I'm finally biting the bullet and replacing my windshield. A few questions / thoughts out loud:

1. Does anyone have a copy of the "windshield paper" formerly found here: (http://www.speakeasy.org/~pws/Corvette.htm).. the link is now dead.

2. My plan is to strip the windshield frame and paint it with Flat Black Eastwood Rust Encapsulator. Good idea, bad idea, or other ideas? (and why?)

3. I plan on using 3/8" 3M Window Weld (08612) which requires the metal surface to be prepped with Pinchweld Primer (CRL1106). Does the metal have to be bare to use the primer, or can I apply the primer on top of the Rust Encapsulator?

4. Spacers?? My chassis service manual seems to indicate 7 are required. I have not been able to find them anywhere except Zip-Corvette's ZET-398 kit. Am I correct in assuming the "setting blocks" are the spacers?

Thats all I have for now. Thanks as always!

 

1. Yes, I have got a paper copy with my scribbles, I can scan and send it to you, PM me your email address. The guy that did this is on this forum, but I forgot his userid.

2. I followed pretty much the writeup that you mentioned in 1. I did use POR15 though. You want to limit the coats of primer and particularly avoid base/clear on the pinchweld.

3. I used 3/8 window weld too, put the primer over my POR15 and on the glass. Please note windshield install is a controversial topic. Modern windshield shops must use urethane adhesive. Original C3's used thiokol with a rubber dam strip. Urethane would be comparable to thiokol. Urethane adhesive is higher strength than the butyl tape window weld. Do a search to find out more so you can make an educated decision on how to proceed.

4. I did the same thing, looked every where for spacers and could not find any. They only furnish 2 in the kit. Turns out I did not need more than 2 spacers anyway. I dry fitted the glass and glued the 2 spacers to the firewall as blocks to set the glass height and used masking tape across the glass/spacer block to mark side to side placement. On my 68, 3/8 window weld ribbon gave just the right height for the trim, so worked out well.

Hope this helps. PM me for more and the writeup if you like.

 

Hi A8,
The one thing I'll add is the importance of dry-fitting the windshield and ALL the stainless trim… both a-pillar pieces and the long thin reveal across the top of the windshield.
It's a lot of extra work but it's the only fool-proof way to determine what size the spacers need to be.
I found no hint of spacers on my original 71 windshield. I think because the thiokol at St.Louis required the use of a foam rubber damming strip the spacers weren't used since the damming strip set the distance of the glass from the frame.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

 

Here is a long thread on this subject that may help you.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...indshield.html

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. And thanks for sending me that link Willcox.. lots of good info in there. I took the windshield out today using pretty sturdy picture frame hanging wire and 2 large dowel rods as handles. The wife even helped by heating up the adhesive with her hair dryer as I sawed.

Some neat things, my window has a date code of TY, which I believe puts its manufacture in October 1970. The windshield did not survive removal.. but it was pretty badly pitted anyways. I'm probably going to go with Auto City Classic as a replacement.




I plan on cleaning up the frame with the . I will post more pictures when I am done so you can see the full extend of my birdcage damage. Here are some closeups of the corners.







I have a feeling some welding will be in my future...

I do have 2 more questions.

1a What type of prep / paint would you guys reccomend in the wiper bay area?
1b. Can that color also be used on the underside of the hood?

2. This wasn't the plan (story of our lives), but now seems like as good time as any to paint... I currently live in Southern Maryland and have talked to four different local body shops that won't even look at the car... even after I tell them she's just a shell and all I want done is the prep and paint (all trim will be/is removed). Does anyone know of a reputable body shop willing to take this on in the Northern VA / Southern Maryland area?

Thank you as always.

 

Hi A8,
The wiper bay, under side of the hood, as well as the engine compartment black-out, was done with semi-flat black paint.
What type of paint job are you looking for?
The first shop that comes to mind is Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg Maryland.
He has a very good reputation but sends the body out for prep and paint.
I'd call him and ask him for shop recommendations.
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan,

Awesome, I will give him a call on Tuesday. I am looking to stay the original color. She was last painted sometime in the early 90's and has finally deteriorated enough to motivate me. I currently do not show her so I am looking for more of a "driver" paint job than a show job. I would love to be able to do the work myself.. and it may come to that, I just would rather she not sit for the next year if at all possible.