Restoring front quarter vent windows

[Chuck]

Hi All

I am just about to rebuild a pair of front quarter vents after having all the metal components either chrome or zinc plated.  Originally the glass was held in the pivoting frame by way of a rubber gasket.

This rubber part is not available at either Rares or Spectrum.  I have already tried to find a suitable generic rubber channel at both Spectrum and Clark Rubber without success.

I think that Sikaflex would be inappropriate as once the glass is in the frame it would be permanent.  A non hardening mastic such as windscreen sealer would be also unsuitable as I think that the glass would separate over time.

My question is has anyone rebuilt some quarter vents and if so what did you use to replicate the original gasket?

As always any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards

Chuck

[mcl1959]

I'm pretty sure I got the rubber sheet from Rare Spares when I did mine. It is an oversize sheet of fairly soft and pliable rubber which is trimmed off once you get the glass in place.  Maybe try an automotive glass replacer.

Ken

[Papa Smurf]

But don't you want it to be permanant? - otherwise try Clarke rubber they have lots of rubber bits,peices & strips down to appx 1mm that maybe usefull

[Chuck]

Hi Ken

Thanks for the information.  I will try Rares tomorrow and if that fails, Ralph Moore Auto Glass here in Sydney.  The sheet you are referring to, is it specifically for this purpose or is it just a generic rubber sheet?

Lizard, I have tried Clarks but without success.

Chuck

[Ed]

Chuck,

Im pretty sure Ralph Moore glued my windows in place.

Cheers

Ed

[mcl1959]

It was specifically for the purpose - maybe came from Bill Thompson auto rubbers now that I think more about it.

Ken

[Chuck]

Hi Ken

I rang Ralph More Autoglass here in Sydney and they described their technique for sealing the windows.

Essentially they use small rubber strips placed at about 4 points around the frame to centralise the glass and then caulk a sealant (a Sikaflex that can be removed) into the gap and then smooth off using a spatula.

Their quoted price was $30 and for me to buy the glue from my local supplier was $28.  So to make it easy I let them do it and as a bonus they polished and removed the watermarks and minor scratches from the two glasses.  They did a fantastic job which I may or may not have been able to do first time so I consider it $30 well spent.

Chuck

[Sheriff]

BTW I saw this pair of NOS glass on ebay the other day, this post reminded me.  Here is the link. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260144766152&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=016
Only about 4 hours to go though, so if anyone wants them, be quick.  Mike.

[Rusty_T]

 :)

Hi all,

Does anyone have a phone number for Ralph More Auto Glass.

Cheers Rusty

[craiga]

Google is your friend

Ralph Moore Auto Glass Pty Ltd
6 John St, MASCOT, NSW, 2020
Phone: 9667 1933
Fax: 9669 6605
Email: autoglass@bigpond.com

[Gertie]

I have just completed restoring both quarter windows & was assured that "uncured" rubber is the way to go. It is available from Spectrum Rubbers. The method is to apply turps from a rag onto the uncured rubber, which then goes limp & is easily shaped around the glass. Then simply push the glass into the frame by hand & trim off the excess. You will need to press the rain gutters in soon after trimming. The rubber is then cured by sunlight. I took the glass & frame with me & Spectrum checked the rubber thickness required. I think it was 1mm (not sure)

[zulu]

Thanks for posting that Geoff, I am about to do mine so that gives me 2 options.

[Chuck]

By looking at the way quarter vents are put together, the method described by Gertie would seem to have been that originally used in the factory.  Too late for me now!

Chuck