The Vintique Inc. window channel...
The Vintique Inc. window channel kit includes the lower glass channel, regulator, crank and hardware, window soft rubber, vertical side window channels, and a tube of 3M Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive.
Progress continues on our project Model A pickup, being built around a brand-new, stretched ’28-29 body manufactured by Kelvin Waddington’s company, Nostalgia Speed and Cycle.
Having recently installed a heater in the truck, we wanted to keep that precious heat inside the cab by installing windows. And when the weather’s warm we can count on those windows to roll up and down effortlessly without wrestling with the glass.
Since it is not an original vehicle, the pickup had no original windows or window mechanisms to remove and replace. Kelvin Waddington was at the STREET RODDER tech center to oversee the installation of a new Door Glass Window Channel Run Kit from Vintique Inc. The Vintique package comes complete with all the parts needed to finish the job, including a tube of adhesive. In other words, everything except the windows themselves. The glass on the Model A is single-sheet, solid-tempered glass, available through Nostalgia Speed and Cycle.
You’ll notice from these photographs that the pickup is still in primer. There’s no better time during the buildup to install the hardware and test-fit the glass. Waddington took his own advice and performed this test installation prior to paint. Once the truck is painted we can do the final installation without having to worry about damaging the paint.
The Vintique Inc. window channel...
The Vintique Inc. window channel kit includes the lower glass channel, regulator, crank and hardware, window soft rubber, vertical side window channels, and a tube of 3M Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive.
The soft rubber seal that...
The soft rubber seal that fits along the tip of the window frame is oversized and has to be trimmed to fit the door. Kelvin Waddington reminded us about the most important rule in any project: measure twice, cut once.
The soft rubber seal that...
The soft rubber seal that fits along the tip of the window frame is oversized and has to be trimmed to fit the door. Kelvin Waddington reminded us about the most important rule in any project: measure twice, cut once.
Before installing the rubber...
Before installing the rubber in the door, the door channel must be cleaned with wax and grease remover or an acetone cleaner to eliminate any contamination that would prevent good adhesion between the rubber and the metal. This step is critical whether you’re using an 80-year-old body or a brand-new one.
The soft rubber seal was cleaned...
The soft rubber seal was cleaned to remove any of the residual powdery film that is typically found on new rubber parts (as a result of the manufacturing process). This is an easy but very important step. Rubber cleaner is available everywhere. Here we used CRC Brakleen brake cleaner.
Apply the glue to both surfaces—the...
Apply the glue to both surfaces—the rubber seal and sheetmetal. Once the glue is applied, allow a waiting period of approximately six to eight minutes or more to allow it to tack. The glue should feel nearly dry before the rubber is installed. If it’s too wet, it won’t adhere as well.
Apply the glue to both surfaces—the...
Apply the glue to both surfaces—the rubber seal and sheetmetal. Once the glue is applied, allow a waiting period of approximately six to eight minutes or more to allow it to tack. The glue should feel nearly dry before the rubber is installed. If it’s too wet, it won’t adhere as well.
When the glue has had a chance...
When the glue has had a chance to flash, the trimmed-to-fit rubber can be installed in the window frame.
This channel includes a small...
This channel includes a small tab at the bottom, which hooks to a slot in the door and simplifies the installation. Instead of measuring with a tape measure (which is also acceptable), it’s easy to hook the vertical channel in place and trim it in the proper spot.
The vertical channel pieces...
The vertical channel pieces also require measuring—and probably trimming—in order to get the correct fit. One side will be installed prior to the glass, the other side will be installed along with the glass. For the sake of accessibility, it’s recommended to install the hinge-side channel first, and the latch-side channel when the glass is put in.
This channel includes a small...
This channel includes a small tab at the bottom, which hooks to a slot in the door and simplifies the installation. Instead of measuring with a tape measure (which is also acceptable), it’s easy to hook the vertical channel in place and trim it in the proper spot.
When the channel is the correct...
When the channel is the correct length, it’s ready to be glued. The procedure is the same as with the top seal. Apply glue to both surfaces and allow it to flash off for several minutes before attaching rubber to steel. The exact amount of time will vary, depending on temperature; it takes longer when it’s cold than when it’s hot.
When the channel is the correct...
When the channel is the correct length, it’s ready to be glued. The procedure is the same as with the top seal. Apply glue to both surfaces and allow it to flash off for several minutes before attaching rubber to steel. The exact amount of time will vary, depending on temperature; it takes longer when it’s cold than when it’s hot.
Taping the glass will protect...
Taping the glass will protect it from scratches and other damage during installation. The other vertical channel (latch side) is installed on the glass prior to positioning the window (as seen in the opening photo).
The glass and latch-side channel...
The glass and latch-side channel are installed as one piece. Tape is used to hold the window in place while installing the regulator and lower channel inside the door.
Installing the regulator and...
Installing the regulator and lower channel was simple, thanks to the large opening in the door. A couple of countersunk head bolts hold the mechanism in place.
Installing the regulator and...
Installing the regulator and lower channel was simple, thanks to the large opening in the door. A couple of countersunk head bolts hold the mechanism in place.
When the channel is connected...
When the channel is connected to the regulator mechanism, the glass is installed into the channel.
Waddington applied urethane...
Waddington applied urethane adhesive (designed for glass and steel) to the lower channel to hold the glass. For greater success, buy a fresh tube of urethane for this job, apply it generously, and allow it to dry a bit (same as with the glue) before securing the glass.
With everything in place,...
With everything in place, the window is cranked to the top and left fully closed for 24 hours. That time allowed the urethane to cure with the glass in the correct position against the top rubber seal and in the vertical channels. After 24 hours, the window can be lowered and the latch-side vertical channel can be glued into place. Crank up the window to hold it in position while the glue sets. You’re done!