The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Goofy Vent Window Fix

The vent window repair methods are pretty well documented on this forum, I have been going over these while I get ready to rebuild the ones on my 52 2 ton. I'm replacing the weatherstrip and glass in both vent windows. I found the weatherstrip wasn't too bad to install, I used a rivet tool I got from Lowes and some steel rivets I got there too. The one problem was the special washers. One of the metal washers broke in half when I removed it and the two fiber washers fell apart. According to the Tech Tip on this site these things are not reproed. I decided to try to make my own parts. I took a washer about the same thickness but larger diameter and with a small hole. I ground the diameter down on the grinder to match the original. Then I egged out the hole with the drill and finished the modification using my dremal tool with a small stone. I got the modified washer to fit fairly well. I replaced the fiber washer with a couple pieces I cut out of, get this, the top of a coffee can. I don't know how necessary the fiber washer is but I'm hoping this will be an ok replacement.

The original washers are on the top line below the springs, the fabricated metal one is in the center of the bottom line. The coffee can replacement soft ones are on either side. I have since sprayed the metal parts with black paint. This should be good for some laughs from guys at least.
Steve
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/Nodak71/IMG_1497_zps7f234dc9.jpg?t=1418875098

If it works, you have solved the problem. I think the fiber washers are under compression to hold the wing at an angle. If the material you used will not collapse under pressure you have got it. Good fix for a part not available. I commend you for getting creative.

The coffee can lid I used is some sort of plastic, think it is about the same thickness as the nonexistent fiber washers. Don't think it will deform, guess I will find out when I assemble everything. I just thought I would document it just in case it actually does work, this isn't the first time I have had to make something that isn't available. I wonder why these washers are not reproduced since there is so much interest in these old trucks.

Steve