Personally I would bite the bullet and bring it to a auto glass place and have them cut and install. If you do the measuring and it’s wrong, you now own the unusable glass. If they cut it wrong or break it during the installation, they bore the responsibility and the cost of replacing the glass.
I can’t imagine that they would charge you that much more for them to cut and do the installation. Some things I just leave to the professionals.
Last edited by Phak1; 04/28/20227:14 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
I could do that I guess, but I wonder how much a glass shop wants to get involved in cutting custom glass - for the same reasons you mentioned ? There's also the issue of getting a non-running truck to the shop.
The glass itself is not expensive, I had the drivers door & vent glass cut from my templates for $65.
Also, I kinda want to do it myself (although I may be cursing the decision later
I would call around and see if a shop is willing to come out to your place. They do it all the time replacing windshields.
If you really want to do it yourself, call the shop that cut your window and vent and ask how much allowance they need to fit the glass then you can make a template reducing your risk.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
I think your original idea is on the right track. When I made templates for the glass on my chop I used some 1/8" plywood but you could also use masonite or anything very rigid. Cardboard won't work. Also have your gasket material on hand so you know exactly how much room you need. I did a v-butt windshield so I had some extra length of gasket that I cut into shorter pieces to space around the opening. The same with the rear opening. I actually had the rear and side glass cut and tempered instead of the original laminated. Just my choice.
Thanks for the reply, I'm gonna try it, will post results / pics.
I used plexi for the side window templates, turned out great. I could have kept the door window glass full length, but I shortened it. Ran into a slight issue with the window "cocking" when near the bottom, I made a guide that fixed the issue
