C2 Windshield Replacement
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 223
From: Temecula CA
C2 Windshield Replacement
Just installed a new Pilkington windshield in the '65 coupe and I thought I'd share the one "wish I had done this" with you.
I got some ugly puckering of the gasket, with some areas where it didn't lay flat on the glass. Of course this was on the outside where it looks worst.
Digging into my archives (which I didn't bother to do beforehand), I found the solution -- BOND the gasket to the glass with urethane before installation and let cure thoroughly.
While not the way the factory did it, pre-bonding will make things very forgiving and ensure a neat looking gasket/glass interface.
As for the stainless trim removal/polishing/reinstallation --that's a whole 'nother discussion!
I got some ugly puckering of the gasket, with some areas where it didn't lay flat on the glass. Of course this was on the outside where it looks worst.
Digging into my archives (which I didn't bother to do beforehand), I found the solution -- BOND the gasket to the glass with urethane before installation and let cure thoroughly.
While not the way the factory did it, pre-bonding will make things very forgiving and ensure a neat looking gasket/glass interface.
As for the stainless trim removal/polishing/reinstallation --that's a whole 'nother discussion!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,340
Likes: 2,716
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Just installed a new Pilkington windshield in the '65 coupe and I thought I'd share the one "wish I had done this" with you.
I got some ugly puckering of the gasket, with some areas where it didn't lay flat on the glass. Of course this was on the outside where it looks worst.
Digging into my archives (which I didn't bother to do beforehand), I found the solution -- BOND the gasket to the glass with urethane before installation and let cure thoroughly.
While not the way the factory did it, pre-bonding will make things very forgiving and ensure a neat looking gasket/glass interface.
As for the stainless trim removal/polishing/reinstallation --that's a whole 'nother discussion!
I got some ugly puckering of the gasket, with some areas where it didn't lay flat on the glass. Of course this was on the outside where it looks worst.
Digging into my archives (which I didn't bother to do beforehand), I found the solution -- BOND the gasket to the glass with urethane before installation and let cure thoroughly.
While not the way the factory did it, pre-bonding will make things very forgiving and ensure a neat looking gasket/glass interface.
As for the stainless trim removal/polishing/reinstallation --that's a whole 'nother discussion!
Dennis
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I agree...installing a 1963-1967 windshield is no "party"...that is for sure.
I know it is done but I still can not urethane the gasket to the glass. I have found "tricks" that allow me to not to have to and get the seal to lay flat and everything fit. Maybe one day I will give the urethane "trick" a try and see what I have been "missing".
Is it a ROYAL PAIN...YES IT IS!!! but...it is what it is and my biggest concern is pumping in enough sealant to keep water leaks out.
AND YES...the WORST PART is getting the trim to go back on and seat correctly...ESPECIALLY AT THE BOTTOM (on a convertible) because the aftermarket clips that are offered are pieces of crap...and are nothing like the original clips.
Coupes...they make me loose 10 pounds due to all the sweating I am doing when trying to get the molding to correctly get clipped and secured.
It is a truly LOVE-HATE relationship. LOVE them when it is done and looking spectacular...HATE the process and the tedious nature of the whole procedure....and how the process is so "unforgiving" if something is not RIGHT.
DUB
I know it is done but I still can not urethane the gasket to the glass. I have found "tricks" that allow me to not to have to and get the seal to lay flat and everything fit. Maybe one day I will give the urethane "trick" a try and see what I have been "missing".
Is it a ROYAL PAIN...YES IT IS!!! but...it is what it is and my biggest concern is pumping in enough sealant to keep water leaks out.
AND YES...the WORST PART is getting the trim to go back on and seat correctly...ESPECIALLY AT THE BOTTOM (on a convertible) because the aftermarket clips that are offered are pieces of crap...and are nothing like the original clips.
Coupes...they make me loose 10 pounds due to all the sweating I am doing when trying to get the molding to correctly get clipped and secured.
It is a truly LOVE-HATE relationship. LOVE them when it is done and looking spectacular...HATE the process and the tedious nature of the whole procedure....and how the process is so "unforgiving" if something is not RIGHT.
DUB
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 138
From: Clinton Township MI
Cruise-In III Veteran
Mike, I feel your pain. That's one task that you would think as you do it over and over again, you would nail it and get it right...NOT! Look forward to seeing pics of your finished effort.
Jim
In God We Trust!
Jim
In God We Trust!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 223
From: Temecula CA
The driver's side turned out well. Passenger side will need some more coaxing to fully seat it. I'll wait until it's hot enough to let it cook some in the sun.
I'm just glad that the good side is what I see when I get in!
For those interested in stainless restoration, the process was 400/600/800 wet sand followed by buffing with gray stainless compound and finally white rouge. Work parallel with the piece, not crossways, of course.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 223
From: Temecula CA
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
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Here is how I installed mine ===> Click Here
*** NOTE *** The video at the bottom does NOT show up with FIREFOX (I need to look into that and fix) but does with IE **
George
*** NOTE *** The video at the bottom does NOT show up with FIREFOX (I need to look into that and fix) but does with IE **
George
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
Here is how I installed mine ===> Click Here
*** NOTE *** The video at the bottom does NOT show up with FIREFOX (I need to look into that and fix) but does with IE **
George
*** NOTE *** The video at the bottom does NOT show up with FIREFOX (I need to look into that and fix) but does with IE **
George
I may have to tackle this at some point as my SWC windshield leaks at the bottom and boy, I'm dreading it.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 657
From: Blairsville , Georgia
My neighbor and I just installed mine this weekend. We used the rope method and it went in with some coaxing. He is an Engineer so he measured and marked everything out on the windshield first including a centerline mark on the body as well so that once we started the install we would not have to take it back out. That all went well enough although difficult. The next horrible step was using 3M #6393 adhesive to seal between the windshield gasket and the glass after installation. What a mess is all that I can say. We test fitted the moldings once we had the new clips installed so I do not expect any fitment issues when we go to put the moldings on. The worst is behind us.
Jay
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
thanks for instructions on windshield repair
Here is how I installed mine ===> Click Here
*** NOTE *** The video at the bottom does NOT show up with FIREFOX (I need to look into that and fix) but does with IE **
George
*** NOTE *** The video at the bottom does NOT show up with FIREFOX (I need to look into that and fix) but does with IE **
George
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
I have never removed window molding in my life (seems odd since I've done everything else) but I do have a secret weapon. Mike Coletta is a short drive away and, even as busy as he stays, he is always willing to help me out.
It's the whole one-year-only '63 thing that has me spooked. On the '61 if I booger up some trim I can get a fresh piece from several places in a day or two. Screw up something like the rear window molding on the split window and you feel like you've destroyed a piece of history. Too much pressure
It's the whole one-year-only '63 thing that has me spooked. On the '61 if I booger up some trim I can get a fresh piece from several places in a day or two. Screw up something like the rear window molding on the split window and you feel like you've destroyed a piece of history. Too much pressure
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 380
From: Waltham Ma.
I've tried to install my window moldings over the winter and after hours of frustration I gave up. I was so aggrivated that I thought I was going to scratch the paint. So there it sits with both lower corners not fully seated. I'm waiting for a good hot summer day and will try again. Just what I want to do on a hot summer day!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: St. Louis MO
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While you have your windshield out don't forget to take pics you can never get again or until you take it out again 
George
George