'56 Big Window Installation Question
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 3
From: Van Nuys, CA
'56 Big Window Installation Question
Folks,
The previous owner of my '56 installed a big window kit. Origin unknown, but it is metal, not fiberglass.
The gasket does not sit right in the lower corners. I cannot tell for sure if this was due to improper installation of the glass and gasket (Mid 50's catalog warns about this repeatedly, so it must be a common error). Or perhaps it was a bad kit, or bad installation of the metal?
Does anyone have any ideas? Here are a couple of pictures:
Thanks,
Gustave
The previous owner of my '56 installed a big window kit. Origin unknown, but it is metal, not fiberglass.
The gasket does not sit right in the lower corners. I cannot tell for sure if this was due to improper installation of the glass and gasket (Mid 50's catalog warns about this repeatedly, so it must be a common error). Or perhaps it was a bad kit, or bad installation of the metal?
Does anyone have any ideas? Here are a couple of pictures:
Thanks,
Gustave
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
I beleive there is only one company that makes the BBW kit if that is true and other trucks have i good fit in this area then maybe it is how the glass was installed. I hope so anyway as i have just done this conversion but am a long way from fitting the glass! good luck i'm sure some one will have the answer your after.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 1
From: oh
I just bought a all metal big back window section (complete) ,and the glass fits really tight ..not like the pics. Does the moulding leak? Does it blow air through it? I mean if the moulding may have shrunk in the California sun.....or maybe remove it and have a glass co. reinstall it.
Bill
Bill
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
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From: Kansas City area
My guess would be that since this is probably a china reproduction piece it is not exactly like the original. You may have to do some checking against an original opening to see how it compares and if necessary modify yours. Just my opinion from dealing with the aftermarket products.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
The molding in your second picture appears to have the last portion of theedge still tucked under adash. You might try getting a plastic blade inder it and flipping it out.
It doesn't look too bad in the first picture.
It doesn't look too bad in the first picture.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 289
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From: Van Nuys, CA
Big rear window and windshield the seal goes on the window first, then the window goes into the truck from the outside. Standard rear glass, the seal goes on the glass, then the glass goes into the truck from the inside.
I think I'll have a glass guy look at it. Perhaps the window can be removed and re-installed with a new seal.
Gustave
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 556
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From: Prescott, AZ
I have an original BBW and have the same issue. I did not install the window after restoration but it appeared to be a gasket issue.
I purchased all new glass including big back window from Classic Truck Glass in Orange, CA. Great customer service and glass; I recommend them. I also purchased a new gasket from D. Carpenter.
I had a number of problems since the flange was bent and the new gasket was too loose to hold the glass in position; the gasket is supposed to shrink over time.
I used the old gasket to get the glass on. It was also a bear trying to get the SS molding in with the window. The new gasket looked like it would fix this problem but it's a two man job. I should have taken it to a Phoenix glass shop.
I purchased all new glass including big back window from Classic Truck Glass in Orange, CA. Great customer service and glass; I recommend them. I also purchased a new gasket from D. Carpenter.
I had a number of problems since the flange was bent and the new gasket was too loose to hold the glass in position; the gasket is supposed to shrink over time.
I used the old gasket to get the glass on. It was also a bear trying to get the SS molding in with the window. The new gasket looked like it would fix this problem but it's a two man job. I should have taken it to a Phoenix glass shop.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
I think the big problem is getting the curved glass to "bump" up into the seal and out far enough into the opening when the new seal is installed. I'm like you guys, that "hit it sharply with the butt of the hand" thing sounds out the "Danger danger" signals. On the flat glass that "rapping" not only pushes out on the rear glass but also pushed up on the top to secure it more. I would imagine on glas that is multidimensional like this, it would be hard to "smack" it out far enough to get it to sit right.....might be part of the problem.
I'd get inthe cab and give the bottom corners a gentle lift/push. If that window still moves - at all, it's not in all the way.
Just a thought!
I'd get inthe cab and give the bottom corners a gentle lift/push. If that window still moves - at all, it's not in all the way.
Just a thought!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 556
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From: Prescott, AZ
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
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From: Tucson AZ
After looking at the photos again (I know I'm out on a limb here) I might be inclined to reform the edge of the opening. It looks about the same on both sides and it's probably going to be in there for another 60 years anyway.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
What I meant was rework the metal right at the corners to match the rest of the existing gaps. You surely aren't going to be able to modify the glass or the rubber and there is no way of telling which one is "correct"