vent window hinge replacement

[Don B.]

I have a '64 coupe and I'm overhauling the door guts - both sides. I discovered a cracked vent window hinge, the part that is welded to the glass frame. I've anticipated that the glass will have to be removed in order to weld on a replacement hinge. The glass is OEM and in excellent shape. I will try to find a respectable glass shop to help with this problem - R&R glass from frame, buff out a scratch or two, etc.

Does anyone have words of wisdom on this subject from first hand experience??

tnx

[John H.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Don -

Paragon has been doing that vent window hinge repair for many years - give them a call.

[Don B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Thanks for the guidance, John.

[Twan B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Corvette Central offers the same.

Gr. Twan
#44079

[Don B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Tnx for the input, Twan - I should be able to get a discount from them since I've made major investments in their parts. Don

[Don B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Corvette Central does not currently offer vent window service according to them... but they will in the near future. This from an e-mail I received today 8-7-09.

[John H.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Corvette Central does not currently offer vent window service according to them... but they will in the near future. This from an e-mail I received today 8-7-09.

They'll probably send them up the road to Paragon.

[Don B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

I'm going to use Paragon to fix the vent window assemblies, but I will be having the frames (not the chromed parts) zinc plated locally since paragon estimated that it could take an extra month for that to happen back there. So, if one is in a rush, it's better to do some of the work locally. However, Paragon has the appropriate parts and capabilities for a complete (with pivot rivets) overhaul of the vent window assemblies. This work also includes buffing the chrome and the SS pieces. Estimated cost is approximately $350-400 per side. Ain't cheap and I hope it's worth the price. BTW, this doesn't include any glass - mine is nearly perfect. It does include R&R glass from/to frames, any pivot rework and new rubber. It may include other stuff, but each job is unique, so call first. The key people are either Ken or Neal who take calls personally from 10-11 or 5-6 EST. Hopefully, this info will be helpful to others.

[Mike M.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

See if you can find someone locally that welds SS. I purchased the parts and had it welded for $15.00 at a place that makes frames. The welder drilled a coulpe small holes in the hinge and frame and it came out great.Then had the part buffed where I took my mouldings to be done. Installed the special rivet myself with a buddy helping hold the frame. Its a 2 man job to peen the rivet and hold things. Saved me a lot of time and money.

[Don B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Mike - thanks for the advice. Was your vent window glass in or out of the frames at the time the welding occurred? And, yes, $700 or more seems like a premium price to pay for doing this work.

[Mike M.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

Glass has to be taken out. Leave out until buffing is done also. The rivet is a pain to peen over so if you know anyone who has done a few or a aircraft mechanic that could help you, might make it easier. Order a extra pivot rivet or 2 in case you screw one up, there only about a $1 each.

[Don B.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

You've confirmed what I thought - the glass has to be removed. I thought about going to a local glass shop to have them do the R&R. I don't know how difficult that procedure could be and don't want to risk chipping or breaking the OEM glass. Yes, the rivet has me worried a little in that it's probably SS and, therefore, more difficult with which to deal. I do have access to two good machine shops that may be able to help out with the rivet replacement. tnx

[Mike M.]

Re: vent window hinge replacement

The window will come out easy. Just work it out slow.There is a good article in one of the restorer mags on a way to install.