Lower Windshield Corner Replacement
Thread Starter
Old Fart Pilot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 950
From: Spokane, WA
Lower Windshield Corner Replacement
OK guys, I am still alive but haven't done any work on my '71 coupe for quite a while. However, I have been trying to track down parts I need - specifically the driver's side lower windshield outer corner. I already have the driver's inner lower corner and also the passenger's side lower outer corner (don't need the inner on this side). The good news is that I think I've finally had some success.
The piece is going to be cut from a fairly complete birdcage so a thought popped into my head and I'm asking for your advice. Should I have them cut the corner from the birdcage as one piece, i.e. both inner and outer corners as a single unit, and use that to replace my corner, OR should I just get the outer corner piece since I already have the inner corner.
What do you think would be easier/better for re-installing on my windshield frame, the individual inner & outer pieces separately or a complete corner as one piece?
Another option, although probably much more expensive, would be to have them cut out the entire lower windshield frame as one piece including the center horizontal portion and both corners. Would that be the easiest to reinstall?
Thanks all & Happy Thanksgiving,
Paul
The piece is going to be cut from a fairly complete birdcage so a thought popped into my head and I'm asking for your advice. Should I have them cut the corner from the birdcage as one piece, i.e. both inner and outer corners as a single unit, and use that to replace my corner, OR should I just get the outer corner piece since I already have the inner corner.
What do you think would be easier/better for re-installing on my windshield frame, the individual inner & outer pieces separately or a complete corner as one piece?
Another option, although probably much more expensive, would be to have them cut out the entire lower windshield frame as one piece including the center horizontal portion and both corners. Would that be the easiest to reinstall?
Thanks all & Happy Thanksgiving,
Paul
Last edited by nwav8tor; Nov 22, 2018 at 03:23 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,399
Likes: 792
Hi Paul, Since I have already done this and opted for a new upper frame my thoughts are to try not to disturb as little as possible. An entire frame would involve cutting the center brace. This piece is preloaded and will move back after cutting. Now you have an issue in getting back the proper alignment especially for the T top and windshield. Need extremely good measurement of distance and support to eliminate the tension on the frame to T top. I think leaving that intact and redoing just the lower corners would be my choice although it may be a little harder you would disturb the least.
RVZIO
RVZIO
Thread Starter
Old Fart Pilot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 950
From: Spokane, WA
Thanks RVZIO. I'm not going to touch the upper frame at all. I'm only going to work on the individual lower corners OR both lowers corners and MAYBE the lower center section. I won't be messing with the T-top center support at all.
I'm aware that measurements & bracing will be required to insure positioning is not altered as parts are replaced. Because of that, I'm thinking of just replacing the 3 rusted corner pieces one at a time to make it easier to keep things in the proper position. If I get all four corner pieces (inner & outer L & R) and the lower center cross section as one piece, it might be more difficult keeping the windshield side frame pieces in the proper position as the old lower cross member and both corners are removed and the replacement is installed.
Is that reasoning sound?
Thanks,
Paul
I'm aware that measurements & bracing will be required to insure positioning is not altered as parts are replaced. Because of that, I'm thinking of just replacing the 3 rusted corner pieces one at a time to make it easier to keep things in the proper position. If I get all four corner pieces (inner & outer L & R) and the lower center cross section as one piece, it might be more difficult keeping the windshield side frame pieces in the proper position as the old lower cross member and both corners are removed and the replacement is installed.
Is that reasoning sound?
Thanks,
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
Are you installing new steel panels or pieces out of a good donor car???
Knowing that your windshield is out to do this.. IT CAN BE POSSIBLE that the angle of the pillar post can move. IF it angles downwards. it CAN effect how your door glass can be adjusted due to the angel being off. ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS.
So...even though you can install or leave the upper corner chrome moldings where your T-tops attach. IF that corner drops it can screw you up ROYALLY .
So make sure you check this my installing the pillar post stainless trim and pillar post w/strip to make sure your door glass is CORRECT ....before you go and put the windshield back in. Make sure the car is on the ground with tires on it when you install the windshield.
DUB
Knowing that your windshield is out to do this.. IT CAN BE POSSIBLE that the angle of the pillar post can move. IF it angles downwards. it CAN effect how your door glass can be adjusted due to the angel being off. ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS.
So...even though you can install or leave the upper corner chrome moldings where your T-tops attach. IF that corner drops it can screw you up ROYALLY .
So make sure you check this my installing the pillar post stainless trim and pillar post w/strip to make sure your door glass is CORRECT ....before you go and put the windshield back in. Make sure the car is on the ground with tires on it when you install the windshield.
DUB
Thread Starter
Old Fart Pilot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 950
From: Spokane, WA
Thanks Dub. I’ll be using pieces from donor cars since I’ve had zero luck trying to find new pieces that will fit 68-72. I’ve found new 73+ pieces, but not for the earliest C3s. I’ll brace the entire windshield frame before doing any cutting and replacing.Good point about checking that the door glass meets the pillar (windshield side frame) properly to ensure the angle isn’t off before installing the windshield.
As for having the car on the ground with tires mounted before the windshield is installed, am I correct in assuming that the engine needs to be installed also?
Paul
As for having the car on the ground with tires mounted before the windshield is installed, am I correct in assuming that the engine needs to be installed also?
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
The engine does not need to be in. The engine is not going to seriously flex the frame...all it will do is get the front suspension to compress. BUT if your frame where up on jack stands at the hinge post area...then it would cause for a possible issue.
DUB
DUB
