Front windows on a 69RR. Got everything cleaned up, seals replaced, etc, etc. Now its time to install the glass with the mylar strips into the channel. So what's the trick - if any ??

Use the original "T" shaped clips not the ones that come with the new seals, they are too tall and can make a pain out of the install.

Well there are a few tricks, using the old plastic clips is definitely one of them.

Use OEM mylar strips if you can find them - they have the window/channel curve to them - repros don't. Repros fit and work, just not as good as OEM

On repros, snip the corners of the ends so they don't catch on the channels.

Chamfer the corners on the bottoms of the channels and remove any burrs.

Spray the outside of the strips and the insides of the channels with silicone spray.

Do the above and they slip in with little hassle.

The, new Fairchild ones (only ones being reproduced the last 2 years) DO have the curve (about 107" radius to be exact).

There were some bad ones being made about 5+ years ago but they stopped making them because of complaints. Those had no curve.

I asked one of the high end resto places and they said you have to remove the vent window frame and door glass, install these pieces to the door glass on a benchtop, and then install back into the door as one assembly. And I think theres info somewhere that says to install them from the bottom of the vent window division channel, not the top. That pretty much eliminates just pulling the glass out, attaching the strips and jamming them back into the vent frame (division channel) from the top.

When Fairchild was making these they sent me a few different revisions to test fit in a 70 Dart door I have. I didn't have to be careful and it was still a huge PIA.

They could "possibly" be installed from the top BUT the rubber cap needs to be removed as well as a screw that holds the vent window frame together. The ones I installed do not have the curve but so far so good. I'm not sure what the issue would be. If I have to replace them in the future so be it. For now they're in and they work.

R & R'ing the door glass assembly is a challenge in itself. Use a LOT of masking tape to protect painted surfaces. Do NOT rush the job. It is pretty much a "one person" job - if only to have just yourself to blame if you screw up! The bottom pin is the biggest challenge - get the whole thing dropped in first - then install the pin. The pin won't go in with the frame and "aiming" for it is pointless.

The first one is the hardest !!

Here is a link to a full step by step process of restoring the vent windows.
https://moparconnectionmagazine.com/gallery-how-to-restore-a-vent-wing-assembly-with-door-glass/

It was much harder to do it from the top with the frame already in the car for me so I think I would install the glass from the bottom of the track every time I do this from now on . The trak needs to be very clean and sprayed with silicone and I also opened the track slightly at the bottom . I taped the window to the frame on both sides to keep them together for the install. Just take your time and bring a helper to install the frame and window together into the car .