Discouraged about Vent Window

[Harmon]

Ive read the articles and tips on here about replacing the rubber for the vent window.  I have mine off and have taken it semi apart, and have the rubber in and now am trying to put it back together.  The rivets I have are obviously the wrong size....and the window seems to have an opening at the top where the top point meets the rubber....

Im discouraged and fearing I may not be able to do this myself.  Does anyone have any hints or tips, or what size rivets I need.....very discouraged here.

[jaredts]

I haven't done it, so I can't help.  Don't get too discouraged, though.  You could always call an auto glass place for help.

[PromiseKeeper]

I just went through something similar. Dont give up, you'll get it! First, did you get your rivets from the same place that sold you the gasket? They should offer what is needed.

The gap at the top in my case was a result of not having the washers in the proper sequence on the bottom where the spring is. You need to have the one with the flat side and rectangular hole in properly as well. Wish I could share a picture. Has your other side been disassembled yet?

[Harmon]

Thanks for the encouragment...I bought a Passenger side vent window because the one on the truck is boke...the spring mechanism on the rod is broke off.  I was hoping to have it all back together and just swap out.

Im glad to know my washers may be in wrong order to help with the top gap part.

No I also did not get any rivets from supplier...I am gonna check that now.

Thanks.

[PromiseKeeper]

the correct rivets are 2 piece and there is a special punch used to set them

[VileZambonie]

You can use regular pop rivets. The rubber is a pita but use some vaseline to help work it in. You'll get it.

[bake315]

I decided to revive this old thread because I, too have been discouraged by my vent windows.  Rivets are cake.  It’s the %#@@@&$(*&* rubber and trying to work them into the frame. I have done this before, on “Felix” (my R30), and it went fine. But “Oscar” (my K10) is a different matter entirely.  It’s as if the track is just ever so slightly too narrow.  Started with soapy water, then straight liquid soap (it’s everywhere now, lol).  At this point I’m either going to drive a wedge into the track to widen it, or cut out a notch in the frame that will allow me to get it started.  Curious to hear everyone’s opinion on  this.

Thanks,
bake315

[VileZambonie]

Old thread! Clarification, pop-rivets for the seal side, not for the glass frame pivot.  For the glass frame pivot, I bought the rivet tool for doing them and highly recommend doing so if you intend to fully rebuild them.

As far as the seals go, there are two different designs and yes, they are a bit of a pain in the rear to put on down in the curved in area. If you have arthritis or lack strength in your hands, you will probably not be able to get the new seals on without struggling. The rubber can be very stiff and hard to work in unless it is hot. I suggest baking them in the sun more than soaking in hot water if possible. If you use a heat gun, just be careful, you just want them pliable. Sprayaway, vaseline, heat and patience. Try not to bend the frame or it will be a wasted effort. Do you have one piece or two piece seals?

[bake315]

They’re the two-piece, I guess? One piece is the rigid, riveted side, the other is the one that is being such a pain. I’ve literally wasted the best part of a day on just one of these things.  And yeah, my hands are not the strongest, due to medical issues, but dang!  I can’t believe that someone doesn’t sell these things pre-assembled; they’d make an absolute killing off of guys like me.  At the moment I’m so ticked I’m ready to throw them under a running lawnmower.

[VileZambonie]

You can actually have yours rebuilt https://www.prp.com/vent-program

[bake315]

Awesome!  That's what I'm going to do, then.  That way I can think about other things, like... Felix's motor I pulled weekend before last, and the 700R4 tranny I got for it.  Should have plenty of pictures!