CK5
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How hard is it?
- Thread starter prolinews
- Start date
If you can get a new metal bottom strip and the rubber gasket that goes in it, the swap is easy - just a few bolts. If you want to buy only glass and reuse that bottom metal track, there is a good chance you will break the old glass getting it free.
Yes it should. Best wait until you get the glass out to troubleshoot it. The window has to be rolled up to get to it which means you're curled up in the back of your truck trying to fiddle with it.
With the glass out, you can just let the tailgate down and have planty of access.
With the glass out, you can just let the tailgate down and have planty of access.
Can you just polish the glass?
Never really tried, done it with plastic, but if possible, might be a fair bit cheaper.
Never really tried, done it with plastic, but if possible, might be a fair bit cheaper.
The key switch is notorious for quitting. Even with the window out you need skinny hands with 4 wrists to get in there and unbolt the rear key switch assembly. At that point you can probably see what the trouble it. I have replaced the contacts on there, which works for a few years or so, but the best bet is to just replace the switch (if it needs it). It sucks having to get back into it. Check the connectors under the tailgate first to see if one of them has come unplugged.
When you replace the glass you should probably replace the window seals that it rides against, unless they are relatively new. Otherwise the new glass will just get scratched too. Also check out the felt in the channels (down inside the tailgate.) Those need to be relatively OK for the window to track right.
As for polishing, I tried it once with some kind of glass polishing compound and a drill. Worked it for a couple of hours, couldn't see any difference and gave up. The replacement cost varies a lot based on what kind of glass it is. The clear should be <$100, while factory tint is a different kind of glass and >$200 last time I checked. I ran clear with tint film, which worked fine for several years until it finally started to peel. The tint is also susceptible to damage if you pile a lot of stuff in the back of the truck. Now I run the 89-91 style with the little grid printed on the inside of the glass, because I figure it's more durable. I don't know if these are available except as used OEM pieces.
When you replace the glass you should probably replace the window seals that it rides against, unless they are relatively new. Otherwise the new glass will just get scratched too. Also check out the felt in the channels (down inside the tailgate.) Those need to be relatively OK for the window to track right.
As for polishing, I tried it once with some kind of glass polishing compound and a drill. Worked it for a couple of hours, couldn't see any difference and gave up. The replacement cost varies a lot based on what kind of glass it is. The clear should be <$100, while factory tint is a different kind of glass and >$200 last time I checked. I ran clear with tint film, which worked fine for several years until it finally started to peel. The tint is also susceptible to damage if you pile a lot of stuff in the back of the truck. Now I run the 89-91 style with the little grid printed on the inside of the glass, because I figure it's more durable. I don't know if these are available except as used OEM pieces.
I know on plastic polishing you start very aggressive with the abrasive, then gradually work your way down to less and less abrasive until it polishes. I know glass is hard, but a couple of hours and no difference? I would give up at 15 minutes of no difference, and go buy the glass lol.
If it's that tough to do, I'd agree with buying the glass. But eventually, it's going to be scratched again.
If it's that tough to do, I'd agree with buying the glass. But eventually, it's going to be scratched again.
glass can be wetsanded and polished... it's like wetsanding/buffing fresh paint times eleventy cuz it's such a hard surface..
wage92
1/2 ton status
Ive heard of guys using the finest steel wool they can find and apparently that takes scratches right off and makes the glass look good.
I've used super-fine steel wool on glass and chrome for years. Even when just washing my cars. It gets light rust and bugs like nothing else. However, I can't imagine removing any real scratches with it. You'd work yourself half to death.
rampage
3/4 ton status
Back windows on K5s can get really bad if the weatherstrip fails and the window starts riding on the clips. If it's deep "fingernail catching" grooves, I would just replace it. If it's light scratches or hazing, it's probably worth a try. A $70 polishing kit is a pretty good chunk of the glass replacement cost.
