So I've been working on the final phase of the solid side window conversion in the '54. I thought I was nearly finished and everything hit the fan tonight.

The channels had been built for a while but was waiting on lexan side windows to be made. I went with lexan because of the chop top and need to bend with the door curve. The truck was already painted so it was too late to cut and re-weld the door in order to use flat glass.

So got everything installed and the last step was the window sweeps/ whiskers (the ones that have a stainless bead). I bent it as best I could to the opening. I used a combination of black weatherstrip adhesive and the clips. I rolled the windows up to have the window hold the sweeps in for 24 hours. One of the clips broke when trying to push them in. (And chipped up the painted window frame)

Today was supposed to be first cruise night out with the truck so I installed the door panel, armrests, etc. and was getting ready to go. I did a final test of the window operation and turned into a disaster. First the window sweeps were so tight they scratched the windows. It ended up breaking the glued end free on both sides. The passenger side pulled the nylon widow rollers out of the lift. Driver's side pulled one roller out of the lift and also pulled the window out of the lift.

So here is where I stand and could use some input:
1. The driver's window needs to be re-seated in the metal lift. However, it seems that I can't get the window back out of the door frame. Is it possible to do when it is already in the door?

2. How to prevent the nylon rollers from jumping out of the track?

3. The stock style window sweeps are simply too tight at the window opening. I thought they would "break in" with time/ use, but instead it just broke the truck. Is there a different style sweep that is thinner? I don't care about originality. I just want something to prevent the windows from getting further destroyed. Maybe there is something that has adhesive on one side - either a rubber or felt type of material?

4. How do I get the sweeps and glue out without ruining the rest of the paint?

So the positive is the truck made it out for the first time (sans windows). I have a couple cell phone pictures that I can post later. Negative is that I discovered that the new gas gauge (or new sending unit) is also not working - it always reads half full. New mechanical temperature gauge decided to work when it wanted to. About ready to push this thing off a cliff!

 

You can buy anti-rattlers aka cat whiskers aka window sweeps from any auto glass shop.

These either come with the clips or they sell the clips separately.

Cat whiskers (what auto glass shops call 'em) come in a certain length (I think it's 5') then it's cut-to-fit.

 

Do the cat whiskers come in different thicknesses? If they are the same as what I got, it's going to be losing battle.

I saw a '32 ford streetrod at the cruise and noticed it used low profile rubber bumpers (garnish moulding bumpers). Never paid that close of attention to know that stock used that style. The builder said they pushed in with a clip. But upon further investigation online, it seems that the opening/ clip style are different than the 50's. I was hoping it would be a metal clip similar to the cat whisker ones.



Would it be ridiculous to use 3/16" felt weather strip, foam mounting tape that used for truck campers/ tonneau covers, or rubber trim molding? I'll check on the cat whiskers at the glass shop, but looking for other options in case there are no other thicknesses.

 

3. The stock style window sweeps are simply too tight at the window opening. I thought they would "break in" with time/ use, but instead it just broke the truck. Is there a different style sweep that is thinner? I don't care about originality. I just want something to prevent the windows from getting further destroyed. Maybe there is something that has adhesive on one side - either a rubber or felt type of material?


My interior guy suggested I use the soft side of commercial grade Velcro with the sticky back, as I had similar problems. Worked very well, and looks good. Can't help with the rest though.....Good luck....

Bruce

 

Thanks Bruce! Do you remember what width you used? (ie. 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1.5", 2")

 

It was wider, probably 3/4", and I trimmed it to fit, as it can be difficult to get the sticky part down too far and keep it flat and smooth. I ended up trimming, the holding it where it should be, trimming again, etc. Ended up being about 1/2" or 5/8" wide, as I recall. Good luck!

 

I removed the inner sweep to start to determine how much clearance I needed. I worked and worked to try to get the weatherstrip adhesive off. (If anyone has any tricks, it might help speed up the process.)

I had some 1" velcro left from installing the rear cab wall. I cut it down to 1/2". This was the final product. I don't think it looks too bad. I salvaged the outer window sweep. It could probably use a bead of silicone to secure it a little better, but the window now fits in the channel. This shows why this board is great - I probably wouldn't have thought of this fix. Tomorrow I will work on the driver's side.



Bruce - what did you do for this corner area? There was nothing to attach velcro to. Should I just use a little black paint so it is not as noticeable?

 

Mine was fresh paint, and it was black paint, so I didn't have that problem, but that's what I'd do......Looks good!

 

Ok - I'll just use a long brush and get some paint in there. (I'm probably the only one that would notice it anyway!)

I'm hoping the window scratches will buff out some.

Put the door back together (once again). Still need to find window crank and door handle. I like the looks of the passenger car ones better if they would work on a truck?

 

Agreed, you probably would be the only one, but I'm the same way, so I would do the same. Door panels look nice, but not sure about the car handles, there'll be an expert on that come along shortly.

 

Update:
1. Took it to the glass place and they glued the window in.

2. Still not sure about the rollers.

3. Using velcro. Ran out so ordered another roll to do the driver's side. They sent me the wrong stuff and had to send it back. Hopefully the replacement will be here soon. Also painted that little area with some black paint and now isn't noticeable. The driver's side was painted blue but somehow it got missed on the passenger side.

Hoping that I can use a little clear silicone on the window felts.

Never got an answer to the door handles and window cranks, but came up with a solution thanks to a junk 1960 Falcon sitting behind the garage. (Photo will be on my truck picture page.)