Tech request???? chopping vent window frames??

[Tony]

I was just wondering what some of the techniques you have used when chopping vent window frames when doing a top chop.

I did one on my 53 chevy and i'm not happy with the way it came out. Mine will work fine, but i want to chrome them and to be honest there not good enough..

The frame iteslf came out great, but what i'd like to see is how you cut the glass channel itself..

Thanks
Tony...

[Skate Fink]

..FINALLY..........something my dunbass knows something about! I did the vent frames on my Studebaker and when I had the glass done, the old guy that did it asked me how I got the vent frames done? I was really flattered. I cut just about 4" out of the long, straight side, cleaned up the cuts and had a friend weld them up. I ground the outside and used a Dremel tool to clean up the inside of the channel. I then made a block slightly smaller than the inside of the channel and wrapped it with sandpaper and cleaned it up. Rattle can painted and it was done.
The old guy that did the glass said that after he had made a template, cut and installed the glass, he realized that the frames HAD to have been cut down. He said he pulled the glass back out and couldn't figure out how I had done it! One of my few proud automotive moments........ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[metalshapes]

I don't chop a piece out of the middle.
I recurve them and then trim the extra length off the end.

[Tony]

That gives me some good ideas on the finishing for sure, thanks.
I think the reason i had a hard time with mine is because of the amount i cut from the roof.

I can't just cut a straight section out unfortunately.
The only part of the window chanell that can be left 'stock' is the lower section. From the curve at the base of the frame to the top is completely different than before.
It's like one long curve now.

Once i took out the chop amount, I had to make a ton of cuts about 1/4" apart in order to bend the frame into shape, then weld it back together..

Thanks again for the tips http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Metalshapes, how do you recurve them? Do you make the same type of cuts i did, or is there another way of doing it?

Tony..

[48_HEMI]

you can cut them anyway you like as long as you take a straight edge and line up the bottom post and the top pivot. mitre the edges before you weld and if you are chroming them Brass works well http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[metalshapes]

[ QUOTE ]


Metalshapes, how do you recurve them?

[/ QUOTE ]

I use a welding torch with not to big of a tip.
Straightening out is easy cause you strech the sides doing that.
To bend a new curve I make a little tool ( about 3/16 thick and an inch wide ) with the same shape as the shape in the bottom of the channel ( roughly the same shape as a dull chisel most of the time), but with a slight arc to it.
I clamp that in the vise and slowly rework the curve of the piece over that.
I only heat up small parts at the time, and cool it when I have the right shape in that section.

[Tony]

Thank you very much!
That sounds like it will do the trick..

[metalshapes]

You will also have to relocate the top hinge ( and probably the angle of it ), but that is pretty simple compared to the rest of it...

[old beet]

This may be the hardest part of chopping. All the while you need to keep the pivot axis correct, so they operate. Sometimes(most) I use two sets of vent window seals, and glue them together with "Plasti-Zap or Zap a Gap". Model shops have the glue...........OLDBEET

[Tony]

It's pretty funny really, i think this is the hardest part of the chop.
The tin work was straight forward, but the frames are thick and obviously not flexable so they need a little more 'finess' in order to do it right and be able to chrome them.

Again, these tips WILL help me out greatly! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks!

Tony.

[lulabelle]

I'm gonna cheat and get rid of the dogleg and go with a 1pc.door glass.(I think)Could you cut a piece of 1/4" steel in the shape of the new glass to use to heat and bend the frame?That way you can use it as a "buck" Then just re-locate the top pivot?

[mikes51]

[ QUOTE ]
From the curve at the base of the frame to the top is completely different than before.
It's like one long curve now.



[/ QUOTE ]

It doesn't always work, but look at taking the windwing frame section from the other side, flipping it over and things like that. Sometimes you end up getting the curve section you want from where you least expect it. If you have rear flip out quarter windows, you can try the cutout pieces from them too.

[Tony]

[ QUOTE ]
Could you cut a piece of 1/4" steel in the shape of the new glass to use to heat and bend the frame?That way you can use it as a "buck" Then just re-locate the top pivot?


[/ QUOTE ]

Thats exactly what i was thinking today..
Not only will that help form the frame, but both frames would come out the same...

A few guy's mentioned losing the vents alltogether, but i kinda dig the way they look..at least on this car i do.

Now i need to find another frame cause i screwed up the one i did already. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks guys!

Rat..

[daddyo54]

You can't get rid of the wing windows and have a one piece glass on 53 and 54 chevys because of the hinge pockets being right underneath the wing window.

[Tony]

Well then, i'm glad i wanted to keep em. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[lulabelle]

Guess I'll be doing the same.Or suicide them?...... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[lulabelle]

Heck,that hinge is over 6" below the top of the door.That gives me plenty of room!