I'm working on the vent windows, new seals, channel fuzzies etc.
and I'd like to replace the vent window handle and the part that the handle attaches to.
A quick check at Concours and Dennis Carpenter produced nothing for '57's. Are these parts available, and if so from whom?
Thanks in advance
John
Didn't see them in the catalog but there seems to be a nice set on eBay. Will send you the link
Try Larry's Thunderbird and Mustang Parts.
Look on page 74 on their website .
57/58 fords and 58/59 t birds are supposed to be the same parts
Thank you Abe and Ray.........Abe, what I have looks as good as what the seller has. Ray,.....very good information.This FORUM has great information and great people!I appreciate both.
John
They look identical. I'll get a pair.
On the Blue Oval Classic website it says the 58/59 T bird and the 57/58 ford cars are all the same part numbers
The bracket with the shaft for the handle is available also on other websites if you need that part too.
John, I think you'll find all other components on the vent windows are stainless. I know I was surprised to find the hinges were! I may have gotten my new handles at Classic Auto Parts in OKC.
If your top pivot pin is broken, as most are, let us know if you come up with a fix.
On the bottom of the long channel is a tapped hole for a screw that secures the lower channel to the door. It's an odd size compared to what is common nowadays. I retapped mine for 1/4-28 so I could readily find ss screws for it.
Not sure what "the bracket with the shaft for the handle" is that Ray mentioned above. On my car, that shaft is attached to the frame for the glass. Yes, several components make up the frame, but I don't think it can be disassembled.
Here's a picture of the replacement bracket
Ray, I've been searching for these brackets and I saw a photo of the bracket like what you posted, but I believe it is not exactly correct for a '57.
That bracket on my vent windows appears to be Stainless, and the bracket in the photo appears to be regular carbon steel.
I think the thing for me to do, is order as pair of new handles and sand and buff the stainless brackets that are on the vent windows.
Again, thanks for the tip on the handles.
Rich, I'm lucky today. The top pins on both vent windows are fine. It will be a nice day in The Commonwealth tomorrow, and my plan is to sand and buff the vent window frames and parts tomorrow.
I believe that odd screw you referred to is a #12. Very seldom seen. I'll do the same and tap the bracket for a 1/4-28. Thanks for that tip/suggestion.
John
As I recall the vent frames and related parts are chrome plated not stainless. Its been awhile i could be wrong.
Mine are definitely stainless, including hinge. The handle is chrome plated.
My parts are the same as what Rich has described, and being stainless they polish/buff up to look great.
New handles are on the way.
Thanks guys for the tips and information.
Another suggestion, John: when I took the glass out of the frames, I was sure that the old rubber I removed was a formed seal. It is not, you won't find a seal/gasket for it. Use liquid rubber. fill the channel in the frame, push the glass in using toothpicks to keep the glass centered. let it get real messy, the excess is really easy to remove, and it will clean up nicely after the rubber has set up. Can't suggest a brand of liquid rubber, don't remember what I used. I think I remember using whatever it is glass companies use to seal glass to metal frames in storefront windows.
Thanks Rich.........Good advice.