The lower door window frames on my '46 pickup are rotted and need replacing. Is anybody making these tracks that grab the bottom of the glass and act as a rail for the wind-up rollers to slide against. They are a nonsymetric shape with a bevel on one corner and a squared off lip on the other corner to guide the rollers and would be difficult to fabricate. If anybody has a source for this piece or know someone who can supply this metal section in a bulk length I would appreciate it. Or if you have an alternative solution to how to grab the glass and guide the rollers I would love to hear it. My truck has a 3" chopped top and I am planning on using frameless glass along the top / sides so authenticity is not an issue. I just need for the windows to function perfectly.

On a related note I found a pair of UNUS brand (Padova Italy) power window mechanisms at a swap meet. These slick units plug on to the window crank capstans after you remove the inside window crank handle, and are just slightly larger than a cigarette pack. A quick way to power windows and real nostalgic too. Has anybody used these (or ever seen a pair)?

 

You mean the channel that runs along the bottom of the glass? Those I have seen on eBay, seems they used to be an part you could buy aftermarket, so it seems a lot are still around.
I have not seen those particular window mechanisms, however I have seen switches that allow the use of the stock crank. You just move the crank a bit and it actuates the switch. Very slick way to retain a non power look.

 

I went frameless in my '45: used repop '40-'41 pickup lower channels (same window winding mechanism '40-47 (maybe other years).

Mike

 

Appologies for this slightly off topic question: Mike, how did you go about sizing the glass cut, since it seems it would need to be slightly larger? Did you use the 42-47 frame as a template?

Frenchtown, I'll look to see if I have an extra lower frame component. However many if not most of them seem to have pin holes present from rusting after theyve been blasted.

Mike

 

I do have an extra bottom, if the lower screws will come apart.

 

46frordtruck,
Thanks for the info - I will check ebay. (P.S. My son just moved from Michigan to Orange County. He's a gearhead too [has a '48 Anglia w/ 240 truck six]).

45ford,
Thanks. I will check on a new 40 - 41 repop.

46yblock,
If I can't find new repops that will work will you sell just the lower track? Thanks.

 

Sure will. It wouldnt be very much.

 

Mike:

I borrowed the glass from a friend with a '40 under construction and had two made. I could have used your method, or purchased from Mac's (or some other).

Mike

 

Hey!!! I solved my window frame problem. I bought two lower tracks for a 41'- '48 FORD TUDOR SEDAN REAR QUARTER WINDOW from Dennis Carpenter which are about ten inches longer than our truck frame. By cutting the ends down and relocating and shortening one of the roller guides I was able to make tracks for my frameless 3" chopped glass. Thanks to all for the suggestions.