Vent window issue 1964
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 765
From: Mint Hill North Carolina
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Vent window issue 1964
I rebuilt the drivers side vent window regulator yesterday. it was in great shape with the exception of the typical rivets that had given way. The retaining plate was actually wedged in between the regulator and door just waiting for me to pluck it out. This rebuild is very straight forward and works great now. Here's my problem, the tab on the window stainless is detached (prior owners over zealous attempt to open a window with a broken regulator). In the pictures I have the tabs lined up where they need to be, but the weld has given way. The lower section rotates now because it is not attached to the window frame. Anyone have a good way to fix this?
Last edited by Panama 58; May 29, 2018 at 10:19 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
It really looks like you have two options. Either find a replacement window assembly that doesn't have the broken hinge, or remove yours and have it welded.
In your area, there should be more than a few folks that can weld the hinge back on the frame. It will require some disassembly and some down time, but would probably be the least costly. Of course if you can find another assembly that closely matches the condition of yours replacing it would save time. Then have your frame welded and sell it off to recoup most of your money.
Corvettes at Carlisle, this August would be an excellent location to look for a good assembly...
Good luck... GUSTO
In your area, there should be more than a few folks that can weld the hinge back on the frame. It will require some disassembly and some down time, but would probably be the least costly. Of course if you can find another assembly that closely matches the condition of yours replacing it would save time. Then have your frame welded and sell it off to recoup most of your money.
Corvettes at Carlisle, this August would be an excellent location to look for a good assembly...
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 765
From: Mint Hill North Carolina
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Any other thoughts out there? I doubt I am the only one that has faced this problem.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
Well, it was worth a try but the JB Weld didn't work. It looked great and I thought it would hold up but before the day was over it had popped loose. The epoxy was stuck really good to the back of the pin but cleanly broke loose from the frame. Is it possible to fix one of these? I don't know anything about welding. It looks like it was welded there from the factory but how do they do it so the weld doesn't show? About how much would a vent window cost at a swap meet or where ever. As hot as it is in Florida It sure would be nice to have this fixed. My Vette has no A/C.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
My tab was welded on by the previous owner with regular steel weld (not stainless) so the whole thing had turned into a blob of rust. With a dremel tool I removed all that and what was left was about half of the tab. I rewelded it with stainless, putting way to much material. then again grinding/sculpting/polishing to get it in the original shape. Difficult to distinguish from original, a lot of delicate work, but feasible. FYI: I am very far from a professional welder and rehearsed first on a blank piece of stainless....
The whole process is described here https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-64-coupe.html
The whole process is described here https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-64-coupe.html
Last edited by alexandervdr; Aug 8, 2018 at 01:33 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
Based on your beautiful work it looks like I can have mine welded back on. How hard is it going to be to get the glass out of that frame. I am sure the glass has been in mine since 1965. I don't want to break it getting it out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
Last edited by alexandervdr; Aug 7, 2018 at 06:37 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
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From: Macedonia Ohio
Well, it was worth a try but the JB Weld didn't work. It looked great and I thought it would hold up but before the day was over it had popped loose. The epoxy was stuck really good to the back of the pin but cleanly broke loose from the frame. Is it possible to fix one of these? I don't know anything about welding. It looks like it was welded there from the factory but how do they do it so the weld doesn't show? About how much would a vent window cost at a swap meet or where ever. As hot as it is in Florida It sure would be nice to have this fixed. My Vette has no A/C.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,226
Likes: 399
From: Northern CA
That tab is actually spot welded in place which is why it normally gives out at some point. I had a friend re-weld it in place and then gently grind off the excess weld material. He then polished it thoroughly and the end result is amazing. Did the work in about an hour total. An expert welder can handle this easily. Best part is... I also installed new regulators on both sides and the windows now open and close smooth and straight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
From another thread, seems like Paragon may do this repair. Call them for advice, I removed my glass by heating the frame with a heat gun which softened the material holding the glass. I was then able work it out of the frame.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ame-pivot.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ame-pivot.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 2,355
From: Allison Park, PA
You may also want to reach out to Charlie Santorelli . . . Charlie recently fixed the passenger side vent window for my '66 - and did a teriffic job!
Charlie Santorelli, Bedminster NJ, 908-719-2354 (weekdays 9-4 eastern only).
Good Luck!
Charlie Santorelli, Bedminster NJ, 908-719-2354 (weekdays 9-4 eastern only).
Good Luck!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
I need to find someone in Tampa, FL that knows how to weld this pin back on the window frame. I don't want to send it off somewhere. Too much down time and added expense. Does anyone know a shop in Tampa that can/will do this job?