Vent window re-install issue

[Timsar]

Hi
I had my vent windows rebuilt professionally, using my own frames and running into re-install issues:
1- no matter what, I can't get the vent window, VW, frame to meet the door frame to attach with three small screws.

The bottom two bolts that secure the VW frame do line up, but then the top three screws dont.

I can't seem to push the VW all the way inside the door frame.

Any suggestions?

Also, do the lips of the rubber moldings sit on the outside of door frame or do they go inside. It makes sense on the outside so that water can roll to the outside. It is just a major pain to slide a plastic insert to life the lips to sit on the outside.

 

[Barrman]

All of my trucks are 1984 or newer and they have the same vent window handle as yours. I thought there was a design change in the vent window with the 1981 facelift that included a different handle and I thought enough of a shape change that they don’t interchange.

I just played on LMC. They claim to have a 73-91 vent window assembly. But then list 3 different glass replacements, 3 different weather seals and even more handles. So, I guess even with all the differences any year should fit any door.

With that in mind, try soapy water or silicone spray on the rubber to get it into the channel.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

Cant tell you much on the shape/differences. But can tell you Windex is a good rubber lube. When I did my windows that stuff was invaluable.

 

[JT88K5]

Are you 100% certain you got the same frames back from the outfit that rebuilt them? I assume that the doors were cut before you removed the old frames?

 

[Timsar]

Hi everyone, thank you for various advices. The frame are original to the car, that i personally 0

 

[Timsar]

Refinished and then sent out to a pro that specializes in rebuilding these. They are my frames since i had them refinished in black.

It just seems that the curved part does not go all the way into the door frame.

As i said the bottom two bolts when attached, do not allow the VW frame to move forward to sit in the door frame channel fully, for the two screws to secure them.

I used professional window cleaning spray that has worked great in the past, on the outside and inside rubbers, which did not help much, if any.

I have contacted an old school body and paint gentleman that has agreed to do a house call to help.

I will also contact the VW assembler for advice too. Will keep you posted.

Once again, thank you for your help

 

[Timsar]

Are you 100% certain you got the same frames back from the outfit that rebuilt them? I assume that the doors were cut before you removed the old frames?

My painter took them off, so i cant recall, whether they were out.

Can you please elaborate on why it matters?

 

[kennyw]

Try installing the top of the vent window assembly first.

 

[Blue85]

Apparently there are two styles of seals. It seems the frames have minor differences to account for this. https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-91-chevy-gmc/vent-window/csb-1973-91-vent-window-components

I've also read that the glass thickness changed, so newer glass on an older frame/seal might end up too tight. Have you tried opening the vent to insert something like a woodworking clamp to draw the frame into the door A-pillar?

 

[Timsar]

Finally, i was able to get the driver side in, with lots of foaming glass cleaner, opening the vent windows, pushing the Frame in and using a little longer screws to pull the frame in.

By the way, i did add an aluminum plate behind the outer panel, sp that i can secure a pull strap, in order to close the door more effectively than the "hard to grip" standard door handles.

Thank you all for your comments and help.

 

[kennyw]

The factory did that with a diagonal brace. Yours looks stronger than factory, but further back on the door.