Vent window frame coatings

[WSSix]

I'd really like to redo the vent window frame on my 86 C10. They are currently painted black and it's not the best job. I'd like to keep them black. What coating should I consider or should I just paint them a satin black with automotive paint? I'm mainly referring to the divider piece that separates the main window from the vent window. For the trim around the vent window itself, I'm guessing I have no choice but to paint it. If someone knows how to coat just that piece without damaging the glass, I'm open to ideas.

Thanks

[Ketzer]

I believe there is an air-dry version of Cerakote. Might be more durable than paint.


Jeff-

[WSSix]

I appreciate it, Jeff. I'll look into it.

Does anyone know what GM coated these with originally? I didn't think it was paint.

[XLexusTech]

Powder coat? Of you think that might be too thick ?

[WSSix]

Powder coat? Of you think that might be too thick ?

Yes, that is my concern with powder coating. The seals for the windows lock into this divider/frame. I'd be concerned with affecting the seal's fitment. It very well could be misplaced concern though. I'm certainly open to the idea if others have powder coated this frame and not had any issues.

Thank you.

[Ketzer]

The thickness is why I suggested Cerakote, a lot thinner coating but supposed to be at least as durable as powder coating.

I mentioned the air dry version because I wasn't sure if Trey planned to pull them completely apart. Cerakote is normally done with a similar process to PC, strip parts, spray on and bake at 350-375...but they also have a formula for more delicate parts (plastics, polymers, etc.) that doesn't have to be baked.


Jeff-

[WSSix]

I'll be pulling the entire vent window out of the door. My biggest unknown is how to make sure the metal that's attached to the vent window itself gets whatever coating I put on the frame, too. I have no idea if you can remove that metal from the glass or how to put it back if you can. I'm inclined to simply leave it on and tape off the glass. I really need to find a good C10 forum I think.

I appreciate the mention of air dry cerakote. I've found a thread on a gun forum talking about different coatings that are durable and air dry. Gives me options to investigate.

[WSSix]

As I said above, I found a firearm thread that talked about different coatings. Came across DuraCoat which is available in an aerosol can. https://www.duracoatfirearmfinishes.com/ I think I'm going to order some swatches to see which I like. This may be the easiest route for me to get a good coating on the window frame.

The air dry Cerakote is definitely a good choice. I might actually be the best choice. I don't have the spray gun for it though. I'm going to investigate some of the cheaper options for guns and see if I can make my little pancake compressor work without going too expensive on the components. If I was going to be coating a lot, I would invest the expense of a spray gun, etc. I'm just trying to do these little items for now though.

Thanks

[Ketzer]

I also read a bunch on Duracoat vs Cerakote....seemed like a Ford vs Chevy type argument. Different but similar kinda thing. As long as you can find the finish and sheen you want, I don't see how either could be a bad choice.

A lot of people talk trash about HarborFreight stuff, and true it is cheaper import stuff...but, I've read a lot of positives about their paint guns. For what you are doing, a smaller detail gun (not an airbrush) would probably be perfect and work with the pancake just fine.

Disclaimer...all this advice and I haven't even used these products!! BUT, I was planning something similar and did all the research, so thats the part I'm trying to share.

Please report back with what you picked and how it worked!! This is exactly the kind of project a lot of us are trying to figure out.


Jeff-

[Mad_Monte_Carlo]

Get a rebuild kit and new seals and take them apart and get them powder coated
https://www.streettrucksmag.com/proper-glass-seals-for-your-squarebody-chevy/#
or send them to theses guys.
https://www.prp.com/

[WSSix]

Thank you, both.

I was planning to use Precision for the seals as I have heard good things about the quality of the rubber. I didn't realize that they offered the rebuild service, too.

I'll keep you informed, Jeff. I don't mind HF since I know what I'm getting or not getting I should say.

[Mad_Monte_Carlo]

I just got finished rebuilding mine and wish I paid to have it done. My left thumb hurt for about 2 weeks trying to press the seal into place.

[WSSix]

I'll do them one at a time in case that happens to me, too. Thanks!

[Mad_Monte_Carlo]

I did do them one at a time a couple weeks apart. I had to replace the glass on one side and ordered the wrong one and had to wait until the correct one to get here. The second one the seal fit much tighter in the frame than the first one.

[WSSix]

It took a few weeks but I finally got them both rebuilt and repainted. These are the two piece design which requires you to take them apart to replace the seals. It wasn't that bad honestly. I didn't take the metal frame off the vent window itself. I just taped the windows up to prevent damage to the tint or glass.

I ended up using Acrylic Lacquer paint that I found at O'Reilly's. Use the Duplicolor brand. It sprays so much easier and better than the Rustoleum brand I used first. This is the same paint that's available in the color match paints Duplicolor sells. I just used generic gloss black which was cheaper and in a bigger can than the color match stuff. I wet sanded, buffed, and polished everything by hand. I'm so exited at how well these spray painted parts turned out.
https://i.imgur.com/eynQJVr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PHb6AXv.jpg