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Folks, it appears that the aftermarket window lift channel available from the usual sources is slightly simplified when compared with an original piece. Specifically, the ends do not have the extensions that the originals have.
My question: Does anyone have experience with the new pieces and if so, do they function as well as the originals?
I ask this question before I go to the effort of welding up the end pieces of my old channel to the new channel. If there is no functional difference then I'd rather just leave it alone. However, I am looking forward to nicely functioning windows when I get done with installing all the new rubber and felt liners etc. The only function I can see is that these protrusions keep the window from moving forward or aft in the channel. I don't see them as helping prevent any side to side movement within the channel.
Am I overthinking this???
[img alt="Comparison of the two window lift channels
"]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5088_13b3246ac9f32056a3de1ec377203fb9812eef51. jpg[/img] Comparison of the two window lift channels Close up of subject area showing original piece with the protrusion (on both ends) and the new aftermarket replacement without the protrusions.
Update: well, since no one volunteered any testimonials regarding the new window channel parts I decided to heed the advice given above and modify my new channel to match the original style.
I simply matched my channels L & R to notice a slight variation with the bottom slider bracket between the two. No big deal as I made sure that this would be corrected when I welded the ends on the new piece.
[img alt="New piece lined up against an original channel
"]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5088_d5d70ca58fafbb85c0c940eb32989ef4563a5e19. jpg[/img] New piece lined up against an original channel [img alt="I used a piece of copper to align the graft and act as a heat sink for Mig welding.
"]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5094_599ad0a3f0c8ebf8f11b0d32bb787a2d5d81c4e8. jpeg[/img] I used a piece of copper to align the graft and act as a heat sink for Mig welding.
[img alt="These ends are merely sheetmetal crushed together. I include dimensions in case your ends are too far gone. Mine, fortunately were salvageable.
"]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5095_83ee935f264974abf559666549e35095f1b6d880. jpeg[/img] These ends are merely sheetmetal crushed together. I include dimensions in case your ends are too far gone. Mine, fortunately were salvageable.
[img alt="Height of appendage
"]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5096_64eb9ed05792a047c4910bb4ef73283a048092e0. jpeg[/img] Height of appendage
[img alt="View showing how appendage is formed from sheetmetal.
"]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5097_bff1926cc0ace73c7994359da90cec33847b6f26. jpeg[/img] View showing how appendage is formed from sheetmetal.
[img alt="Window installed using rubber liner from LMC Truck. Note that the appendage lines up with the edge of the glass on both sides.
"]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/640x480/img_5100_fbf05c8f8ef1f153fbd88171e29d4c668027b72e. jpeg[/img] Window installed using rubber liner from LMC Truck. Note that the appendage lines up with the edge of the glass on both sides.
The above photo shows both sides of the rubber liner I used. one side has what appears to be a cloth surface while the other side appears to be rubber-like.
Note: reading historical posts concerning installing window glass in the channels lead me to believe it would be a tight fit requiring a clamping force or such to make it fit. That was NOT the case with my pieces. In fact, I ordered some liner material from Dennis Carpenter and found it to be similar in thickness. The DC piece did not have the cloth surface as the LMC piece did. I used the DC liner on my vent window frames and saved the LMC piece for the window channel.
My solution to the sloppy fit between the window glass, and liner within the channel:
I used Loctite Aviation Gasket Sealer p/n 30516 to coat the inner surfaces of the channel ( this is where rust affects both the bottom and the sides according to my experience) including within the appendages. I feel that this acts similar to POR-15 as far as keeping rust at bay while also aiding in holding the glass in place. I applied an additional coating to the INTERIOR surface of the lining and carefully pushed it in place slightly. It was an easy step to line the glass down and push the assembly together. Hopefully, when the gasket sealer sets my glass should stay put. I swear by this stuff. I use it on cork gaskets and such. I used it on my vent windows too and they are firm within their frame.
Your first photos did not load for be but glad everything worked out. I used all DC parts on my doors, no issues.
yes, i see that. i don't know what to do. when i go to EDIT mode my pictures show up, but when i go to save it, it reverts back. frustrating as hell. it seems to be 'hit or miss' with this website. if someone has an explanation, I'm all ears....
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