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| | | Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | I just did the job on my '90 and thought I would share for anybody who mat have some questions. The donor was a '96, so unfortunately it has black trim and handles so it doesnt satisfy my craving for chrome, but it functions just as intended so I forgive them for not being shiney! When you grab the donor windows make sure you take EVERYTHING: window, hinge channel, seal and backing plate for the opening swivel. I even re-used the same hardware since it was in good shape from a newer van. If you want to tint the windows, this is also a good time before you install them, but they remove easily so it isnt that big a deal if you want to wait. First before you remove the fixed window, run a plastic tool, I used a putty spreader, between all the seal's surfaces. that means between the seal and glass and the seal and door on both sides, this will free them from the bonding that may occur over time. Remember, you probably dont want a thousand glass cubes on the ground! from the inside of the door, use the spreader to pull down at the seal close to a corner and I just used my fingers to pull down the corner and some more of the sides. From here you can push lightly on the glass and keep pulling the seal away from the channel it's fixed onto. Keep doing this and the glass will come out quite willingly and you will be left with this: Notice that some holes are alreadt drilled for you, but not all of them. We will get to the drilling later. To access one of the hinge channel holes on top of the door you need to remove a plastic cap, note the direction it goes for re-installation. Sorry for the fuzzy pic, my camera likes my car more than my van! The 2nd hole is not covered, you just need to push back slightly on the seal to get your deep socket into it. Install the Hinge channel with the bolts going up through the door on the outer holes. When both are installed and tight, drill the two centre holes for the screws. Now you're ready to install the seal top first so when you get to the bottom you can mate together the end peices using the rubber bit thats in the hollow part of the seal. You can either press the seal in firmly or lightly use a soft faced mallot to mate the seal firmly to the channel. This is where you should now be: Once again, the camera likes the car better than what I want to take a picture of, but you can see how the window fits into the hinge channel. Tile the window uo high and fit the channels together. You may have to press up as you swing the window down to it's resting position, it might take a few trys but it will end up swinging down if it's aligned properly. So you're saying "I've gone this far, now what?". Well this is what, you have to attatch the mechanism to the door! The metal plate goes behind the door and is secured by 3 screws. Congratulations! You now have windows that open and have serviceable spares for the rear doors if you want to keep them solid! This is also a good time to tint the spare windows, so you can install them already tinted into the rear. Enjoy the feeling of fresh air!
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 706 old hand | old hand Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 706 | Very detailed how-to, ever thought about putting it up on youtube in the form of video, LOTS of guys like to watch that shit when there's no "Car Stuff" on T.V. Informative if your doing this job! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | hmm, maybe I'll supplement my next tutorial with a video, good idea
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | Nice tutorial! Next you need to do one on welding up a big old hole in the side of a van | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,266 Vanner Extraordinaire | Vanner Extraordinaire Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,266 | Nice...VP...this is what we need to see more of on these forums...probably took longer to take the pics and write the steps than to do the conversion! Thanks for the effort!
Howard "Nickels and Dymes" Midwest Vans Ltd. Vanfest Staff Ontario Federation of Vanners Rep since 1978 National Truck-In Board since 1986 First van event-a hall party...March, 1974...ain't been right since!!!!!
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 21,211 Likes: 25 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 21,211 Likes: 25 |
Nate Breece | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,124 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,124 | Nice tutorial! Next you need to do one on welding up a big old hole in the side of a van That one's easy, just stand back about 4 feet, and throw 5 thousand dollars at it. That's how we ended up removing the windows from mine.
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,347 old hand | old hand Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,347 | IT LOOKS LIKE IT WAS A 2 COFFEE JOB !! 1978 CHEVY 4X4 VAN - BLUE-GREY 1977 CHEVY 4X4 VAN- BLACK | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | Actually I think there are 2 more cups in there, one on the other side of the table ond one propping the door open! Thanks for the kind words!
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 Madman! | Madman! Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 28,125 | Nice tutorial! Next you need to do one on welding up a big old hole in the side of a van That one's easy, just stand back about 4 feet, and throw 5 thousand dollars at it. That's how we ended up removing the windows from mine. $5k! Man I work way too cheap! :whistle: | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,497 "Canadian guy who lives way the heck out west" | "Canadian guy who lives way the heck out west" Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,497 | Nice tutorial! Next you need to do one on welding up a big old hole in the side of a van Thanx Ken... just laughed out loud from my cubicle! Trying to think of an explanation! Verve, awesome tutorial!!! You have a gift!
Corey aka sasktrini, Saskatoon, SK, Canada | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | stay tuned: "Tinting windows" is coming up very soon, no video though, I dont have video editing software. I will thik abou the video for future endeavors though
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,502 Li'l Blue Wagon | Li'l Blue Wagon Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,502 | Looking good. I guess you won't be needing my pop out windows EH!! No biggy. HAve you ever tinted before?? That is one of the things I leave for the pros. | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | I found the windows from a newer van when I was looking for a rad, and with the sale I decided to get them. I've tinted before, it's a pain but not TOO hard to do.
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,286 | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,286 | Fortunately, tinting removeable rear windows can be done indoors on a bench, not as easy on the rest of the van. | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 740 Keeper of the Creep | Keeper of the Creep Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 740 | Very cool post. Nice job, and thanks for sharing!!!!!! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,502 Li'l Blue Wagon | Li'l Blue Wagon Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,502 | I'm glad this thread got "STICKY'd"...I will be doing this soon to my 2 new 86 side doors. I already had an idea of how easy it is, but wasn't sure about the top hinge holes. And now I know. Very cool of Dodge to take some of the guess work out for us. | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | yes, it's very straight forward how to install these, and they make a huge differance in the summer to keep a good breeze inside to try to keep cool
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,502 Li'l Blue Wagon | Li'l Blue Wagon Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,502 | Oh I know that about the breeze. I have pop out windows in all my doors, just not the 2 I bought from Phoenix. And i just sold 2 chrome pop outs, and the rusty doors. Now I just need to find 2 windows I took out of the other 2 rusty doors. They might be buried under the 6-8 inches of snow we now have...aaaaarg. | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,317 | no problem for me, I live in a trailer: spares go under the house lol
In search of the illusive prairie lobster "If you dont stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them" | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 348 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 348 | stay tuned: "Tinting windows" is coming up very soon, no video though, I dont have video editing software. I will thik abou the video for future endeavors though The trick Ive found tinting is to use distilled water with your soap on a warm not breezy day. Real fine steel wool and Ammonia Windex to clean the glass first too. Also tack cloth.
84 E-150 91 Club Wagon 70 Torino convertible 70 Cobra Torino
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,473 Likes: 1 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,473 Likes: 1 | Nice I did the same thing back in the seventies with a donor van and my '73 fixed window rears. Holes were provided By Dodge and gaskets pulled right out of the donor and mine pushed right out. One thing about Dodge they made everything very easy about swapping parts They were all fitted with holes for the full upgrade and bought with options paid for. so it was easy to upgrade , because all the drilling and punching was already done. Gaskets fit on the same window openings. it was all great, I still have my old flip out rear glass, could not rid myself of them as they had a lot of old stickers from my first evants
Cheers! Been There, done that, Member of those.... Built for comfort not for speed ....Well speed too !... I am a vanner, Promise me the world, give me nothing, I'll be back ... next year ! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,536 Likes: 136 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 18,536 Likes: 136 | Very nice.I look forward to the window tinting tutorial. Arianrhod:2003 Chevy Astro Black Magic: 1985 Dodge B-250 Serenity:1985 Chevy G-20 The Outcast:1983 Ford club wagon Luna 1974 VW bay window transporter Freedom:1990 Ford E-150(parts van) Outcast Vanners van club Support your local 2% | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 323 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 323 | Hi All Just did this on the barn doors of my '79 B200' following the post, what a fantasic set of instructions, thanks vervepipes!!!!. My before and after photos are below. As you can see the guy who fitted the window tint on my original windows may have got one or two air bubbles in them! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 3,113 Likes: 2 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: May 2006 Posts: 3,113 Likes: 2 | looks better, plus now you can get some air flow
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 868 Likes: 2 old hand | old hand Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 868 Likes: 2 | Looks good
1972 Dodge Van "Tigerlilly" - Blazing Copper/Sandstone Metallic - 3850 lbs empty 13.47 @ 97.53 mph N/A - 11.94 @ 113.33 mph N2O - old 360/727 + Nitrous (N2O)combo Viper V10 + 4L80E conversion in progress...
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 "Leelu" - TorRed - 6.1L Hemi/6 speed - Supercharged - SOLD
1990 Celica Alltrac "Emma" - 2.0L 4cyl Turbo AWD - 327awhp - 21-22mpg freeway, 17-ish mixed daily use - 13.2 @ 108 best so far.
2007 Chrysler 300C SRT8 "Ruby Rod" - 6.1L Hemi - pretty much bone stock driver - With 425hp
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 323 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 323 | Thanks Guys, really pleased with the new windows and as you say getting some airflow in the back is going to be a real advantage, I'm over in the UK and was lucky enough to find someone breaking a Dodge van as there not that many around and got a good deal on the windows and all the ancilleries. Mark | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,182 veteran | veteran Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,182 | Looks good. I just done that myself to the rear doors and its amazing how much more air flow you get and they look better. Ive got a set of wheels like what you have on your van. Do you know who made them? | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 323 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 323 | Hi River Rat
Thanks fr the feedback and yes doesn't it make a difference in the airflow for the people in the back. Not 100% on the wheels as am missing the center caps, have been looking for a set of caps and the name "American Racing" comes to mind, not sure if thats the company that makes the center caps or the wheels.
Regards
Mark | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,719 veteran | veteran Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,719 | Very helpful write up, thanks!
Chuck
1988 Dodge B250 "Bloody Mary"
Shenandoah Valley Vans
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 | Just found this thread,Thanks Great info
Everyday above ground is a Good Day!!! Never Stop Vannin'
Member of Break Away Vanners Host of Spring Break At Shenandoah Acres Family Campground
Owner & Creator of Wizard's Van-In Videos Member of Riding High Truckers from 1982 to 1996 2nd Member of The Toopa Sinner Tribe Member of Free Bird Vanners 1996 to Present Member of Cape Atlantic Truckers South Jersey Host Club of Freeze Out Certified Nats Judge Member of Shenandoah Valley Vans | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,473 Likes: 1 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,473 Likes: 1 | That was great , Lots of pix and good descriptions just right. We need more people to do this. We like to see informative , descriptive, articles like this. some think it is way to easy to write about but some really appreciate it. Take the time to do it and you will be someones hero.
Cheers! Been There, done that, Member of those.... Built for comfort not for speed ....Well speed too !... I am a vanner, Promise me the world, give me nothing, I'll be back ... next year ! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 753 old hand | old hand Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 753 | I wonder if Ford windows are similar. Pop outs would be nice on the Econoline.
Last edited by SaabGuy; September 14th 2012 3:36 am.
When Chris Farley talked about living in a van down by the river, did anybody else think that wasn't such a bad idea?
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 |
Everyday above ground is a Good Day!!! Never Stop Vannin'
Member of Break Away Vanners Host of Spring Break At Shenandoah Acres Family Campground
Owner & Creator of Wizard's Van-In Videos Member of Riding High Truckers from 1982 to 1996 2nd Member of The Toopa Sinner Tribe Member of Free Bird Vanners 1996 to Present Member of Cape Atlantic Truckers South Jersey Host Club of Freeze Out Certified Nats Judge Member of Shenandoah Valley Vans | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening windows | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 | I switched the side windows on my 89 Ford from fixed to pop open windows. The holes for the hinges and latches are pre-drilled in the door frame. It is basically the same as the Dodge process. The back doors are the same process as the side.
Windows- they're what make a van worth owning! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 42 Likes: 13 newbie | newbie Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 42 Likes: 13 | Hi,
Newbie here with an addition to this great post.
It's nice to have the rear pop out windows instead of the fixed ones. It's also very helpful to have the window set up for easy removal should you need to drag home some long item that is even too long for our Dodges like lumber. I suggest that you put a spot of silicone on the small metal backing plate so that it stays in place when the screws are removed to allow the window to come out. This is especially handy on finished interiors like conversion vans so the damn plate doesn't disappear and force a door panel removal. Drilling out the rivet and replacing it with a pin and cotter pin also works and is much easier on vans with interiors.
Of course don't drive your van with the rear window removed as there is a risk of CO poisoning...
Great forum.
Cheers,
D "Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money." 1984 B350 4x4 Sportsmobile pop top with 1993 5.2 Magnum + A518 1979 MB400 cube van RV 440-3 coming out Hemi going in- see my build in the Dodge how to section | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 6 stranger | stranger Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 6 | Thanks for this tutorial. I was wondering if this was even possible without heavy modifications to the doors, but this is much easier than I thought. I just picked up 4 nice factory tinted flip out windows from the pick n pull yesterday so I can replace the side and back on my '01. I noticed that the later model vans didn't have the 2 screws in the middle of the hinge, so drilling might not even be necessary. | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 358 Likes: 3 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 358 Likes: 3 | I fixed my ac this weekend, Driving with the windows down around here feels like you are driving around in a blast furnace
2004 Ford E250 5.4 4r75w dana 60 with 3.73;'s (Current) 1992 Dodge B350 360/46rh non lockup /9.25 rear with 3.90 cogs (sold) 1986 GMC Vandura 2500 305/TH350/3.08 rear (Sold) 1994 G20 Ex Virginia DOT crew van 305/4l60/3.42 G80 10 bolt (Sold) 1969 Chevy G20 Sport van 230,3 on the tree, 12 bolt with 4.11 cogs.(Sold) 2004 Chevy Express 2500 4.8,4l80E,3.73 (sold) 1990 ford e250 club wagon 460.E4OD,dana 60 rear 4.11's (sold) | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 167 member | member Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 167 | Just picked up some pop out windows from a donor but the window seals were shot. I found a seal on ebay that I'll give a shot. I'll post pictures here when I get it done this spring. Thanks for the idea! 76 Tradesman 200
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 8 stranger | stranger Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 8 | Hi. great thread, thanks! Can I take pop out side door windows from an 80s Dodge van and put them in the rear doors of my 75 Dodge ? I searched and saw one thread that said window sizes changes in 78, but I want to be sure. Thanks.
Last edited by Jams; June 11th 2018 6:59 pm.
| | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 12,107 Likes: 37 | Hi. great thread, thanks! Can I take pop out side door windows from an 80s van and put them in the rear doors of my 75? I searched and saw one thread that said window sizes changes in 78, but I want to be sure. Thanks. What brand of van are you working on?
Windows- they're what make a van worth owning! | | | Re: Tutorial: Switching from fixed to opening wind | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 8 stranger | stranger Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 8 | Hi. great thread, thanks! Can I take pop out side door windows from an 80s van and put them in the rear doors of my 75? I searched and saw one thread that said window sizes changes in 78, but I want to be sure. Thanks. What brand of van are you working on? Sorry, its a dodge. | | |
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