Need replacement for cracked driver side vent window assembly 56 Coupe deVille

[TheKid1966]

Hi, all - just joined the group earlier today....98% done with my 23 year restoration of '56 Coupe....needing help getting replacement for what I understand is a common problem: cracked base of vent window chrome assembly - caused by a mechanic who shut the door on the "rain flap" mechanism that didn't snap back up - thus putting torque on the vent window assembly and cracking it at the base.  I'm attaching a photo showing the problem area. 
My phone/text is 806-438-2396 and email is mr_fun_texas1@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance folks...hope to hear from someone.
Darryl in Lubbock, Texas

[Hillbillycat]

Hi, I know you´re searching for a replacement since you´re doing a full restoration. But in case you want a fast "in car" fix (or can´t get a replacement in time) you can use my method. No need to remove the assembly!

I had sucessfully repaired mine on both sides of my ´56 Sedan Deville using a 4" long piece of steel strip 5/8" wide bolted to the vent window assembly. It hides under the weatherstrip.

You need to bend a z-shape to the lower part of the steel strip to get an offset of about 3/16". The part of the window assembly that is down in the door is offset!
Then drill four holes, two on the lower and two on the upper half. Tap the holes in the vent assembly and bolt the strip it in place. Make sure you have the broken parts aligned correctly when drilling the holes.
In restrospect using a longer steel strip would´ve been a tad better but the 4" ones were on the bench already.

[TheKid1966]

Hillbilllycat....That's certainly an idea that had crossed the mind of my other mechanic friend who is helping me bring this project to a close.  Knowing that we'd still see the break in the chrome, we've opted to try finding a NOS or parts car piece to fully replace...but definitely will keep your suggestion in mind and appreciate it highly.  I don't suppose you took any photos of your fix method did you?  If so, I certainly be interested in seeing them to get full clarity on the Z-bend, how the thing hides under weatherstrip, etc.

Thanks,
Darryl

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Don't forget the other GM cars for a replacement piece.

The funny thing about GM cars is that a lot of parts are interchangeable, and if they are the same, that is for the 2 door hardtop or Convertible cars, your search is suddenly widened, and you could end up with the part a lot cheaper.

Bruce.

[fishnjim]

It would take some disassembly but if removed, I'm sure some trim shop could repair that. 
They slice and dice trim all the time for customs.
I agree, if you don't address the underlying structural weakness, it's likely to recur.
'56 is one of those "one of" years on certain things so maybe scarce if they mostly broke.
You can check the interchange, if you have the part no,   

[Dave H. (CO)]

Is that piece separate from the outer trim piece or is it all one assembly for that part of the wing?

[Cadman-iac]

 The coupe window is specific to the coupe only.  The 4 door hardtop and the convertible windows will not interchange.  Neither of them have the flipper that the coupe has, so they don't have the "notch" in the top of the frame that fits/allows for the flipper.
I went through this same thing with mine when I broke one.
They can be repaired,  but it's not easy,  and it probably won't be as strong as it was before the break.

Rick

Dave,  to answer your question,  it's all one piece.

[Hillbillycat]

I´ll post a pic or two of my repair as soon as time permits.

[Lexi]

I may have one here, somewhere, with a bunch of other used trim and glass pieces. As that is how I received it, I don't know what model it is from. May not even be '56, but it came in with a raft of '56 parts. I will have a look and if I still have it, see if I can identify what it came from. Clay/Lexi

[TheKid1966]

Hi, all....PART FOUND!  Thanks to all of you who welcomed this newbie with open arms and quick replies.  Turns out that Larry in Kansas had just the right part and has already shipped it to me here in Texas...so I'm good for now.  Looking forward to getting the part installed and getting "Pinkie" on the road again.  I may post pics and a little background on her in the "Tell Us About..." section before too long.

Thanks again for all the kind replies and efforts to help.

Darryl

[Hillbillycat]

Here´s the promised pic of my repair. I hope you can get an idea of the z-shape bend.

[Hillbillycat]

from another angle

[Dave H. (CO)]

Thanks Rick-I had already paid for a vent window piece to arrive for my sdv from a coupe.  So, if anyone needs a replacement vent window piece for a '56 coupe let me know-I have one that is of no use to me.  Oh well, live and learn. 

[Cadman-iac]

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