The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Changing side windows

I've got a '53 Chevy cab with vent widows, I want to replace the side glass and remove the vent window. Is it possible to replace the side windows on a '51-54 with solid '48-50 Chevy glass? I'm even thinking about putting P/W in the truck any suggestions on a good kit for that?

As far as I know there are 'custom' one piece window kits available,but I'm not sure if you can retro-fit earlier pre 51 door glass. Maybe someone out there will chime in?
Try clicking on links and have a nose around for electric window kits there are several vendors who do them.

This topic has been discussed many times. It can be done but the general consenus is that its better to find the doors from earlier models. A search should bring up many many post on the subject.

Without air conditioning those vent windows sure help out on a HOT day!

I agree on the vent windows ..and I know it isnt correct but I wouldnt do without my rear window slider!...man open the cowl vent,the rear slider & vent windows an I get plenty of fresh movin air that keeps the cab super cool on a hot day
Tim

You can have new glass cut to make the windows one piece (No vent window). You cannot install 48-50 window glass in 51-54 doors because the 48-50 window glass is thicker with the metal suround. The interior window garnish molding is thinner on the 48-50 doors. To put one piece glass in the 51-54 doors you'll need to cut out the brace where the vent window mounts and make a new window channel for the glass to ride in. If you have any fabrication skills, it's a fairly easy conversion.

installing the side glass and 1/4 window glass and frame at the same time sure is fun!!!!

Bossjock:
If you want pre51 doors I'm sure there are a bunch of guys here on the Bolt with those doors that would love to trade with you. The best two things about post 51 doors are the vent windows and the door handles and I'm sure most would trade.

YOu can do it by doing some fab work and ordering windows from an early model. You will also need an extra channel to split and make each of the ones you have longer. 2 tracks to weld in the front of the doors. You can use the ones LMC and others sell for the rear of the doors and you will need the early weather stripping enough for 4 doors. On top of that you will need the crank arms. I took pictures the entire way if you eamil me I can fnd them and send

Custom Classic Trucks just did an article on this..

http://www.customclassictrucks.com/...one_piece_window_installation/index.html

MONGO

I just read the custom classic trucks article, it is a good article with good pictures. the only thing that kept bothering me is they have the years wrong on which ones had vent windows and which didn't. They kept saying 52-55 did and 47-51 did not.
The 51 actually does have the vent windows.
I really like the power windows kit they used becuase it kept the original syle window crank handle to operate the power windows. That is pretty slick.

That part bothered me too..
Yeah, it's funny, I've always been a fan of the vent windows myself, having mostly driven 53-54's. I'm working on a 47 at the moment that will be a driver and I had thought about retrofitting wing window doors on it. This truck is probably eventually gonna have air so maybe I'll hold off and see if the big winders grow on me, the drivers side cowl vent will likely help some too.
MONGO