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Windshield install height

Old Jun 22, 2025 | 09:32 PM
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Default Windshield install height

As part of an extensive restoration project I had the windshield replaced on my 70 coupe. Also had the windshield trim polished.

Replacement glass is labeled as Pilkington, from kool Katz glass.

I had a retired installer with experience in vintage corvettes do the installation.

The upper trim no longer fits, gaps between the t molding and upper trim, ends of the upper trim shifted downward. The shop blamed the polisher for warping the trim. I’m wondering if the problem may be the glass is sitting too high off the frame, pushing the bottom edge of the upper trim up, causing the trim to rotate, ends turning downward. I’ve been reluctant to believe the trim could be that badly warped.

I hear the best way to install the glass is to use rubber blocks to get the height off the frame right, high enough to contact the trim but not so high the trim no longer fits. Has anyone seen this problem? Know of any installer in the ct area who may take this care when installing? If not, maybe do it myself though I’m not comfortable with the thought.

Anybody know what the height of the surface of the windshield off the frame should be?
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Old Jun 23, 2025 | 12:35 AM
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https://tech.corvettecentral.com/200...ld-replacement



https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ll-how-to.html
Read post number 2 by Alan71 (Alan71 was the Genuis on CF for many years, nothing he didn't know).
If you search CF "windshield installation" you be able to understand how to correct your issue.
Best of luck.
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Old Jun 27, 2025 | 12:27 AM
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The glass at the factory was installed such that the glass was 3/8 inch above the windshield frame. This requires 3/8 inch foam dam tape. 3/8 is no longer available. 5/16 inch foam dam tape is still available. It works fine. It's available from Busted Auto Parts. Google. The dimensions are 1/4 inch wide, 5/16 inch tall, about 15 feet long. The factory tape was 1/4 inch wide.

The original factory glass appears to be 9/32 inches thick and the replacement glass appears to be 7 mm.
I was getting a few thousands off measuring the glass....I think it varies in thickness....the thickness on the curved sections appears to be different that the thickness on the uncurbed sections.

Both the original and new glass are basically from Pilkington. Pilkington owned Libby Owen Ford, which is the logo on the original glass. Pilkington was sold to a Japanese glass company which now owns the rights to make Libby Owen Ford logo glass. My repro window was made in Thailand and has the LOF logo and date codes that I ordered.

Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jun 27, 2025 at 01:43 PM.
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Old Jul 19, 2025 | 08:36 PM
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Hi 68/70 vette

I saw your post a while ago, just getting to a response now, haven’t been doing much with my Corvette or the forum lately.

The windshield is marked with the Pilkington logo. I thought Pilkington got out of the vintage glass business some time ago. Maybe old stock?

I had the trim polished while the car was being prepped for paint. Replaced the windshield shortly after painting. I believe the glass is sitting on a bed of urethane, not tape. The installer could not get the upper trim strip to install correctly, outer ends curled downward. Shop that did the painting blamed the polisher, saying they warped the trim. I’m skeptical since I had trouble getting the trim to engage with the clips, popped off easily. One theory is if the bed is too high, the windshield may be sitting too high, causing the bottom side of the trim to rotate upward. If I twist the trim this way, hold the ends down, I think I’ll see the downward curl I mentioned at the ends.

Before I’d risk having the glass removed for take two, I’d check the height if possible. You’re saying the inside edge of the glass should be 3/8” off the frame? Add thickness of stock glass to calculate the distance from the outside surface to windshield frame?

I have another piece of trim I could try. Doubt it will be much different. Maybe do this before having the glass removed to be sure.

Anyone ever have a windshield installed too high, similar issue? I’ve heard of glass being set too low, leaving gaps. This is a new one….

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Old Jul 20, 2025 | 12:58 AM
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Not too far from CT. on Long Island is Fontana's auto glass. This guy is a vintage car glass gooooo roooooh !! Did mine & many other difficult C3 vettes with the chrome trim & knows his stuff. Give Joe a call, he's a super great guy.

(631) 423-4552

Click here >>>>>> https://www.windowglass.us/company-f...hills-ny-10067


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Old Jul 20, 2025 | 02:50 AM
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Originally Posted by 427SIXPACK
Not too far from CT. on Long Island is Fontana's auto glass. This guy is a vintage car glass gooooo roooooh !! Did mine & many other difficult C3 vettes with the chrome trim & knows his stuff. Give Joe a call, he's a super great guy.

(631) 423-4552

Click here >>>>>> https://www.windowglass.us/company-f...hills-ny-10067
Thanks, most appreciated. I have been looking for someone with the qualifications you mention. 👍
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Old Jul 20, 2025 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by BBCorv70
Thanks, most appreciated. I have been looking for someone with the qualifications you mention. 👍
No problem, happy to help. If Joe Fontana can't do it NOONE CAN !!! He also has a nice supply of NOS BUTYL as well. Keep us posted
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