johns3100:
The vent window seals consist of two rubber pieces: the straight piece with holes that is riveted to the channel bar, and the curved piece that goes around the curved part of the vent assembly.
I purchased the vent and window seals, and the rivets and rivet setting tool for my '54 3104 from The Truck Shop. I understand that Steele Rubber Products are outstanding, but I am pleased with the items from the Truck Shop.
> Kit in upper left corner of page> Rivets and tool shown in first column of pageThe pivot rivet that holds the vent window to the frame must be drilled out and the vent window removed. Use rivets and a rivet setting tool to rivet the straight rubber piece to the division bar. I clamped a piece of 3/8" aluminum plate into my vice and sat the plate into the channel of the division bar to back up the rivets as I pounded them home. Pad the plate with a few layers of painters tape to avoid scratching the paint on the division bar. Do this before you install the division bar fuzzy insert. The curved rubber seal presses into place. A little dish washing liquid makes it easier. Finally reattach the vent window with a pivot rivet and setting tool. I used the same aluminum plate to back up the rivet. An extra hand helps to steady the vent assembly in both riveting operations.
Buy an extra rivet setting tool and an extra set of rivets. Cut one of the tools shorter to make it easier to use in the tight end of the vent frame. Even with the shorter tool, you will have to use the side of a heavy hammer or some other compact heavy object to pound the rivets. The extra rivets are insurance in case you screw up a few.
My rivets seated tightly. They should sit below the rubber so that the vent window glass does not touch them. They will show through the holes in the rubber gasket. Paint them black if you don't want them to show.
![[Linked Image from i149.photobucket.com]](http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s50/lonnieinorlando/54%20Chevy%203100/Windows%20and%20Doors/VentChannelRivets.jpg)
Here are some more sources of info ...
> '54 Shop Manual: (Info in the manual for your model year may be on different pages)
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-10
1-11
> '47-'54 Assembly Manual:
1-19
14-13
1-20
14-14
1-21
1-22
1-25
> '54 Shop Manual on line> '47-'54 Assembly Manual is not on line
> Info by Alan Horvath re: Window Felt> Info by Alan Horvath re: Vent Windows> Jay Barrington Vent Window Rebuild ProcessI know that a lot of guys have difficulty setting the rivets. Mine went in without a hitch. Maybe I was just lucky. Hope that you are lucky, too!
- Lonnie