Door Window Install - Killin' Me!!!

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Snoots

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Here's a shot from left field:

Pull it all back out, take the seals out of the track, get 2 pair of pliers and widen the track. Reinstall seals and reassemble.

WTF do I know?
 

Scott91370

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I used to like you but suggesting that I pull everything out has changed that. :emotions33: :evillol:

I'm going to try the lube first then go from there. As a last resort I will take it all apart, which is the easy part. Getting it back together is a real PITA.
 

Doppleganger

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I use this stuff with windows - and any trims that slide into a channel. Works amazing.

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But yes - I've been running into the same issues with these aftermarket seals - they are nowhere near original thicknesses. And when you're talking 1/8" or less of an inch, every bit matters.

My vent windows leave enough room for .045 of setting tape per side. What I was sent was .118 thick (and when wrapped on the glass....so x2). Fits fine if I omit the glass.
 

FireTruck1984

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I recently did the same type glass/seals replacement.. I lubricated the seals liberally with spray silicone and they now run freely.
Can't hit the truck, it's a fresh paint job. Although at this point I am ready to do something far worse to it.
The windows are original to this truck so the curves are the same, I'm 99% sure it is just the fresh seals being so much thicker. I still had the old set sitting here - all hard as a rock - and compared them. The old set is way thinner.
I completely rebuilt my inner doors, This is a very frustrating job and is a great lesson in patience. I used every curse word in my arsenal and even made up a few new ones ! But I certainly learned a lot in the process and the next project should go much smoother. My advice is don’t rush through the install, get it just right before you put everything back together, (you certainly don’t want to do it again). Good luck, I hope our suggestions will help.
 

73c20jim

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Just for info. There are two thicknesses of window and there for two different seals.
 

Scott91370

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Just for info. There are two thicknesses of window and there for two different seals.

The windows are factory but the seals I bought from LMC and only saw one size.


I use this stuff with windows - and any trims that slide into a channel. Works amazing.

But yes - I've been running into the same issues with these aftermarket seals - they are nowhere near original thicknesses. And when you're talking 1/8" or less of an inch, every bit matters.

My vent windows leave enough room for .045 of setting tape per side. What I was sent was .118 thick (and when wrapped on the glass....so x2). Fits fine if I omit the glass.

Yeah, the fresh seals are pretty thick and couldn't crush down fast enough. I do have to ask... When I install the seals there is a bit that still sticks out of the frame (I can get a pic tonight if need) -, like maybe 3/16". Should the entire seal be inside the track?


I completely rebuilt my inner doors, This is a very frustrating job and is a great lesson in patience. I used every curse word in my arsenal and even made up a few new ones ! But I certainly learned a lot in the process and the next project should go much smoother. My advice is don’t rush through the install, get it just right before you put everything back together, (you certainly don’t want to do it again). Good luck, I hope our suggestions will help.

Patience is not my strong point, that's for sure. I know the window tracks and vent windows are in correctly. But the seals... I'm 50% confident. I wish I had a truck here to look at.
 

73c20jim

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based on year of truck and year of door. The early trucks used thick windows with the seals for thick windows. The later doors 1977-up? are different. My 73 has 77 doors and thick windows. So When I used the thin window seals for the later doors, the window would jam. I had to use the seals for the thick window.

Maybe you have the thick window.
 

Scott91370

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based on year of truck and year of door. The early trucks used thick windows with the seals for thick windows. The later doors 1977-up? are different. My 73 has 77 doors and thick windows. So When I used the thin window seals for the later doors, the window would jam. I had to use the seals for the thick window.

Maybe you have the thick window.



It is an 85 so I would go with yes. But this got me to thinking. When I ordered the seals I ordered what LMC truck listed as the correct year 1981-1987 - PART #6. But I distinctly remember when I pulled all the pieces apart the part of the seal that came up from the rear of the window and over the top was one piece and the vent window was a second piece. If this is the case then mine had the older style that they list for the 1973-1980 - PART #7
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FireTruck1984

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Did you see LMC’s disclaimer?
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Scott91370

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That I knew that, and would totally expect it, but considerably stiffer is one thing, not rolling up more than 3/4 of the way is way different - at least to me.
 

82sbshortbed

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I need to replace mine and thread is making me wanna pay someone to do it. I was really not wanting to do it and now I know I don't. Lol
 

Camar068

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The windows are factory but the seals I bought from LMC and only saw one size.




Yeah, the fresh seals are pretty thick and couldn't crush down fast enough. I do have to ask... When I install the seals there is a bit that still sticks out of the frame (I can get a pic tonight if need) -, like maybe 3/16". Should the entire seal be inside the track?




Patience is not my strong point, that's for sure. I know the window tracks and vent windows are in correctly. But the seals... I'm 50% confident. I wish I had a truck here to look at.

pic plz as I'm going through this.....if it's easy to get to....don't go out of your way.

[edit] I got my kit from RA
 

JeffK10America

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So I got a new door, driver door, it’s supposed to be same thickness as the original . From the truck shop Concord NC . I’ve bought some parts there . Been happy with everything so far . But I will be building this door from whatever parts I can salvage from original door. I’ve got to say I dread it . From all this rubber talk . Window channel, anti rattle hit new motor , as mine doesn’t do anything. All I like is the vent window kit . So all this stuff . Well yes I can see some aggravation for sure . I believe I will hang new door she’ll and build it on the truck . And what someone said earlier widen the the inner glass run channel . Well maybe a good thing to do , with new rubber and window door glass channels . Seen some nice info on here though already from previous posts . Some talented guys and gals on here .
 

Scott91370

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pic plz as I'm going through this.....if it's easy to get to....don't go out of your way.

[edit] I got my kit from RA

What parts do you want pics of? Now is a good time, the panels are still off and I can mostly move the windows so I should be able to get pretty much any angle.
 

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