C2 - Setting Vent Window Glass

[Jeff B.]

I'm just about to reassemble the vent windows on my 64 convertible. I have had the outer frames chromed, and the stainless frames polished, and have installed new rubber. I have searched the archives and it seems like the trick is to use soapy water on the set tape when installing the glass back into the frames. What I don't know is if the stainless frame should be put into the chrome frame before setting the glass. It seems easier to set the glass first, but I'm worried that if I do I wont be able to compress the stainless frame enough to get the hing pin in the hole in the outer frame. Anyone had experience at this and have an opinion about the order of things?

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 - Setting Vent Window Glass

Jeff,

you need to install the glass in the stainless first otherwise you will most likely break the pivot pin trying to install the glass.
Also a trick I learned from an OLD TIME glass installer was to use oil on the adhesive tape for the glass as the oil swells the tape and helps to seat it.

Rich

[Douglas L.]

Re: C2 - Setting Vent Window Glass

Jeff,

As Rich says - use oil on the tape. The only thing I would add is the tape comes in different thicknesses. I have had problems with thicker tape on the vent widows whereas thicker tape on the side windows works just fine. If you split the tape or have a problem getting the glass all the way into the frame, do not get frustrated! You might try a thinner tape.

[Jeff B.]

Re: C2 - Setting Vent Window Glass

I suspected that the glass should go in first, but when I took them apart I was unable to get the frame (pin) out without taking out the glass first. Probably because the old rubber was hard and would not compress.

It sure seems like oil would stay slippery and cause the glass to come out easily, but I will give it a try. I got the tape at Corvette Central and it seems specific to the vent frames. The other tape they sell for the side glass is a different thickness.

Thanks for the help.

[Douglas L.]

Re: C2 - Setting Vent Window Glass

Jeff,

When you first set the glass into the channel with the oil, it will be slippery which makes it easier to set the glass. However, the oil is absorbed into the tape and reacts with it to create a tar like substance. Over a day or two, the tar like substance becomes like an adhesive holding the glass in and the notice of oil will be gone. At that point, the glass will be secure. Trim the excess tape along the frame and you are done.