Hey folks, when I drive my '54 the vent windows tend to blow shut from the wind. This is really inconvenient because I use them to keep the interior cool and blow some of the fumes out. I took the driver's side door apart last night to look and see if there was any adjustment to tighten them up but I did not see one. Does anyone know any good tricks? Thanks
You probably have a worn or broken pivot arm,there are 2 round pieces that look similar to washers with a spring and a nut to tighten. HRP This is what mine looked like before I repaired them. One of mine was rusted through.
Fumes in the car... don't eat at Taco Bell! Mine does that too and my vent windows have all new gaskets, pivot arm may be worn. I just stick my hand in it to keep it open.
Ok sounds like more of a project than I'm going to take on at the moment. I tried tightening that nut with the spring but it didn't seem to help. I had the p***enger's side vent window all apart a couple years ago and managed to break my window gl*** so I probably won't be taking the whole thing back apart again. Thanks for the advice!
95% of the time the pivot is broken,the window will stay in place and won't fall out but there is no way to tighten it up,replacing the pivot is generally the only cure. If you ever decide to replace it you will be ahead of the game to take the vent window gl*** shop,they have the correct pliers to remove the gl*** from the frame without breaking it. I broke both vent windows trying to remove the frame. HRP
I actually managed to somehow break the side gl*** (the one which rolls up and down) trying to get the vent window frame in place. Don't ask how, its a special talent haha
My vent windows were done by my gl*** guy, he set my side gl*** too. I just think it pivots very well and once I'm over 60 they blow shut. I get a ton of air through the vents and the car is comfy to drive even in the heat, under 90*.
Regardless of the speed or bumps my vent windows stay in the position I set them,working properly they are tight. HRP
If u can't fix it or don't want to I used plastic hose pinch pliers to keep it open. Or vise grips if u aren't scared to scratch anything Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
They are not that difficult to DIY, once you have the vent out of the gl*** track/frame, (I soaked it in citrus acid bath first)clamp the vent between 2 pieces of wood in a vice, heat gun(on the frame, not the gl***) till you can tap the frame off with a small piece of wood. ...then fun starts finding the new pivots! Note: sheet metal shops have the pivot rivets
The ones on my '59 are different than the '52-56 vent windows. I guess mine just turn easier since they're in good shape. No pivot gizmo like the ones pictured here.
Bob, I was told the '57's, and I ***ume yours as well, have a tension adjustment up at the top. If I recall, I was told it didn't look like one, but actually was, so I'll have to look for it before I put the wing windows back in the car after paint. To be honest, this thread got me to wondering if I've even tried my wing windows. I quit smoking last October, before my first test drive, so that would have been my main reason for using them.
I have a spare vent ***embly and I'll take a look. If I can adjust it without taking it apart, it'll be a go. Thanks. Really not a problem if I keep it to 65 or below.
I've never smoked but I can ***ure you those vents can really cool a car when they are cranled out as far as they will go. HRP
I smoked for 56 years, and those vent windows were always in use...in the winter at least. Hard to believe most new cars don't even come with a cigarette lighter any more..... sign of the times. I guess it was my smoking that got me into the habit of always driving with a window cracked open. perfect day is when I can roll the window all the way down and turn on the A/C to keep it comfortable. I haven't totally quit, I must admit, I do smoke the E cigs. Gotta have that nicotine kick, lol. I just don't smoke the (good) smelly smoky real stuff, lol.
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