Windshield replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Windshield replacement
My body guy, whose licensed to do windshield, said that you have break the existing shield on the C3 'vettes to remove it. Sounds nasty, how big a deal is this to do?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
Lets put it a different way, it will probably break upon removal. I just had my windshield remover by an experienced tech who had done numerous corvettes, we were 7/8 of the way done when it cracked. The reason they crack is the area in the wiper compartment isn't glued there, but 3 to 4"s up, when tilting the glass up trying to get the bottom free that lower area of the windshield comes in contact with the bird cage causing a pivoting situation, and as we all know you cannot pry on glass. A new windshield installed is $225. New glass isn't as thick as OEM glass so spend some time upon install to determine proper glass height to get proper fit to the trim moldings. T
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,109
Likes: 4,171
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Peter,
I agree that you don't HAVE to break the windshield to remove it.
Getting the old glass out is a small part of the job.
Preparing the windshield frame once the old glass is out, dry fitting the new glass for position and spacing, installing the glass, and finally replacing the stainless trim and weatherstrip is the big part of the job.
It's good to have a person with ACTUAL 68-82 windshield installation experience.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I agree that you don't HAVE to break the windshield to remove it.
Getting the old glass out is a small part of the job.
Preparing the windshield frame once the old glass is out, dry fitting the new glass for position and spacing, installing the glass, and finally replacing the stainless trim and weatherstrip is the big part of the job.
It's good to have a person with ACTUAL 68-82 windshield installation experience.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 631
From: perth western australia
Frustrating sure , but I found the positive in the situation , at least I could fold it up and fit it in my rubbish bin
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
It's nearly impossible for someone else to remove your windshield without breaking it! It takes extra time and patience to disassemble all the surround hardware and cut through the seals without putting excessive stress on the old glass. AND, old glass is more brittle than new glass; so it's easier to break/crack.
If you have a friend or car buddy who is good with his own equipment, you might convince him that you NEED his help to succeed with an intact removal of the windshield. I think you would have a better chance of achieving your task with that approach, rather than trusting some pro (who is trained to do stuff quickly) to do it.
If you have a friend or car buddy who is good with his own equipment, you might convince him that you NEED his help to succeed with an intact removal of the windshield. I think you would have a better chance of achieving your task with that approach, rather than trusting some pro (who is trained to do stuff quickly) to do it.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Mar 17, 2017 at 10:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Time is money and I think he is just looking at it that way. There is a good chance that it will break though no matter how careful you are. I would never say that I could get it out without at least cracking it. Just the way it is. Unless you are concerned about originality just figure on buying a new one . Glass is surprisingly cheap compared to most other things on our corvettes and you will have a spotless windshield when you are done. Those small nicks really bother me.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Time is money and I think he is just looking at it that way. There is a good chance that it will break though no matter how careful you are. I would never say that I could get it out without at least cracking it. Just the way it is. Unless you are concerned about originality just figure on buying a new one . Glass is surprisingly cheap compared to most other things on our corvettes and you will have a spotless windshield when you are done. Those small nicks really bother me.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
There are folks who might want the original glass, if they need an original with your date code. Why trash something just because you can? Yes, most folks today have a 'throw-away' mentality. But, if you can save an original piece, why wouldn't you do it? Not convenient? Lazy?
I'm with the OP; save it if you can. And there's no reason why you can't save it if you go about it correctly and carefully.
I'm with the OP; save it if you can. And there's no reason why you can't save it if you go about it correctly and carefully.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,920
Likes: 6,178
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I'm not sure why I would need to concerned about the windshield condition after removal. If it breaks does it matter? Removal would imply that it's not suitable for driving anyway. But I was wondering if it was necessary to break it to remove it. Didn't really make sense to me and y'all confirmed it. Thx.
Removing it does not mean theres anything wrong with it or unsafe. My guy did it without any issues. I sold it to a Forum Member at Carlisle. You are getting incorrect advice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,389
Likes: 83
From: Norfolk Virginia
Just had mine removed last weekend, it came out in one piece...no problem what so ever. The glass tech told me that he will gladly clean it and reinstall it when I'm ready for it. He charged me $75 to remove all of trim and the windshield, and he didn't damage anything in the process, he'll charge me the same for cleaning and reinstalling it. It's only original once.
Just my stupid opinion....but if had a body guy telling me **** like "gotta break it to remove it" I wouldn't let him touch anything else on my car, again JMSO.
Just my stupid opinion....but if had a body guy telling me **** like "gotta break it to remove it" I wouldn't let him touch anything else on my car, again JMSO.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Wowa! Guys I 'aint interested in tossing away anything original with the 'vett, but my car 'aint all original. The shield was already replaced. And my body guys is a good guy, I trust him. But at the same time I know he is no all knowing so I want to work with him, not a lot of choices around here. So I am really grateful to have all your input. I am interested in being an educated owner. Thx to all.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,027
Likes: 501
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
A word of caution here. A drunk hit my 68. A Chevrolet dealer removed the cracked windshield. I had repainted my original brick red upper dash pad the same color red as my interior. Some gorilla at the dealer, sat in the car and kicked out my windshield. Know how I know? They kicked my dash pad and knocked the red paint off of it in one spot! Lou.
Last edited by loup68; Mar 18, 2017 at 07:44 PM.