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58 - Windshield installation help

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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 06:30 PM
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Default 58 - Windshield installation help

Hello -

I'm at a point of "fitting" my front windshield to my car before I paint it and I'd like to know if there are any links (perhaps youtube) on how to install the front windshield?

In trying to figure it out myself...and I have come up with these steps....are these correct?

1. Install rubber around the windshield (Do you put any sealer on?)
2. Install the stainless piece into the windshield channel
3. Insert window into channel
4. Install windshield posts
5. Install windshield post upper support
6. Install upper stainless
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by jusplainwacky
Hello -

I'm at a point of "fitting" my front windshield to my car before I paint it and I'd like to know if there are any links (perhaps youtube) on how to install the front windshield?

In trying to figure it out myself...and I have come up with these steps....are these correct?

1. Install rubber around the windshield (Do you put any sealer on?)
2. Install the stainless piece into the windshield channel
3. Insert window into channel
4. Install windshield posts
5. Install windshield post upper support
6. Install upper stainless

No sealer. Mark the middle of the window and middle of the weatherstripping so the rubber is aligned correctly. Lower support goes on last while the upper support and stainless steel goes on first. I think... Though it was awhile ago.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 06:43 PM
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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...indshield.html
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 07:00 PM
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Any trick in trying to find the middle of the windshield?? Since its curved, there are not defined edges to measure from.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 07:28 PM
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use string
tape it to the window somewhere in the middle
cut a string to the length of the window
Then measure the string and cut in half.
Place the string back on the same location mark where the cut is.

Do this at the top bottom and middle portion of the window. You should get a good dotted line the outline it.
Make sure to orient the glass top and bottom.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 07:43 PM
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According to the instructions, it looks like my steps are correct, but trying to get the glass into the channel is virtually impossible. Either the stainless comes slipping out or I can't get the glass and the rubber to fit in the channel.

Maybe its time to ship it off to glassworks.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jusplainwacky
According to the instructions, it looks like my steps are correct, but trying to get the glass into the channel is virtually impossible. Either the stainless comes slipping out or I can't get the glass and the rubber to fit in the channel.

Maybe its time to ship it off to glassworks.
lower channel correct? Where did you get the rubber from? I know I had a problem with it not correct. The rubber weatherstripping was too thick. I was using an original glass at the time. Correct thickness for the glass.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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Yes, I'm referring to the lower channel. I tried to press it on with all my might and couldn't get it to slip in. The rubber was on the car and fairly new, however I don't have the windshield that was on the car as that was cracked. I'm not sure if the windshield I have now is thicker...I wouldn't think it would be...I'd assume they are all standard.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 08:38 PM
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Anyone know what the thickness of the windshield should be? I'm trying to put the top channel in and it won't go in either.
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 09:15 PM
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To make sure I have the right windshield...this is what is etched on the glass. I googled this, but couldn't find anything.

I'm going to start another thread...maybe someone can identify it.

The thickness is .290"

Solex Duplate
PPG
ASI 25 6***4
Dot 18 M29
W450

Last edited by jusplainwacky; Dec 23, 2011 at 09:24 PM.
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 12:39 AM
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Make sure ALL of the original sealer has been removed from the lower frame. If there is residue inside, the rubber doesn't want to fit. My notes might help you.
Go below my build video for the windshield info.

http://www.gatewaycashregister.com/car_site.html

Larry

Last edited by Larry P; Dec 24, 2011 at 12:41 AM.
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 01:22 AM
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Hi Larry...I did clean it up. I even sprayed WD40 on the rubber and channel(s) and tried to push it in. I can't get either the top or the bottom on. I think the middle section of the TOP channel is going in, but when I get to the ends, I can't put it on. It looks like the curvature is slightly off, but when I take the rubber off, the channel looks like it lines-up with the window.

I don't want to assemble this permanently, I just want to put it together to check the fit of my windshield posts to the door posts. It looks like I'm at least 1/4-1/2" off...meaning my windshield posts need to move closer to the door posts by that amount.

A friend of mine has a 59 and I measured 25 1/2" (with the door open) from the OUTSIDE door post to just below the hardtop receiver right were it starts to curve forward...there is a slight crease there. (Hard to explain)

The holes where the windshield posts go in where really hacked out and I had to fiberglass this whole area up and drill new holes. I thought I had it correct, but obviously I guess I don't. Not a big deal to fiberglass them back up and redrill.


Perhaps someone that has the lower window channel can tell me what the width of the opening is...maybe it needs to be slightly wider.

Last edited by jusplainwacky; Dec 24, 2011 at 01:08 PM.
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 01:54 AM
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Were the tabs ok on the Posts? Most are broken and need replaced.
My site has some pictures of the frames. You might be able to verify that what you have is correct. They are very difficult to assemble and glass companies have been known to break the glass.
Go slow
Larry
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 04:18 AM
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 09:19 AM
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Dennis make sure you have a few extra gaskets that go under the posts .When you tighten the post down to the body you do not what to seperate the glass from the frame.I hope i said this corectly.Bob W
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 12:42 PM
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I also used the slippery gel that they use for pulling house wire. I heard about using this from right here on the forum aqnd it works great.
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 01:06 PM
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Hey guys...thanks for all the tips.

I reassembled the windshield a long time ago, and I don't remember having such a difficult time. I remember it being snug, but I did slip on...this just won't slip on and I'm pressing down with all my weight. I even used a rubber mallet to try to get the top channel on...and even that didn't work. Like I said, the top channel seems to go on in the center, but when it comes to the ends, it just looks like it's not lined up on both sides.

The bottom channel will go on nice an snug, but when I put the stainless on...forget it. I did have to straighten the lower metal channel, now I wonder if the width is correct.

Very frustrating...seems nothing is easy with these cars.

Last edited by jusplainwacky; Dec 24, 2011 at 01:09 PM.
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To 58 - Windshield installation help

Old Dec 24, 2011 | 04:39 PM
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Arghh...I can't see to find where I'm off at. Its strange, I measure my friends 59 and all the measurements seem to be correct, yet the gap is there.
Here are some pictures...maybe someone can tell me where I'm off.
BTW....I'm using an old windshield post...don't want to take a chance on scratching my new one. Also I found something interesting...the 58 and 59-60 posts are not only different in regards to the sunvisor..but the indentation where the stainless fits is different.





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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 06:19 PM
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Here are some more pics measured from the front corner of the door



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Old Dec 28, 2011 | 01:05 PM
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Glassworks told me that they put the lower stainless piece on after the windshield is put into the lower metal channel. This sound right??
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