I just replaced the windshield in my 66 Coupe. Had it done by a local reputable auto glass shop. I was surprised to see how clean and rust-free it was once the trim was removed, and hoped this would be an easy swap. I purchased a correct dated LOF W/S from a reputable glass dealer The old windshield (not the original) was easily removed and the new one went in without a hitch. That was until they attempted to install the trim. It is way too high at the lower corners. It looks to me like it's not seated in the frame properly, but the guys at the shop say the rubber is too thick in the corners. It is tight around the glass-side, but this gap is not acceptable. Has anyone seen a faulty seal that could cause this? They suggest I let it sit in the sun and maybe it will flatten out (yea, right). I don't want to say where I bought the seal, as they are a reputable Corvette supplier, and I don't want to blame them just yet. I plan to contact them next week to see if they had any bad pieces sold about a year ago. Is it possible that the glass is mis-shapen? It fits right on the top and bottom and the top corners. Here's a pic of the driver's side, and don't concentrate on the stress cracks, she's a beautiful old gal, and showing her age a little around where she smiles. thanks, and Happy New Year to all, Joe

 

I used a "Corvette Rubber" gasket when I replaced mine this last summer and it fit with no problems. I had replaced my windshield gasket on a previous occasion using another venders product and the trim always stuck out like it was never quite in all the way. Particularly around the lower corners. Not sure if that is what you are experiencing now or if the clips for your trim are not allowing the trim to seat.

 

A common problem with too stiff a rubber gasket. Some definitely work better than than others. Make sure the clps are working to hold the trim down. If you use replacement ones that say "Taiwan" on them you may have problems. They break easily. I'm sure there are others who can help you on the better gasket (I think its Corvette Rubber) and use Paragon clips.

 

All gaskets are not the same. I had to buy a 2nd one on my 57 chev. The 1st one was much harder and plus the 2nd one was 3 times the price of the 1st. But fit like a glove the 2nd time.

 

I bought new clips, and replaced a few of them, but in this case, the trim won't reach the clips. I am sure they would hold, if the trim would reach that far. Thanks for the responses. I did NOT buy the rubber from Corvette Rubber, but may have to get one from them and repair this. Hopefully the vendor I did my purchase from will acknowledge a problem, and refund me. Thanks for the responses and keep them coming.

 

I've done this install before and I've repaired cars with moldings that would not fasten.. Not an easy job I might add. I've never had a problem out of the CRC weatherstrip and it is the only one that we carry.

I have seen windshield installers use urethane between the glass and the weatherstrip which will do two things, it will not allow the weatherstrip to squash upward when the molding pushes on it and it can push the rubber outward.

In fact we just saw this two weeks ago in our shop! We just did a install on a 61 the people that installed the glass before we got to it, put urethane all the way round the glass! The prior shop then installed the weatherstrip and put urethane all the way around the outside where it sits in the channel. This is not the way to do this job. We use a compound we call No dry made by 3-m.

When you install the moldings back on the car you must make sure the moldings are in the exact correct position! This is not easy and a 3/16" mistake one way or the other will also cause the moldings not to fit the contour of the windshield.

You also have to be extra careful forcing the moldings on to the clips.. If you are close you can push with the but of your hand but be it is always best to put a doubled over towel down and push with the butt of your hand. If you don't use the towel you can push a dent in the molding.

Willcox

 

If I understand your problem. My 65's bottom molding was very difficult to engage the clip. One thing that helped greatly was to use a rubber lube. Very slippery stuff. Will actually soften rubber. Buy a product that softens tires in order to clean them up. Mine is made by Turtle Wax. Soak down the rubber W/strip and try to engage the clips with molding. Now this stuff is a mess. It cleans up good. Make sure the product you buy does NOT have a warning about damage to paint. Once on your hands it's like snot on a doorknob. Do not strike molding, but use firm constant down pressure till you feel the clip snap on.
Have Fun and good luck.
DG