I learned the hard way that the PO used whatever fasteners were on hand. 1" wood screws for the cab lights. These were hiding above what was left of the headliner. I can still feel the scar on the top of my head 20 years later.....

 

I learned that if you don't read and follow the instructions when you modify something, just modify it some more to make it work.

PO did a one piece, or solid side window conversion on my 56. I had to replace drivers side window broken in transit to Australia. Got one made here using it for a template. It never seemed to fill the channels properly. Due to my own stupid fault, I managed to break it again. To be sure I got the right size this time, I finally bit the bullet and got one sent by Midfifty. My mechanic could not get it to go in properly.

Ultimately we discovered that the PO had not followed the instructions correctly. He had not pulled out the embedded nuts that attach to a thin metal strip and hold the original side mirror in place in the door. These nuts pushed the channel back and made the window channel path perhaps 1/2 inch or so narrower. You pop the nuts out and the new mirror bracket is tapped to hold it in place. To fix the problem he got smaller side windows made!

Once the nuts were removed the window slid smoothly into place. Was a very expensive lesson for me.

 

Glad you got it figured out! That had to be a tough one. That's one of the reasons I prefer to work on vehicles that haven't been molested by previous owners. Hopefully you won't have too many more surprises.

 

I found that after rebuilding your brakes, if you do not actually adjust the star adjusters, the brakes will barely work for around 2 weeks until you figure out what the issue is. Oh well, I am sure rebleeding the system 3-4 times didn't hurt - just good practice.

 

"Molested" is a polite word Mike. Some of our trucks have been "brutalized".

 

Look on the bright side...unless you bought your house new, there are undiscovered treasures awaiting when it comes time to repair/remodel something inside.

 

Just today i learned that if your dimmer switch goes out, pull the wires off by the roots and tie the red and yellow with red tracer together. No need for tape, just stuff the wiring down in where no one can find them. The lights will work until they short out and melt all the wires.