Winshield Re-seal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Winshield Re-seal
Have any of you guys had this done to your Vette? I have gigantic gaps around my windshield that can't be normal, though it has been that way since I have owned the car. I don't have any major leaks except the occasional obligatory drip from above the T-tops when I am in a torrential downpour. What have you guys paid to get your front glass reworked? Anyone? Last time I went to a glass shop concerning my Vette there was a lot of whincing and hemmin' and hawin' about how how the guy didn't want to do anything on the existing side windows with the Vette when it came to adjusting them. If they had been broken, he would have replaced and adjusted them but didn't want to adjust what was there. Of course, I was ready to go out and bash out both sides so I could get new glass and have them work correctly hitting the channels. The logic of the glass techs was rather odd I thought. I wonder if I will run into the same thing with a front window re-seal?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,375
Likes: 6,375
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Re-setting and re-sealing the windshield involves pulling it out first.... most places run about a 50% (or less) success rate at getting the glass out in one piece, so few places will re-set an existing piece of glass. You're usually best off just getting the glass replaced since you can get a brand new windshield with installation for under $200.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
From: South San Francisco CA
I solved my problem of leaking pretty easily. After replacing the 35 year old t-top weatherstripping, the car still leaked like crazy. I masked out the chrome strip at the top of the windshield and the glass itself and forced a bunch of black silicone seal in the area under the chrome strip. I used my finger to push it way in and then wiped off the visible excess. The car is now leak free for the first time in years. If it ever leaks again, I will remove the windshield myself, fix any rusting that has taken place and re-install a new windshield myself. You know the old saying....if you want it done right.......
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
That is good point to take into consideration Lars, I hadn't really given any thought into the fact that the windshield might likely break coming out. As for the black sealant, I have have given this thought too but seems like I read somewhere that this can promote rusting, which is the entire reason I am even thinking of getting the gaping holes fixed. This is why I have yet to put any sort of clear or black sealer anywhere. It looks like this car might have had a replacement windshield in it before and it looks like a drunk installed it. The moldings just don't look right when you look closely. The windshield doesn't look like it was pushed far enough forward either. I have a hard time believeing it left the factory this out of whack, though I do know fit and finish were not the General's best attributes in the 70's and 80's. No wonder Americans started buying Toyotas and Hondas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: In the Beautiful Shenandoah Valley of VA
No wonder Americans started buying Toyotas and Hondas.
Pulling the windshield (and likely installing a new unit) is the proper way to fix your problems.
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Your windshield is a replacement unit (I noticed the non-numbers matching label on it 
) So don't feel badly about pulling it and replacing it.
If you want to make it an insurance job, go for a drive up FM471 outside of Loop 1604. There are SO MANY gravel trucks up there, you're bound to get a broken windshield...
) So don't feel badly about pulling it and replacing it.If you want to make it an insurance job, go for a drive up FM471 outside of Loop 1604. There are SO MANY gravel trucks up there, you're bound to get a broken windshield...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
The windshield already has one very small rock hit on it. I doubt it is big enough to qualify for an insurance claim... but if somehow the little spot got bigger....... maybe some freak mishap at the local ice house. The money is't that much to pay for it myself, I just need to bite the bullet and go see my boys over at Samuel's Glass or Thad Ziegler's. I am sure I will get the obligitory crying about it being a Vette and all of that.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 10,153
Likes: 15
From: Texas
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
The windshield already has one very small rock hit on it. I doubt it is big enough to qualify for an insurance claim... but if somehow the little spot got bigger....... maybe some freak mishap at the local ice house.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
That is good point to take into consideration Lars, I hadn't really given any thought into the fact that the windshield might likely break coming out. As for the black sealant, I have have given this thought too but seems like I read somewhere that this can promote rusting, which is the entire reason I am even thinking of getting the gaping holes fixed. This is why I have yet to put any sort of clear or black sealer anywhere. It looks like this car might have had a replacement windshield in it before and it looks like a drunk installed it. The moldings just don't look right when you look closely. The windshield doesn't look like it was pushed far enough forward either. I have a hard time believeing it left the factory this out of whack, though I do know fit and finish were not the General's best attributes in the 70's and 80's. No wonder Americans started buying Toyotas and Hondas.
I have the same problem...gaps in the seal around the windshield. I was thinking about simply forcing sealant into the gaps until a later date when I plan a more involved restoration/rebuild.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Originally Posted by Jeff 6T9
hmmm... that would suck if someone hit your windshield with a beer bottle...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Originally Posted by Frankenvette
I have the same problem...gaps in the seal around the windshield. I was thinking about simply forcing sealant into the gaps until a later date when I plan a more involved restoration/rebuild.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 10,153
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
That is exactly what I was thinking. What a shame. Maybe I could get the side glass too....I mean, it could be a really freak accident leaving nothing intact glass wise but the rear window.
I need a new windshield too. I've heard there's been a rash of glass breakage at the ice house lately. Speaking of, the Canadien is considering a return to the "Center of the Universe" around April 12th or so. My car should be making it's triumphant return that Tuesday!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
That could be interesting. Maybe we can take turns bouncing beer bottles off my windshield, or yours for that matter. I look forward to seeing the Blue Slug in it's new and improved state.
Last edited by CVT4ME; Mar 24, 2005 at 02:59 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
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From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Think Saturday or Sunday afternoon. 
That place has gotten so busy with the weekday after-work crowd drowning their sorrows that parking has gotten virtually impossible!
That place has gotten so busy with the weekday after-work crowd drowning their sorrows that parking has gotten virtually impossible!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 10,153
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by page62
Think Saturday or Sunday afternoon. That place has gotten so busy with the weekday after-work crowd drowning their sorrows that parking has gotten virtually impossible!
That place has gotten so busy with the weekday after-work crowd drowning their sorrows that parking has gotten virtually impossible!Also, our friend the police officer wants to get together next Tuesday over there.
