Getting vent windows to fit better.

[Automotive Stud]

I have a problem with the vent windows on my '47. They open and close fine, but they don't seal tight when they are closed. I have all new rubber and everything. As you can see in the pic the lever is latched but it just doesn't close tight. The top is a little better, but not much. It is also loose at the front of the vent window but not as bad. I know the vent devision bar is adjustable but the side window works nice so I don't want to mess with that too much. Any ideas?

 

[Old Henry]

I can't tell from your picture whether you have the inside plate that the latch closes on.
Here's mine:

If you don't have that plate, you won't be able to get the window to close tight.
If you do have the plate, I'd stick a screwdriver between it and the door frame and pry it out a bit until the window shuts tight.

 

[Automotive Stud]

Yes I do have that piece. I doubt prying it out would help though, I already have to pull the window pretty hard to get it to latch. What could be out of whack theres not much to it?

 

[Old Henry]

If you already have to pull real hard just to get it to close this far the window must be hitting something that's keeping it from closing all the way. I'd look real close all around to see what it's hitting that's stopping it from closing all the way.

Keep us informed. We'll keep the ideas coming.

 

[Old Henry]

I can't tell from your picture whether the inside window frame is seated right and tight against the roll up window. If it's not, it could cause a problem. If so, then that's not the problem.

And, is the divider channel between the roll up window and vent window tight against the outside part of the door. If it's not, that will cause the gap. You'd have to take the inside door panel off to see what's holding it away from the outside of the door. That divider channel should touch the stainless trim holding the brush strip against the outside of the roll up window. Here's how mine fits together. (Of course, I don't have new rubber gaskets nor glass. It's all original. The rubber gasket has electrical tape over it to keep the water out.)