Sealing the Deal – Keeping your Chevy Truck Interior Cool and Wind-Noise Free with Help from LMC Truck
In the old car and truck world, it’s quite common to start one upgrade on your ride only to have it lead right into another project, then another, and one more. Snowballing is the term. You plan to install drop spindles one afternoon and the next thing you know, the front sheet metal is taken off and it’s a year later.
This was almost the case for this Suburban project. With a new A/C system under the dash, we were going to have to do something about the dried-out window channels to help keep the cool air in and the hot air out. We already added heat and sound deadener to the floor and roof and things could have really escalated when we considered replacing the glass, upgrading the regulators, installing new door panels, and so on. However, budget and time constraints kept us in check on this one, so we dialed up LMC Truck for all the right pieces.
Not only did LMC have the weatherstripping parts, but they also had the hard-to-find detail parts like the third door quarter window seal, rubber window stops, regulator components, the plastic escutcheons for the cranks, and proper screws for the door panels. Their detailed exploded views in their catalog and online made it easy to make sure we were ordering the correct parts so we could get the job done right the first time.
As for the installation, all these components can be swapped out in the garage using standard tools, but if you’ve never worked in the tight confines of the inner door area, be ready for some challenges and scrapes on your arms. We worked our way through the process with only minor scrapes and one broken window but thanks to LMC, we had everything we needed, and the new parts fit just like they were supposed to. 
The first time we shut the door after installation it sounded like a new truck with a solid ‘thunk’ compared to the vibrating echo of the window rattling, which we’ve lived with for years. Plus, on the road, the difference was immediate with no window rattles or howling wind noise. We’ll use the tips and tricks learned on the right side to tackle the driver’s side next – but what a difference!
-
- We started the project on the rear passenger door by removing the window channels and what was left of the window felts.
-
- The felts are clipped in tightly and require a little prying and wiggling – best to apply some protective tape to protect the paint.
The rear quarter window is secured by the vertical channel which is held in by a recessed screw on top of the door. LMC even offers new seals for the small quarter glass.
-
- The crusty original window channels were pulled out and cleaned up.
-
- The new channels from LMC simply push snuggly into place.
With the new seal around the quarter window, it was positioned in the door along with the new channel support.
-
- The front and top channel is a one-piece assembly with a molded corner which is where we started the installation.
-
- We trimmed a small amount from the sides of the new window channel so the top piece would meet the new rear vertical channel allowing them to slightly overlap for a better seal.
Lastly, at least on this door, we installed the horizontal seals starting with the ‘fuzzy’ side on the inside and the rubber seal on the outer edge. Both are equipped with locking clips that slide firmly into position on the door edge for a nice fit.
Vent Window Seals
We were a little intimidated rebuilding the vent windows, and we should note that LMC offers complete, assembled new vent window assemblies that come with new glass, trim, and seals. We opted to save some money, buy and a new seal kit and hardware repair kit, and give the rebuild a try. To remove the vent window, take out the three screws going down the A-pillar of the door and the two at the bottom of the door (behind the door panel). Before taking apart the vent window assembly, we located the new seals for the side we were working on.
-
- Next, we removed the nut and spring assembly from the vent window, noting the order of the nut, spring, and the few special washers to ensure proper reassembly.
-
- We started with the top two rivets that secure the frame to the vertical window channel. It’s important to use care and avoid drilling the holes larger because the new rivets are factory diameter.
-
- The swivel rivet must also be carefully removed…
-
- …followed by the four rivets in the channel that secure the side seal.
LMC’s rebuild kit is supplied with new rivets, screws, and a special bit for spreading the rivets. Note that the swivel rivets are different and have a special step machined in them.
-
- The vertical seal was riveted to the window channel assembly.
-
- With the seals installed, it was time to install rivets to secure the vent frame to the vertical channel rail.
-
- With plenty of soapy water, the new vent window seal was installed into the channel around the vent frame. Make sure to get the corner installed all the way.
-
- Once the rivets were in place and the assembly was back together, the new front window channel was installed – and ready to put back in the door.
The rebuilt vent window assembly and front window channel were then put into position in the door. Once secured back in the door we continued to replace the window channel and horizontal seals just like on the passenger rear door.Find window seals, channels and more for your truck at LMC Truck.
