vent windows on a 83 GMC vs a 73 chevy

[nlauffer]

I drive my pickup as a daily driver and don't like to have it tied up with working on it for long periods of time.  I have a couple parts pickups to rob parts and refurb them before swapping them onto mine.  (ie. control arms)  My question is what are the issues I will face if I refurb vent windows from an older style vent to my 83.  I have a 73 and 76 at my disposal and I know they take different seals, but if I use all the parts would it be a direct swap?

[bake74]

     I am not 100% on this, but I think they are different.  I know like you said the seals are different.  Are they the locking vents or not ?

[nlauffer]

On my 83 currently there is a locking on one side and a nonlocking on the other.  Not sure if the window or just the handle has been changed at some point.  The possible replacements are nonlocking. 

I saw somewhere, that sells replacement vent assemblies, that the newer model can be a replacement for the older.  I could be wrong as I can't find it again and it may have been talking about something different. 

[nlauffer]

So, I found the note that I had seen.  It says there is a 73-80 and 81-87 vent window assembly.  Most know this and refer as one piece or two piece seal.  The note says the original 73-80 window is no longer available and the 85-87 can be used.  It also says the original 81-84 is no longer available and the 85-87 can be used.  A slight difference in the number of mounting holes may be noticed.  To me this says they are interchangeable and may or may not need extra holes drilled.   The frames appear the same and I noticed the screws to hold the seals to the frame are the same screws just different amounts.  I am going to go ahead and try the swap.

Don't hold your breath for pics and actual work being done, though.  I will take pics when I do this, but it may be awhile, as I have other projects in line ahead of these.  A house included.  I like the posts where people have taken detailed pics while doing the work and plan to do this as I go.  My new garage will help.

[bake74]

So, I got my   catalog out and found the note that I had seen.  It says there is a 73-80 and 81-87 vent window assembly.  Most know this and refer as one piece or two piece seal.  The note says the original 73-80 window is no longer available and the 85-87 can be used.  It also says the original 81-84 is no longer available and the 85-87 can be used.  A slight difference in the number of mounting holes may be noticed.  To me this says they are interchangeable and may or may not need extra holes drilled.   The frames appear the same and I noticed the screws to hold the seals to the frame are the same screws just different amounts.  I am going to go ahead and try the swap.

Don't hold your breath for pics and actual work being done, though.  I will take pics when I do this, but it may be awhile, as I have other projects in line ahead of these.  A house included.  I like the posts where people have taken detailed pics while doing the work and plan to do this as I go.  My new garage will help.

     While you are waiting for this project, do yourself a favor and e-mail the store at the top of the page.  Capt. Koas I think has a source for the vent windows and gaskets, and if I remember right all of them are available. 
     If you e-mail him with your questions he will at least point you in the right direction if possible.

[Captkaos]

73-80 vents will fit in a 81-up door, but there will be a bolt that won't be used.  The earlier version have poor sealing qualities also.

[bake74]

73-80 vents will fit in a 81-up door, but there will be a bolt that won't be used.  The earlier version have poor sealing qualities also.

     Hey Capt. will a 81 up vents fit into a 73 - 81 truck also ?  Since you said the earlier version's have poor sealing qualities.

[Captkaos]

Yes.  There were 86's in my 73.