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| | | | Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 13 | Hello, I'm working on a 51 COE cab for a car hauler. It is in very rough condition, but I'm getting there. I'd like to eliminate the wing windows as I'm planning on an air conditioner. Does anyone know if I can simply purchase the glass, channels, regulators,etc for a 47-50 and use them on the 51 door?
JD | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | JD, I"ve seen talk here many times about this situation. I've heard of conversion kits but I also remember most folks say its easier and best to try find doors instead of conversions.
FWIW....my 52panel had wing vents and once I rebuilt them with new rubber they sealed nice and tight. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 | Posting in multiple forums because you don’t get a fast response is not proper site usage.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,004 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,004 | From what I understand, 47-50 doors should fit correctly on a 51 truck, but not on 52 or later without modifications, with the difference being in the latches. That would be the easiest route if you could find doors. I think removal of the wing windows is possible too, and the regulators may even be the same. I also think that the slot for the channels is in place as well, although I haven't looked at my doors that closely. I plan on rebuilding and retaining the wing windows, as I have fond memories of them from my family's '54 Chevy station wagon.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 136 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 136 | My advice is restore and keep your vent windows. They are part of the beautiful styling of a COE of that era.
You might want to enjoy some nice springtime drives with the windows down. Those vent windows and help cool you off in the summer, can supply a bit of controlled fresh air any time of year and they can also control how much wind comes in through the rolled down side window.
...and you never know when your A/C might quit on you.
'53 3100 5-window
'57 Mercury Monterey 2-Door Sedan
Tim H
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 13 | Thanks everyone for your responses. Based on the feedback I'll likely retain the wing windows. Finding doors for a COE would like be a difficult and costly endeavor.
Just as an FYI, if this was a complete truck I would never consider a mod like this. I've restored many vehicles back to original condition and appreciate the authentic value. However, I started with just a cab, and it was very, very rough. I had to source the fenders, etc separately. I'm constructing a car hauler with this cab on a motor home chassis. Looking forward to hauling cars without having to hook up a trailer.
Also, I was unaware of posting similar topics on two different forums. I thought is appropriate since the topic of doors is generic, but the COE doors are unique. I won't do it again.
JD | | |
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