Installing Rear window in 56 T-Bird

Old Redneck

Old Redneck

Well-known member
Not sure the proper way to install the rear window in the fiberglass hard top. Mine had a crack in it so I got a new one. I got new rubber also. That the last thing I half to do to be done. Any of you ever done this job?
 

Attachments

  • CAD471BF-9D16-4D6B-9587-3042E7438EB6.jpg
    CAD471BF-9D16-4D6B-9587-3042E7438EB6.jpg
    58.3 KB · Views: 10
I took my Skyliner to a shop and paid them $100 to install the glass. I provided the glass that had been removed from it and a new seal. Two reasons. 1) They do it every day and 2) if they break the glass they have to replace it.
 
Install the chrome trim into the rubber seal while it's on the glass before placing them both into the window opening. The headliner must be glued securely in place or it will shift and wrinkle.
And the lip of the window opening where the seal fits must be clean.

A 'How-to' video... (Sorry, it's a chevy truck)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcJ_lU_VpQ

Another video, with a '56 Ford truck but it's different. That window is shown being installed from the inside, unlike the window in the fiberglass hardtop on a Baby Bird. It's still a good example video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L0H-saeriY

.
 
Last edited:
Its in more simple then I though. I was a bit scared doing it but the 4 letter word fear has stop a lot of us doing what we could. All left is clean up.
 
GLAmes said:
I took my Skyliner to a shop and paid them $100 to install the glass. I provided the glass that had been removed from it and a new seal. Two reasons. 1) They do it every day and 2) if they break the glass they have to replace it.
Click to expand...
Around here if you supply the glass and they break it, you pay. If you buy the glass from the installer and they break they pay.
 
Old Redneck said:
Not sure the proper way to install the rear window in the fiberglass hard top. Mine had a crack in it so I got a new one. I got new rubber also. That the last thing I half to do to be done. Any of you ever done this job?
Click to expand...

Hi Ken. I'm glad you got your window back in, and it brings back a memory to share. Back in my younger years in the mid-'60s I had a red '55 T-bird with a 292/automatic. One Sunday afternoon I took it to a stretch of newly constructed/not opened highway near my town to see how fast it would go. It was on a long, straight, slightly downhill stretch the tach was showing 5000 RPM when I heard a sucking sound, then a loud "Swooosh". I looked in the rear view mirror and saw the back glass flipping end over end in the air. I went back and found the gasket and chrome, even the two little clips that cover the center joints. Thanks for the memory.

Edit: I'm not sure if it was one or two clips, but I found it all.
 
My 56 T-Bird is back home now.
 

Attachments

  • FCFC7698-BF31-49A7-A6B9-378E40772B8A.jpg
    FCFC7698-BF31-49A7-A6B9-378E40772B8A.jpg
    67.5 KB · Views: 33
  • B5180675-1E0F-43E0-97F4-7805A311DC9D.jpg
    B5180675-1E0F-43E0-97F4-7805A311DC9D.jpg
    70.7 KB · Views: 30
  • 4A9878DB-38C4-4133-B705-74142CC98850.jpg
    4A9878DB-38C4-4133-B705-74142CC98850.jpg
    73 KB · Views: 32
  • A489DEF2-9436-44B6-BE9D-EF1AD05119E1.jpg
    A489DEF2-9436-44B6-BE9D-EF1AD05119E1.jpg
    65.9 KB · Views: 29
I know it’s been a lot of work and sometimes frustration, but a beautiful Thunderbird. Not to mention the company it’s keeping and the garage they’re in.

Good job, and enjoy the rides.
 
Old Redneck said:
My 56 T-Bird is back home now.
Click to expand...

I would like to have a bird, but I just hate the thought of restoring another car. I have noticed that the prices of them have been moderating the last few years. Maybe some day...

I sure enjoy my 57 Skyliner.
 

Attachments

  • 57 retract small pixels.JPG
    57 retract small pixels.JPG
    44.7 KB · Views: 18
  • 57 tri power 99 percent done B.jpg
    57 tri power 99 percent done B.jpg
    65.4 KB · Views: 19
Nice ol' Bird
Mine is also Fiesta
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0779 (2).jpg
    IMG_0779 (2).jpg
    54.4 KB · Views: 18
Last edited:
Old Redneck said:
My 56 T-Bird is back home now.
Click to expand...

Ken, I'm a newbie to this late model Ford V8 site, having just acquired a '56 T Bird on the BaT auction. I've followed your posts over on the flathead site for years, and have to say the above pictures of your collection it are beautiful...including your checkerboard garage floor!!

Moved here from Chester County PA eight years ago, but am partial to all posts coming from you guys residing in the great state of Pennsylvania!!

Regards....Dick.
 
Thanks I enjoy my garage very much. I am in the garage every day.Just finish putting disc brakes on the front.ave not tested yet but will tomorrow. I got the 50 Ford out yesterday and going to get it ready to sell.
 

Attachments

  • B63A1987-9505-46CB-B16C-8C593C59884A.jpg
    B63A1987-9505-46CB-B16C-8C593C59884A.jpg
    81 KB · Views: 16
  • 95D5A6AF-2B1D-4105-9976-340A478D330F.jpg
    95D5A6AF-2B1D-4105-9976-340A478D330F.jpg
    73.3 KB · Views: 14
  • 3FBC873A-2E2E-4BC3-A0A6-F4CDDE616D10.jpg
    3FBC873A-2E2E-4BC3-A0A6-F4CDDE616D10.jpg
    75.9 KB · Views: 15
  • 973C08D0-2D55-43D9-B159-534A15F67D48.jpg
    973C08D0-2D55-43D9-B159-534A15F67D48.jpg
    81.2 KB · Views: 14
  • AE73244C-BD14-4185-A509-ABB093DF593B.jpg
    AE73244C-BD14-4185-A509-ABB093DF593B.jpg
    52.9 KB · Views: 13
  • 97075BCA-2872-4D1F-BF6C-A5D391073577.jpg
    97075BCA-2872-4D1F-BF6C-A5D391073577.jpg
    65.4 KB · Views: 14
Redneck ,you do have some toys. That 32 is a gem. I have had more than one dream about owning one.
I also spend a good deal of time out in my shop. I started out with a 40 x 60 shop ,and I put in a mancave. That took up a little to much space ,so I added on. It is now 40 x 75 and I still don't have the room I need.
The wife thinks I am nuts..........
Patrick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top