the wing windows and no way so there just in there and i yell when someone goes to open the wing windows ,,cause the glass will fall out ,,hardly notice after 35 mph ,,the vibration stops and they dont rattle lol

[gag1025]

I have decided to take the bottom channels along with the windows and let them attach the bottom channel to the windows. That way if I have problems in the future they are responsible for fixing the problems. Like I said befor when I run into things I am not comfortable witgh I get someone else who knows what they are doing to take care of the problem.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by gag1025

I have decided to take the bottom channels along with the windows and let them attach the bottom channel to the windows. That way if I have problems in the future they are responsible for fixing the problems. Like I said befor when I run into things I am not comfortable witgh I get someone else who knows what they are doing to take care of the problem.

I used to do that But around here it is getting hard to find anyone that knows what they are doing or has common sense to figure it out.
I got tired of paying people to do things that I have to bring home and take apart to fix. just not worth it.

[gag1025]

I understand where you are coming from. I guess I am lucky in that I have found several people in my area (some are friends) who are very articulate when it comes to these old vehicles. Two of them do it (restoration) for a living and are very good. I have been well pleased when they help me out. Plus the fact that they do it for little compensation. I am sure I will pay in other ways many times over before it's over.

[gag1025]

I took all 4 windows (side windows and vent windows) to my local glass shop and they installed all 4 for $50. That was a win-win situation for me. I know that they are installed correctly and will not leak but if a leak occurs they will redo it. Satisfaction for $50 is worth it to me.