47-59 Rear sliding window: any issues?

[Nima]

I need a new rear glass for my 53 build and I am debating about installing a sliding one since I won't have AC as it stands. I thought sliding window may help with air flow in summer time but I am concern about water leakage (or any other issues) since these are not factory built. So besides the look being a personal preference, has anybody who has installed these windows have any issues specially with moisture/water?
Thanks

[mr48chev]

I'm not sure that they help all that much for ventilation in any model of truck. There is one on my mom's 77 F250 and the one time I had it open it seemed that more dust got sucked in than air flowed out.

[dsraven]

sometimes they cause turbulence inside the cab as well and it plays havoc with the pressures and your eardrums.
really, if you want an opening window that opens big enough to make a difference, you could use a minivan side window that opens at the bottom and hinges at the top. or build a slider using mechanics from a flat glass window from a donor. some regular cab semi trucks have an opening slider in the back wall. somebody on here used an astro van side window cut down, it tips out at the bottom. you could make the opening on the truck cab fit the donor window size if need be.
personally I would just get another stock glass due to the turbulence but thats just me, it's your truck.

[vintovka]

I have always wanted one since i was 19 and had to cross the 120F desert between LA and Las Vegas to get back and forth when i was at Nellis AFB. I added one as shown in the build thread below. (around #85) Now am not sure if it was a smart move. When open It does cool down the cab with only the hood vent. Also can hear exhaust roar and other noise. Down side is needed extreme caulking to prevent it from leaking like a sieve and really reduces the rearward view. They do look cool but not sure they are worth it. Check the price of the "special" weather strip before you buy.

[Nima]

Thanks for the info. It seems stock solid glass would be better option. Besides, it is a lot cheaper than sliding ones!

[_Ogre]

good choice. i've had sliders in newer trucks, the leaves in the bed get sucked into the cab. sort of handy for hauling long lumber

[mr48chev]

The goat ropers I knew in Texas in the 70's thought those sliders were so they could toss their empty Lonestar cans in the bed of the truck easier.

[dsraven]

if you go with a slider ensure you have rear exit exhaust because they usually draw air in through the rear window.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by dsraven

if you go with a slider ensure you have rear exit exhaust because they usually draw air in through the rear window.

I can attest to the fact this is very true!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tempest67]

I put a tilt window in my 51 and I thought it was going to be great, However, I am disappointed as I find that it draws in warm air and lots of noise.

It gets a lot of comments at Cruise nights, but I very seldom have it open.


With the cowl vent open, and the door glass down, there is lots of ventilation in these small cabs.

[vintovka]

Nice set up but i fully agree with your comments. In short, my slider is, and continues to be , way more trouble than its worth -- If it continues to leak I will yank it. I cannot recommend it or any rear slider on and AD.

[dsraven]

Tempest, yours is the one I was thinking of. Nice work.

[Tempest67]

I thought it was going to be a really good addition (looks good and functional) to the truck, but I must confess, I am sadly disappointed.

The cowl vent is amazing, not sure why anyone would remove (fill in) that feature.

[dsraven]

Yup, cowl vent, a hole in a high pressure area ahead of the window, it's got no choice but to push air into the cab.sometimes the odd bug comes along for the ride too (or parts of it), haha.

[mr48chev]

The effectiveness of a cowl vent on top is questionable when you have 120 louvers venting hot air from under the hood though. I had to go with the idea that any air flow was better than no air flow when it was hot out.

[57tailgater]

I had a rear slider in a '79 GMC. It was ok but as was mentioned before, heat was sucked in from underneath due to the placement of the exhaust and the gap between the cab and bed. On cooler evenings tho it was nice.

[mr48chev]

If you have a canopy on the truck and a matching slider in the front of the canopy they are great for your dog to jump back and forth though if the dog fits though the opening.

[vintovka]

Doubt a chihuahua could fit thru mine

[mr48chev]

A buddy had a mid 70's square body with the slider on both the back window and canopy and his heeler made a game of going back and forth when we would go off on adventures. The dog would ride up front with us for a while and then get in the back and curl up in his dog bed and take a nap then get back up front when he felt the truck slow down.