If you saw last month's first installment on our Pacific Coast Customs C10 shop truck, then you know that after purchasing what was going to be a driver, we ended up dismantling it to begin the buildup. The C10 was too tired to be a reliable daily driver. After installing the tilt column and making it much safer, it was time to do something about the windows. The driver-side window lacked weatherstripping and had a broken regulator, so we decided a one-piece window conversion kit would be perfect for our application.
We called the guys at Early Classic Enterprises in Fresno, California, and ordered a one-piece window kit with everything needed to switch over our old doors-even the glass was included. Faster than you can recite the Gettysburg Address while standing on your head, the components arrived in unbreakable packaging. It is a timely install, about four hours or so for each door, so plan an entire day. You'll need a helper to remove the door and hold parts here and there. The job can be accomplished using normal hand tools, but does require some knowledge to get the windows functioning properly. In the future, we'll be enhancing this installation further when we put in power window regulators to give our arms a rest from the cranking. For now, learn how to install Early Classic Enterprises' top-quality one-piece window conversion kit.
This is the before picture...
This is the before picture of our tired windows. They've been through 35 years of work-time to give them a rest and give you more room to use your cruisin' arm!
The Early Classic Enterprises...
The Early Classic Enterprises kit is exceptionally well packaged. As you can see, they take a great deal of pride in their packing to make sure everything arrives in one piece.
The first thing to do is remove...
The first thing to do is remove the door panels. This requires removing the armrest (our truck didn't have one), then removing the window crank and door lever. To accomplish this, you need a special tool designed to slide off the clips that hold the window cranks. You should be able to pick one up at your local auto parts store. Slide the tool behind the crank, push the clip off the lever, and pull the handle off the splines.
Remove the screws at the bottom...
Remove the screws at the bottom of the door panel. Some newer vehicles come with clips. Pop the clips off with a clip removal tool or carefully with a screwdriver.
Slide the door panel out of...
Slide the door panel out of the groove on the top and lay it aside until later.
Remove the vent window-there...
Remove the vent window-there are three screws in the doorjamb that need to be taken out.