[Mark D]

So like a lot of you I have a quick build that turned into a long build. I have a 69 Chev panel truck that is all finished except for assembly.

When I started this project I had zero grand kids, now I have four =) A panel truck would not be fun for the kids even if I put seats back there considering there are no side windows.

So Ive been thinking about cutting open the sides and figuring out a way to flush mount one long side window on each side. I was thinking maybe having some channel bent to the shape I wanted the windows, and maybe using panel bonding glue to put it in (Truck is painted and Im trying to avoid as much touch up painting as possible.

Or possibly cutting out the opening and using some sort of flange tool to go around the edges to make a place to set the glass in. But I dont know if there is such a tool.

Getting rid of the panel and using a burb is out of the question. But I am open to any other ideas to add some side glass if you have them.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[boatbob2]

Panel flange tool,,

Hi,EASTWOOD sells a panel flanging tool,it looks like a pair of pliers,cost ABOUT $30.00,Flange is ABOUT 1/2 in long??? and ABOUT 1/8 inch deep...

 

[Mark D]

Ill check out Eastwoods site, thanks.

I just checked it out. It would be exactly what I need except it needs to make the channel deeper ( so glass would sit flush) It only sets the channel to sheet metal thickness....Thanks again though. Now Im going to be stuck on Eastwoods site checking out all the other good stuff lol

 

[dinger]

IMO, you're screwing up a nice truck, doing an install that might not be safe in a collision, and just won't look right. Just my opinion, not trying to be a wise guy.

 

[Mark D]

IMO, you're screwing up a nice truck, doing an install that might not be safe in a collision, and just won't look right. Just my opinion, not trying to be a wise guy.

I would be leaving internal bracing, only losing the thin outter skin. The panel truck is black and the window would be limo tint black.

Believe me I do understand where you are coming from. Im still not positive I want to do this. Just looking for ideas for now.

 

[monster76]

Im assuming the best way to do this would be to find a vehicle with a similar shape and glass size then cut out the metal and weld it in to your vehicle so you dont have to have a custom glass for it made and of it ever cracks its easier to get a replacement

 

[Mark D]

Im assuming the best way to do this would be to find a vehicle with a similar shape and glass size then cut out the metal and weld it in to your vehicle so you dont have to have a custom glass for it made and of it ever cracks its easier to get a replacement

Ive been looking at that option too. I held up burb side glass from the same year, but it just doesnt look right. Im going to have to have a piece cut to comform to the shape I want.

I also want to avoid a bunch of welding if possible ... Here is a shot of it when it was in paint and body ... Its been home for three years lol. Yeah Im slow =)

 

[swvalcon]

If your looking for a cheap quick fix look at some side windows for a conversion van. Not that much money and fairly easy to install.

 

[Mark D]

If your looking for a cheap quick fix look at some side windows for a conversion van. Not that much money and fairly easy to install.

Yeah those would be easy for sure. But I'm really looking for a close to seamless look. Very dark glass, flush fit, on a black body.

 

[mmadden55]

Try side windows from a Chevy van.

 

[poncho62]

Put a DVD player in the back, that will keep the little buggers happy......

I wonder if those windows that they used to install in conversion vans would work for you, if you could find the right size/shape?

 

[MARTINSR]

This is the only way I can imagine you could do this without paint. Get a window and make a channel that would go around the window. Cut a hole in the body the same size as the channel, we are talking PERFECTLY cut it out and grind it out to the perfect point. Glue the channel to the back side of the metal with structural bonding adhesive. (YES it would be strong enough) And then set the glass on urethane in the channel and use a moulding like on an 80's S-10 Chevy or Camaro of the vintage. The moulding simply tucks into the channel between the glass and the channel sealing over the gap between the glass and the channel.

You may be able to pull this off without damaging the paint.

Brian

 

[Mark D]

This is the only way I can imagine you could do this without paint. Get a window and make a channel that would go around the window. Cut a hole in the body the same size as the channel, we are talking PERFECTLY cut it out and grind it out to the perfect point. Glue the channel to the back side of the metal with structural bonding adhesive. (YES it would be strong enough) And then set the glass on urethane in the channel and use a moulding like on an 80's S-10 Chevy or Camaro of the vintage. The moulding simply tucks into the channel between the glass and the channel sealing over the gap between the glass and the channel.

You may be able to pull this off without damaging the paint.

Brian

This was my original idea on doing this. Seemed like the best way ... just need to figure out how to make the channel and get her done =)

BTW, I noticed a bunch of your posts on this site. Glad to see you are still around. Seems like I used to see a bunch of your tutorials over on 67-72chevytrucks.com

Thanks for your insights here.

 

[MARTINSR]

You would have the channel bent up in three or four foot lengths (if you don't have the equipment to bend it). Then using a shrinker/stretcher bend it around the window perfectly using the window as your pattern.

Brian

 

[ogre]

i thought the panels had the same structure inside as the suburbans
if that's the case try to get suburban windows and trim to fit in there

 

[Old Fool]

This is the only way I can imagine you could do this without paint. Get a window and make a channel that would go around the window. Cut a hole in the body the same size as the channel, we are talking PERFECTLY cut it out and grind it out to the perfect point. Glue the channel to the back side of the metal with structural bonding adhesive. (YES it would be strong enough) And then set the glass on urethane in the channel and use a moulding like on an 80's S-10 Chevy or Camaro of the vintage. The moulding simply tucks into the channel between the glass and the channel sealing over the gap between the glass and the channel.

You may be able to pull this off without damaging the paint.

Brian

Best idea yet!

 

[Mark D]

i thought the panels had the same structure inside as the suburbans
if that's the case try to get suburban windows and trim to fit in there

Actually the panel and the burb are quite different under the skin. The entire floor in the panel is different. On the burb it has a rear door on the passenger side and the drivers side basically has the structure of a rear door beneath the outer skin. roll down windows and such. Ive seen several opened up and made into a usable door. Not easy, but doable.

So the windows wouldn't match up ( I checked this first ), plus the angles are off If I was to make flush fit openings for them.

Hindsight is 20/20 of course, I used to have a couple of burbs of that era ... shoulda kept them and let the panel go down the road =)

 

[Mark D]

Best idea yet!

Yes, I agree, but I also appreciate every ones input. Ive been a member here for a year and never had a reason to ask any questions, and when I finally did I got a bunch of great answers.

Today I contacted a master fabricator in our area and he said when I am ready bring the panel on down and he would work with me on the project. I need to get a hold of my glass guy to make sure he is good with doing it this way. Personally I think it will look fine.

 

[sparkydog]

I'm not sure if the SHAPE of these windows is what you have in mind but in terms of a nice flush fit and look.... IMO the side windows of a more modern Burb or Astro van might work for you.

 

[Mark D]

I'm not sure if the SHAPE of these windows is what you have in mind but in terms of a nice flush fit and look.... IMO the side windows of a more modern Burb or Astro van might work for you.

I checked a bunch of the more modern windows and they are too tall =(