Restoring Vent windows

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

This is NOT a for sale thread. I have decided to start rebuilding vent windows so this is the first two sets. I just wanted to post a thread on the complete rebuild process so you guys could see what I can do. These will be in the FOR SALE section as soon as I am done with them (which I am shooting for the end of this week.) so please don't turn this into a wanted/for sale thread.

On to the windows. I started with two fairly rough worn out sets and sandblasted and powder coated everything. I did the parts that are seen in a 60% gloss black and the parts that are not seen in a satin silver to mimic the original plating and provide corrosion protection. I am lucky enough to work at a powder coating shop where the owner and I are both 67-72 enthusiasts so everything we do is top quality. When re-riveting the windows I use all the factory style rivets, I do not use pop rivets. As for the rubber and any other parts I use Classic Parts of America.

Currently I am working on a set for 68-72 and a set that are out of a 77' GMC. I am not familiar with any differences in windows from the 73-87 years however I am sure I will be soon. Again I hope to have these two sets done by the end of next week, just waiting on some more parts.

Link to for sale thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715571

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Almost finished, again this is to show the process. NOT a for sale thread.

[Shaky]

Looks good. Where do you get the factory style rivets and how are they installed?

[suville]

gunna follow along on this one ! how do you clinch the rivets ?

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Originally Posted by Shaky

Looks good. Where do you get the factory style rivets and how are they installed?

So far I get them from Classic Parts. If I start doing a lot of them I will buy them in bulk elsewhere. I install them using a rivet clincher.

Originally Posted by suville

gunna follow along on this one ! how do you clinch the rivets ?

I finally found a rivet clincher that isn't a piece of junk!

[midniteblues]

Nice work.
I have been procrastinating rebuilding my 67's wings. I collected 3 sets to build one set just in case.
also have 3-4 sets of later ones to rebuild for the 71.

[68bowtie]

i would love to know more about the process, materials, and what tools you need.

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Alright I got one side back together tonight, will have the other done tomorrow!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

i would love to know more about the process, materials, and what tools you need.

Its a pain, you need to have done a few sets to get good at it, you need a good clincher and alot of patience!

[OregonNed]

Fantastic work. These look great.

[Shaky]

Any hints on which clincher you are using?

[custom10nut]

I'm watching this with baited breath. Both my windows in my 70 are badly in need of repair. The pivot on the Driver side seized and broke, and the rubber on the passenger side is just wore out.
I have to ask your opinion. I have time, patience and tools.
I would only be doing the one set for my truck
Does the outlay of money for equipment, parts, and effort, offset buying new?
I like to do all my own work on my truck, but if I have to buy a bunch of "one time use" tools, I can't justify this route.
I know what new and used Windows cost, so with stating dollar amounts, does the self rebuild way offset the cost of just buying them?
Tool-wise, I think the only thing I would have to get would be the rivet setter.
Thanks, and great work on the ones you did.

[dfwright]

Do you plan on rebuilding and selling, or will you also be taking requests to rebuild vent windows for others, where they would send you theirs and you would refurb and send them back?

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Originally Posted by Shaky

Any hints on which clincher you are using?

Check out Hanson Rivet, its fairly pricey but worth the money.

Originally Posted by custom10nut

I'm watching this with baited breath. Both my windows in my 70 are badly in need of repair. The pivot on the Driver side seized and broke, and the rubber on the passenger side is just wore out.
I have to ask your opinion. I have time, patience and tools.
I would only be doing the one set for my truck
Does the outlay of money for equipment, parts, and effort, offset buying new?
I like to do all my own work on my truck, but if I have to buy a bunch of "one time use" tools, I can't justify this route.
I know what new and used Windows cost, so with stating dollar amounts, does the self rebuild way offset the cost of just buying them?
Tool-wise, I think the only thing I would have to get would be the rivet setter.
Thanks, and great work on the ones you did.

In my opinion its just a matter of do you want to take on the task? Yes rebuilding them yourself does save some money, however they can be frustrating little things. The first set I did it took three people to hold the thing together while I tried to set the rivets. Now I can put them together myself. You could use pop-rivets in some spots to put it back together but I don't like how it looks. If you do it though definitely invest in the rivet clincher from Hanson Rivet.

Originally Posted by dfwright

Do you plan on rebuilding and selling, or will you also be taking requests to rebuild vent windows for others, where they would send you theirs and you would refurb and send them back?

I would like to get into doing both. I will post a thread in the for sale section for these windows and to take on requests etc.

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

First set is complete!

[35boulder]

Really nice work. Look forward to you "for sale" thread.

[BC10]

Nice work! I rebuilt my own, and it was very time consuming work!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Originally Posted by 35boulder

Really nice work. Look forward to you "for sale" thread.

Thanks, they are posted!

Originally Posted by BC10

Nice work! I rebuilt my own, and it was very time consuming work!

Thanks and yes it is.

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by blue 72 gmc 4x4

Check out Hanson Rivet, its fairly pricey but worth the money.

Thanks man. You do nice work...

[custom10nut]

The Rivet Setter you speak of is the same tool used to hinge rivets on a Haybine. Easy to find and easy to use. Is there a red build kit available with all the required hardware an rubber? As I said before, one of my lower pivots is broken, so I guess I would have to replace the whole trim piece.

[tmontg01]

I'm interested

[CG]

I think I have one bazillion sets of vent windows. If started at number one by the time I got to number one bazillion I might have the rebuild process down =)

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

The Rivet Setter you speak of is the same tool used to hinge rivets on a Haybine. Easy to find and easy to use. Is there a red build kit available with all the required hardware an rubber? As I said before, one of my lower pivots is broken, so I guess I would have to replace the whole trim piece.

The lower pivot that the spring is mounted to?

Originally Posted by CG

I think I have one bazillion sets of vent windows. If started at number one by the time I got to number one bazillion I might have the rebuild process down =)

More than likely! That's basically what I did.

[Dave in Ozark]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

The Rivet Setter you speak of is the same tool used to hinge rivets on a Haybine. Easy to find and easy to use. Is there a red build kit available with all the required hardware an rubber? As I said before, one of my lower pivots is broken, so I guess I would have to replace the whole trim piece.

I ordered mine (the kit with seals and a hardware included) through gmc Paul's. Rubber was great, all rivets included but I would absolutely recommend finding another tool besides the optional hammer style rivet setter. That is my only disappointment... Other than the fact that the window itself is now hard to re-latch. I have read though that the rubber will relax. The gaskets were precision brand.
Edit: I'm now realize that you are looking for the lower pivot anchor as well- it isn't included. Only all the rivets required

[suville]

Would you mind sharing the part numbers for the Hansen tool to include which dies you used? The pic you shared of the clinched rivet looks every bit as good as the original factory clinch. Not happy at all with the results I got with the "hammer" tool and would like to redo mine. BTW I used new vent glass from Classic Parts and not happy with the DOT etching on the glass, seems they only have one glass replacement rather than a right and left so the DOT etching is backwards on one window so Im looking for right and left glass also. BTW thanks for info!