31 pickup rear window

[Barry B./ Ma.]

We're working on a 31 closed cab pickup installing the rear window. I have never seen such an impossible task. We have 4 hours in it so far and only half the mounting screws and hex nuts in place. You would have to have fingers the size of spider legs to align the nuts and hold them behind the mounting flange then try to align a short screw and thread it into the nut. Ford must have had some fixturing to mount it on the assembly line, anyone have any suggestions ? Have tried several approaches, finally mounted ten screws I think out of twenty, mostly by luck. (Just frustrated)....

 

[Bill B]

I agree with what you said. My solution was to have a Corona and start again.

 

[Tom Mazz/CT]

Try using a pair of forceps (spelling?) that a surgeon uses - They are like mini vise grips - I think that is what I used for the rear window install on my 30 CCPU.

 

[Clydes 31 P/U]

Barry, These are what I use whenever my fingers get in my way. The screw starters are from NAPA years ago, the forceps I pick up at flea markets for a little of nothing so its no biggie to heat and bend them for certain jobs. Good Luck........Clyde

 

[ed thibodeau]

I took a piece of metal that was 1/16 thick, bent it to 90 degrees and filed a notch in it to fit the nut and it worked fine as a wrench.

 

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Thanks guys, we finally got it in, my partner used a small needle nose pliers with the tips bent 90 degrees, very tricky and delicate operation. Whew, done.