Glass Run Channel

[Ulu]

I'm stripping the glass from my '47 Plymouth and I had to remove the glass run channel from the front door. My manual (which is for 46-54 models) does not really show the P-15 very well, but states to remove the clips from the door reveal by compressing them & pull out the channel.

 

Mine didn't have clips. It looks like an aftermarket/universal product, and was installed with six #6 flathead wood screws into the inner door.

 

It was friction-fit to the vertical guide rail and fit well without clips there. I'll buy new stuff, but this is actually good enough to touch up the flocking and re-use if I can't get what I want.

 

The thing is that I don't see how clips would work on my car. There's no actual reveal at the door head, but just the outside half of one. Unless they consider the garnish to be the other half of the reveal. ??? I don't see how that would work, as the manual says to remove the garnish first.

 

 

Anyhow, is the original style commonly available? or is everyone buying universal stuff?? or re-flocking???

 

I am not gonna use wood screws, but little rivets might be OK. I could also fab wire staples, which I'll certainly do for the fuzz that was originally stapled on. (Mine has more #6 wood screws!)

But if I re-use this run, I'll re-flock it & probably glue it on the door head continuously with RTV silicone.

 

Also, both my quarter windows were original tempered glass & good condition,as is the rear window, but the rest is all repop lam-glass. It's all cracked or de-lamming & needs replacing too.

 

Is tempered glass ever available for the front side windows and vent wings?

Are there different qualities of laminated glass for cars?

 

I'm not sure where to go with this.

Edited April 17, 2014 by Ulu

[builtfercomfort]

Are you sure which glass is new vs old? I thought the laminated can be quite old too. Hopefully someone who knows will chime in.

[Ulu]

Don't know about the windshields, yet  I'm sure they're laminated, Clearly, the laminated door glass & vent wings were poor quality replacements. The poor edge polishing and imperfect shapes tell all.

 

Oh, yeah...looking at that glass run channel, I'm not sure silicone would do the job. It's made from kinda corrugated/articulated metal (like a flex exhaust pipe) and it's got a sort of rubbery coating. Might not be chemically compatible.

 

I got all the window fuzz and all the glass run channel out, the headliner is half down, and am looking in vain for the bolts to my steering wheel puller.

[desoto1939]

When we did my glass in the 39 Desoto we did not use the glass setting tape but used the black silicone instead. This also lets you adjust the vent glass to make sure it is in position inthe frame.

 

If you are doing a full restoration and going for AACA and or POC judging then use the setting tape where is will be seen. otherwise use the silicone, just my 2 cents.

 

There is a gentleman in NJ that sells regulators and window channels. I have been to his wharehouse and he has an extensive collection.  Seach on regulatorRoy in Mulica Hill NJ.  Tell him that rich HArtung with the 39 Desoto sent you.  He is a great guy and has been in the business for 25 years. 

 

Rich HArtung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[Ulu]

Thanks for the post, DeSoto.

 

Actually my regulators are all OK. I need a couple knobs and trim rings, but the windows worked well--even the vent wings. This car had under 90k on it in '84, which was clear by the good condition of many original items.

 

Edith d' Plymouth had accidents and had been repaired, but had never been a rattletrap.

But from what I see under the paint, this is the second time she's been abandoned to rust.

 

BTW, the glass was mounted in rubber from old inner tubes with rubber cement.The cement crumbled with age. I was indeed going to use silicone to mount the glass, and for many other important things. Back in the 80's I was designing high rise curtain walls with silicone glazing systems, for buildings up and down the west coast. I'm a big fan of silicone when used properly.

 

I am building a resto-rod, so it'll look like a mild custom. Custom paint & upholstery, non-original wheels, tires, & suspension parts.

 

 AACA is not for me. Oh, the guys I've met at shows were all the nicest people, but I'm building a car I'll drive, and showing it isn't a consideration.

Edited April 18, 2014 by Ulu