vent window removal
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 867
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Pa
vent window removal
I've been told that vent wing removal and replacement is a real dog. I'm doing a complete repaint and wonder if I should skip the vent windows and just mask them. The seals are still in good shape. Is it that difficult, or is that just rumor?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Oh man I couldn't agree more with the guys in your first two follow-ups! 
IMO the closest thing to any "dog" on my '75 F150 is the heater core (factory A/C) and it just takes time is all.
The only thing I haven't taken "apart" on my pickup is to actually lift the cab off the frame and set it somewhere else.
My "chevy buddies" do that all the time.
Alvin in AZ
IMO the closest thing to any "dog" on my '75 F150 is the heater core (factory A/C) and it just takes time is all.
The only thing I haven't taken "apart" on my pickup is to actually lift the cab off the frame and set it somewhere else.
My "chevy buddies" do that all the time.
Alvin in AZ
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 736
Likes: 3
From: South East, Michigan
WS is right, I have done the total frame up (donor cab off, sitting in the floor) restoration on one of my 77's and was not going to take the vent windows out for painting. I left the doors with my paint guy for painting and when he returned them to me the vent's were out (he took them out). Even at that point I didn't replace the vent window seals because the originals were in good shape. Now that's it's finished and it's the only thing that's not new , it's bugging the s**t out of me and I don't want to take the chance of scratching the paint to replace the seals now. The paint did come out much better with vent's removed too (changed color from silver to green). On the current restoration project of the 2nd 77 I WILL replace the vent seals for sure. Removing them is not a big deal if you are getting it painted, just take your time and get a hand when installing them because as 79TS said, it is a bit tight going back in and you don't want to damage the new paint. The main thing here is TAKE YOUR TIME, maybe even remove and install a couple of times before the paint is done so you can get a good way down before it really counts. -Ed
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 2
From: Georgetown, Ky
Its not really hard to pull em out, Three screws and One (possibly two) bolts and it'll come out. The part they are refering to causing the scratches.. at the bottom of the window track (where the bolt is ) theres a bracket that goes between the door, and the window track. Its C shaped. I Would suggest getting a buddy over to help when you pull em out and put them back.. while its not hard..its better to have a second set of Hands, and more importantly.. a Second Set of EYES to make sure you dont scratch something.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: Crestline, California
I agree completely with having someone else there .. I replaced the seals on my 77 a few years ago and ended up scratching the paint!! I was so mad. All I would have had to do was go a little slower and wrap a rag on the bracket that 4starcstms is referring to. At least I have new vent window seals though! (along with all the others in the whole truck too!)
Dak
Dak
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 867
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Pa
OK. They are comin out. It's a donor cab so I can practice a couple of times as suggested. thanks
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 0
From: St George, SC I-95
I took mine out in my resto and Im very glad I did. Looks much better but the $80 I dropped for the 2 seals would look real nice back in my wallet. I preferred alot of painters tape as opposed to rags but I dont knock anything that works. not a bad idea to place a few strips of tape along the opening for extra piece of mind.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: North US Border, Canada
Speaking of vent windows, did they ever make a full ventless window replacement kit? just curious. I know they make them for other makes and models. I just bought one for my 73 Superbeetle, it'll really change the look of it. I was thinking if they were out there maybe I could do the same on my 74 Highboy.
PS- one of they reasons I'm puting in this kit is the vents are out as we speak for paint (on the Beetle) and I don't want to scratch the paint re'installing. Really tight fit!!!
Madmike33
PS- one of they reasons I'm puting in this kit is the vents are out as we speak for paint (on the Beetle) and I don't want to scratch the paint re'installing. Really tight fit!!!
Madmike33
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: Elk Point; Alberta
I've asked here about a kit before and was told one doesn't exist. 6 months of searching has so far confirmed this opinion. I've talked to numerous glass shops about doing this and apparently it is possible but understandably expensive. The problem is our glass is not perfectly straight but curved from top to bottom. 
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Originally Posted by Madmike33
I guess we'll have to keep looking and possibly try offering suggestions to aftermarket suppliers/fabricators.
Madmike33
Madmike33
Someday I'd like to replace my side-window glass.
They are scratched from sand getting imbedded in the weather seals.
Alvin in AZ
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: North US Border, Canada
Originally Posted by Alvin in AZ
Oooo... I'd really appreciate that, MadMike.
Someday I'd like to replace my side-window glass.
They are scratched from sand getting imbedded in the weather seals.
Alvin in AZ
Someday I'd like to replace my side-window glass.
They are scratched from sand getting imbedded in the weather seals.
Alvin in AZ