The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors 1939 door glass install

Hey guys any tips on installing the glass in the original frame. Bought all new glass as a package from auto city classic and it seems like the glass is too big for my frame or am I doing something wrong.

Travis - "...too big..." as in too thick to fit into the frame? IIRC, there are several different thickness setting tapes available. It's possible you need a thinner setting tape. They can range from 1/32" up to 1/16" thick. Measure the gap of the frame where the glass sits, then the glass thickness and figure out the difference which is your setting tape gap. Remember that the tape goes on both sides of the glass so the thinnest tape (usually 1/32") will add 1/16" of thickness to your glass pane when trying to fit into the channel. Helpful???

No sir I believe the thickness is correct with the 1/32 setting tape I have, I am talking about the glass dimensions themself. From my research the glass is 15 7/8” top to bottom and 28 3/4 side to side. When attempting to put together with my rubber mallet the frame wants to stretch out of proportion that is when I stopped and thought I better try to ask someone who has done this before.

Here are photos of new glass on the frame
I don’t see how this can work.

Your pictures make the glass panes look like they are just a bit to large for the frame, from what I can tell. I don't have any experience with what specific size the panes should be. Perhaps another Bolter with a '39 will chime in and offer more insight?

Do you have any of your old windows left?

Hi Travis- From the pictures you posted, it looks like your ‘39’s windows were upgraded with ‘41-‘46 window frames (mine were, too!). Originally, ‘39 and ‘40 trucks did not have the metal frame around the door glass, which resulted in glass breakage. To accommodate the metal frame, ‘41-‘46 window glass is slightly smaller than the ‘39-‘40 glass, which is why I believe the ‘39 glass you ordered will not fit in your frames.

Here’s a link to an article that discusses ‘39-‘46 Chevy truck window glass.

https://oldchevytrucks.com/blog/2010/02/1939-1946-door-windows/

Good luck!

I might have some metal edged windows that might work for you. I was told the glass was the same size as I would need in my 1940.

But, if indeed, they are a different size, they may be available. (They were handed to me all wrapped up.)

I have to run out right now...the wife is standing by the door, but I will check tomorrow to see what shape they are in. I will send a PM.

Thanks for the informative replies, I’ve learned a lot from this group.I acquired the truck from someone who had given up halfway through the build and I didn’t get every piece to the puzzle. So needless to say it has been lots of trial and error the last two years since I got it.