I am at the point in the build of my truck where I need to decide what to do with the door glass in my '53 F100. Everything needs to be replaced and it appears the price for stock parts vs a one piece conversion seems to be similar. Has anybody in the group done a one piece conversion in their '53? What kind of problems did you run into? Where did you get your kit? If I go with the one piece, I'll probably go with power. If I keep stock I'll stick with the rebuilt regulators I already have.

Thanx everybody...
Chuck

 

Chuck,

I have a '53 and considered single window. I assume you're referring to true single window and not with the little filler piece at front.

You have to do some modifications to the door... the upper hinge pocket has to be shortened and the lower window opening has to be widened... don't know your skill level,but you need som fab and body work skills to do it right.

I decided against it since the body work on my doors was complete and I didn't want to do the mods. There was a vendor at the Supernats... I think it was Paduka glass ??? that sold the kits and had a working display that looked good... you might check in some of the mags for glass folks and call around... that is unless the wellspring of knowledge doesn't give you an answer before you find your magazine stash...

They look cool but the more I thought about it.. I kinda like that old vent window... you can vent the cab without freezing you out in winter . I've had them in every truck I've owned and several cars.. I now have a Blazer that is engineered so the rain is funneled into the car when you open the door or crack the windows... (thanks GM)... I miss my vents !!!

not hands on experience, but it's worth every cent it costs you...

john

BTW

welcome to the FTE

 

I've been looking at this option for mine and I also have my body in a finished state (from previous owner) and I've seen two kit that both state minor modifications and can be used on a finished body. Midfifty and Sacramento Vintage carries these and they both refer to a curved glass which I assume is the bottom edge is curved to clear the door. These also don't use a filler piece in the corner, but is a true one piece glass.

I'd be curious to see if anybody has used those to convert their windows.

 

I read somewhere that certain electric window motors would also have to be relocated, if your considering going that route as well. Maybe someone else can verify this to be true or correct me if I'm wrong (It wouldn't be the first time).

I 'm agreeing with John, I like the vent windows. It just seems a little too abnormal without them.

 

I felt the same about vent windows. However, after getting mine in with new rubber, I don't see how they will seal out air or water.I have talked with a couple of other local guys with same problem. Does anyone have any experience with this problem?

 

Thanx for the replys guys.
My doors are also completed now as I was originally planning on going with the new glass that includes the OEM wings. I have already replaced the lower door skins, sand blasted and painted the doors, so, short of color sanding, the metal work is finished. Hence if I have to do any metal work to install the one piece windows I'll definitely stick with the OEM setup. As I stared at the doors the other night, I noticed that the slot for the glass is not straight. It has a slight curve in it where the wing window and main window meet. My biggest worry in all this is how well the one piece setup fit in the curved window slot. Will I end up with gaps and rattles? This is what is worrisome right now. I had not considered the true full one piece glass for the reasons you mentioned John. I assumed the only reasonable solution used the front spacer/filler. Does the only true and clean installation require the slot to be cut out and welded back in so as to eliminate the curve? I like the one piece but really wonder if it is all worth it.
Unless I can find a kit that has a clean installation without any metal cutting, I'll probably end up with the wing windows.

Again, thanx for the info and knowledgable opinions are worth much more than their weight in gold.

Chuck
Everett, WA