The previous owner of my '38 Chevy g***er removed the vent windows. Unfortunately for me, he replaced the windows with plexigl*** and screwed it in with sheet metal screws. I have the original window cranks and want install gl*** windows that I can roll up and down. As you can see from my photos, the doors have not been modified for the one piece gl*** to roll down into. I can see what needs to be removed, but was wondering how you guys who removed vent windows proceeded. Im concerned that removing this support metal may cause the door panel to be flimsy. Am I just being to **** about the whole process?? EDIT: I still have the vent windows but do not want to reinstall them.
On a Forty Ford coupe we used sedan window channel because of the length, you might find you will have to fabricate the U channel in the front of the door to accommodate the window felt, it not difficult just time consuming. HRP
Gl*** new bigger/longer shape will need a straight and parallel bottom part of pattern. Start with as much of the stock gl*** channels as you can/the rear should already be right shape. Front will need to be mod. an moved to front of inter door. Make a plywood window to play with tell it all work well; With a stock,but mod crank n lift< that may need to be moved so it pushs in center of new gl*** load/for up n down.
I have done a few vent window eliminations where there was not a kit to obtain. You will need a good gl*** shop to cut the gl***. You will need to use the factory track at the rear, and make like track (use the original division bar as a template) for the front. The fuzzy bendable stuff that lines the tracks and frame is available in bulk online. And yes, you should reinforce the top of the door. You can put a strip of 1/8" steel under the "sill" and rosette weld it in. You would be making the window opening wider, but functionally the same.
I pretty much have it all figured out. Its obvious that the metal where the vent window went needs to be removed. That is my only question. I am ***uming the door structure is rigid enough where removing this area will not cause any problems. That is my only concern.
I do not know. It is possible. I have done a whole bunch of OT VW stuff, and some gl*** places make them, and the gl*** for others. Some of my customers have gl*** from here: https://www.vintagegl***.com/ I know that they can do 1-piece door gl***, as I will be getting some for my Falcon.
See if it flexes when you close the door. If it does, reinforce it. Early Falcons, before Ford used thicker metal, had a problem with cracking at the division bar, from pulling the door closed. The metal on your car is thicker, but it is something to look out for, before you get to paint and interior.
Im not concerned with having the gl*** made. I have a gl*** place local that does a great job. Ive had gl*** cut many times before by them. Never had a problem.
Take a close look at the door, see if the vent and the door gl*** are on the same plane. Might be that there's a slight bend at the back of the vent window. If there is, you will need to deal with it somehow.
Hagan makes a kit as vent windows angle in from window plane. https://www.haganauto.com/product_p/dowsrs.htm https://www.haganauto.com/product_p/douwc.htm
I am a vent window guy. I will use it until it gets too hot with stop and go traffic. Vents are a big appeal for me.
I removed my vent windows in my '49 Coupe. Installing the single pane window is covered in this gallery on the second page, fourth picture/narrative is where the windows begins. Good luck !!! Oh, and if you are going electric operators, use BALLS operators... they are great.. lifetime warranty and made in America.. https://49fordcoupe.smugmug.com/The-Doors/ And to add to the post above by 34Phil, that website, Hagan, has how-to pictures that I wish I had seen back 10 years ago... https://www.haganauto.com/v/vspfiles/files/pdf/UWC install instr.pdf
That new piece of gl*** is gonna be a bit heavy. When someone slams the right door with the gl*** rolled down a bit it may crack.
Thanks for the links! Some great info in them. I just yesterday got a chance to do some work on the vent removal. I cut out the areas pictured with no problem. I notice a little more flex in the panel but Im going to install a plate in the open area where the vent mechanism bolts up and that will make it strong again. I have the plexigl*** windows for a basic template, but will have to have about 1/4" removed from the outside edge to be able to fit in the new channels. The plexi ones were designed to be screwed in permanently.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/fisher/1937_38/index.html http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1938/index.html
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