AllTorque Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 The metal 'u' channel that attaches to and supports the bottom of my tailgate glass has decided that after forty years it's time for retirement. The window jams half way up, so I had a look and the bottom of the channel is rusty and has pretty much split apart. So I want to have a go at making a new one. Is the channel something I can buy and weld my tabs onto or do I need to start from scratch? It's just under 1400mm long and has a slight curve in it, just to make things a little more difficult. Any help or suggestions appreciated. It should look like this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spencer Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 Got a better pic? as you know these share tailgate parts with chevelle wagons so there is actually heaps of parts around for the because of Chevelle weirdos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllTorque Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 I haven't taken the glass out yet. I'm pretty sure it will fall to bits of I do. I'm googling for info on chevelle ones but haven't had much luck. I want to at least get it working before wagnats or I will bet cold toes at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllTorque Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 Does this part have a specific name? It would help if I am looking for the right thing. To be clear it's the metal that is glued to the bottom of the glass that connects to the regulator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spencer Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 You just mean the channel that attaches the glass to the regulator right? should be easy to whip something up. Your tailgate will probably fall apart with all that rust when you work on it though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllTorque Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 So to whip one up where do I start? Flat steel and get it bent up? Box steel and cut one side off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spencer Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 Fold two bits and tack them together? fuck knows, pull it out and lets have a good look? I can't remember what mine looks like exactly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllTorque Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 Right, i've pulled it out. I don't think I will be fixing this one. This is the state of it. zip tie is there to hold it together while i pulled it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danger Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 I'd just fold up out of some sheet. Just make the U taller than it needs to be and forget the curve. Just grind the top down if it sticks up too high anywhere. Assume the glass is just held in by rubber/glue? Wont have to be perfect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllTorque Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 Yeah, that's what i was thinking. Cheers Dane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_feinted Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 That looks like it could be a pain to fold up, could you go to a wrecker to find some parts with a similar profile even if they are from the front door windows, use two and weld them together to get the 1400mm length you need. Compare the thickness of the tailgate glass to the glass of a donor vehicle to quickly check if it could work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllTorque Posted January 21, 2014 Author Share Posted January 21, 2014 I spoke to the friendly local panel beater today and I'm going to use his bender/skills to make one up on saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_feinted Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Nice, sorted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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