gavanm01

Had the hair-raising experience of the windshield frame pulling away from the glass when putting up the soft top on my 59. Someone on the forum said it it was the tabs in the windshield frame broken and in need of replacement. Is this a job for pros only?

JohnZ

Yes, it is - the posts need to be machined for attachment of fabricated steel inserts; Corvette Central does it (among others).

gbvette62

56-62 Windshield frames are made from 6 main pieces (not counting hardware & weatherstrip). An upper and lower stamped steel windshield channel, upper and lower stainless trim that covers the channels and left and right chrome plated, diecast vertical posts that bolt to the upper and lower channels to complete the frame. At the bottom of each of the posts is a flat extension that goes forward, under the lower channel, that the lower channel is bolted to. These extensions are cast as part of the post, but are much thinner and more fragil than the rest of the post. These extensions often break loose. They can be repaired, but it needs to be done by someone familiar with welding pot metal (diecast). Once welded they will most likely need to be rechromed. Repros of these are available, but are very expensive at about $1000.00-1100.00 a pair.

gbvette62

John's right, I forgot that this was being done to repair these also, and with this process, you shouldn't have to replate them.

reedkona

Aside from Corvette Central, who else does tab repair and is there any consensus on who does the best work? What about rechroming at the same time?
reed

Plasticman

Had mine done by Corvette Central, and thought they did a great job that was also fast (2 week turnaround). This was about 5 years ago.

I have a machine shop, and considered doing them myself, until I saw what was involved. Corvette Central offers a great service.

I did not have mine re-chromed.

Plasticman

ml1955

Corvette Central did mine, cost $65.00 each and took 10 days from start to finish. I doubt I could do it better and cheaper.

Frankie the Fink

Farm it out and get it done right - if you booger it up it'll be 3X the effort !

gavanm01

Thanks for the input; sounds like a winter job. Any harm in driving with the hard shell on? Seems it would add some stability as opposed to the soft top. Please don't say 'leave'er in the garage.'