The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Task force vent window rebuild

59 Chevy 1/2 ton.. Rebuilding vent Windows, viewed the most excellent tech tip article by Jay Barrington but... saw a YouTube video on 55-59 tack force truck vent window rebuild by Precision Replacement Parts and the installer is using a blind rivet to join the frame as well as the division seal...you would think the rivet mandrel would interfere with the glass... But it seems this rivet mushrooms enough for that not to be a concern....Anyone tried this or know of a style of rivet that would work? Seems like it would be a lot easier

are you talking about the part of the rivet that mushrooms over in the verticle channel where the window rolls up? If that is a concern, you should be able to flatten it out a bit more with a punch (you will have to support the other side, of course). I did something similar on the rivets for the hinge pins on the windows on my travel trailer.

I do not see how the glass frame is not riding on the tops of the upset pop rivet in the division bar. I realize the top of rivets are covered with felt. I don't like that idea and other vendors sell the proper semi-tubular rivets and tool. You can ask Precision about that and see what they say. It did not seem to create a tight fit against window. It did not seem like they smashed the upset further. There is a frame around the glass so the actual glass is not rubbing. It is only slightly easier with pop rivets and you only have two vents to do. Why take a chance?

I also noticed he did not push the run channel up into the corner. He then cut it too short in my opinion. Then I saw a quick shot where it was shown sticking out after he was "done". Not good. That corner will not be forced enough by the glass rolling up, it's got metal that needs formed into the corner. I've had to use tiny screws sometimes to keep it in place. You have to force the corner into place, hold it somehow, then mark the cut line.

Shot an email off to precision.. We'll see what they say, only inquired about this because it looks a lil easier job for one set of hands being I don't have the elusive "helper". Ty gentlemen for your insight

Wow... Jeff @precision just emailed me... "Standard"pop rivet from Fastenal.. I don't see how it couldn't hit the glass frame as well... He did say you could flatten it if you preferred...I'll stick with the "standard stove bolt" rivet... Tried and true although it should be exciting... frames are painted and sealed just waiting on Brothers to "find" my rivet order

You just put the backer plate in a vise with rivet head against backer and swage the rivet over with proper tool or tapered punch (gently at a time hits). Don't need a helper.
You don't "flatten" a pop rivet that easy. It may bend over or who knows what. It's a tube and a mandrel you would be flattening. Precision is a little unknowledgeable on the vent/pop rivets. No one uses pop rivets on that portion. you are doing the right thing, no sweat.

The rivets, the non reassuring answer they gave and with the corner I mentioned: remind me not to have them do any vents for me.

Barrington has it right.....
"If you think you can use another type of rivet to do this step, I will add that I did also -- but the regular pop rivets will leave too much of a tail which will interfere with the operation of the vent. It is the crush rivets or nothing I am afraid."

The 55-59 frame is not as big as the one shown and can be man handled while riveting or clamp some wood support stands against both sides, sandbags, levitation, whatever.

Ty Bartamos

Have fun.