my girlfriends brother has a buddy with a 57 nomad. he says it is a common problem for the rear window frame (tailgate) to warp a bit. he says it is made of potmetal, and there are companies that will heat and tweak it back into shape...the question he has is: does anyone know what temperature the potmetal should be heated to? i would imagine if you heated it too much, it would just fall apart, etc....i know absolutely nothing about this (didnt even know the frames were made of potmetal)..i told him, that if there was someone that knew, it would be on here,,thanks guys
There was an article once in Rod and Custom about fixing them. The hinges also get sprung on them too.
Ask and Ye shall receive!! http://www.pontiacsafari.com/L1SafariFacts/LiftGate.htm (FYI- 55 - 57 Safari's have the same roof and tailgate)
not all the upper gates are pot metal , early 55's were made of brass if you find one that is made of brass . they chrome plate real good .
There's guy in California (I think) who straightens those out. He has a jig he puts them in, and then squares them up. That's not much help, as there are several guys in California, but there you go. Also, don't drive with the window up. It helps them warp. Look in some of the Nomad and tri-5 sites for info on getting the frame fixed.