Windshield install...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Windshield install...
Has anyone on here installed a windshield in their C3?
Can I use some generic sealer stuff from a local windshield shop?
What size sealer? Any other info?
Would like to do it right the first time...
Can I use some generic sealer stuff from a local windshield shop?
What size sealer? Any other info?
Would like to do it right the first time...
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Personally, I won't mess with a windshield, although I know others do. Sometimes I just feel better leaving certain things to a pro. I've heard of these things blowing out at high speeds due to improper installation.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Dry Ridge Kentucky
Safe t lite did mine for $204, including the windshield and installation. They came to the house and did it. Of course, that's not for a date-correct windshield. But it was worth the price.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Stock from the factory used Butyl rubber ribbon to set the glass.
You can still buy it, but the material of choice now-a-days is
urethane adhesive.
3M Window Weld ... available at good parts and auto paint stores.
The important thing to get right is the installed height - up off the WS frame.
If not right, the stainless trim will not fit properly.
You can use small rubber blocks to space the glass properly.
That said, I will be paying someone to install mine.
You can still buy it, but the material of choice now-a-days is
urethane adhesive.
3M Window Weld ... available at good parts and auto paint stores.
The important thing to get right is the installed height - up off the WS frame.
If not right, the stainless trim will not fit properly.
You can use small rubber blocks to space the glass properly.
That said, I will be paying someone to install mine.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Any on ideas on the cost for someone to come out and put it in?
It's out now (I painted the frame with POR-15) and all cleaned up, ready to go back in.
I want to make sure I get it right (or get the right person), I want to eliminate water leaks.
It's out now (I painted the frame with POR-15) and all cleaned up, ready to go back in.
I want to make sure I get it right (or get the right person), I want to eliminate water leaks.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 197
From: Loveland, CO
NHvette is correct. I asked the installer from Elite Auto Glass if they would get the height right and he said no problem. He just squirted the adhesive out on the windshield frame and installed the windshield. I thought it looked a little low, but now I'm stuck. The upper chrome moulding is now too far from the glass. I think I can get the side moulding close enough. Sure is sealed well however. Oh well. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
NHVette makes a very good point. Many of the installers out there may not be familiar with our C3's. If you can be there when the installer shows up and explain to him exactly what is expected and how it must fit he will probably get it right. There might be measurement tolerances in the AIM?
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 478
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
I took mine out myself, that was a task in itself, never again will I try that 
I also paid $200 for a local windshield company to come out and install new PPG glass. He said he could have taken it out for $65 and saved me the two weekend it took me to get it out. He used an electric caulk gun and laid down a bead around my prepaired frame and installed the glass. When I went to put the trim on a few days later I also had a large gap between the top frame and glass. 
Thinking back now or if I ever do it again I would use spacers to get the glass to the correct position, then have them install the glass onto the spacers. Oh well it doesn't leak 
YBnormal...drive a vette
I also paid $200 for a local windshield company to come out and install new PPG glass. He said he could have taken it out for $65 and saved me the two weekend it took me to get it out. He used an electric caulk gun and laid down a bead around my prepaired frame and installed the glass. When I went to put the trim on a few days later I also had a large gap between the top frame and glass. Thinking back now or if I ever do it again I would use spacers to get the glass to the correct position, then have them install the glass onto the spacers. Oh well it doesn't leak YBnormal...drive a vette
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by DonBecker
Has anyone on here installed a windshield in their C3?
Can I use some generic sealer stuff from a local windshield shop?
What size sealer? Any other info?
Would like to do it right the first time...
Can I use some generic sealer stuff from a local windshield shop?
What size sealer? Any other info?
Would like to do it right the first time...
You need to take your time, dry fit glass and trim to get a "feel" for your car and how deep the glass needs to be. It's really not a bad job but you definitely need patience and a helper. I actually started a writeup with pictures, but never got around to finishing it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Originally Posted by pws69
I did mine with a friend a couple of years ago and it came out quite nice. I did use Butyl Tape AND Urethane Sealer AND spacer blocks. The molding fits and contacts perfectly all around and there are no leaks.
You need to take your time, dry fit glass and trim to get a "feel" for your car and how deep the glass needs to be. It's really not a bad job but you definitely need patience and a helper. I actually started a writeup with pictures, but never got around to finishing it.
You need to take your time, dry fit glass and trim to get a "feel" for your car and how deep the glass needs to be. It's really not a bad job but you definitely need patience and a helper. I actually started a writeup with pictures, but never got around to finishing it.
Sounds like you did a nice job.
What did you use for spacers ? Just cut some small blocks of rubber ?
I'm fairly sure you can't buy those spacer blocks anymore ... could be wrong.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by NHvette
You're killing me here. I love to do everything myself ... but too much to do.
Sounds like you did a nice job.
What did you use for spacers ? Just cut some small blocks of rubber ?
I'm fairly sure you can't buy those spacer blocks anymore ... could be wrong.
Sounds like you did a nice job.
What did you use for spacers ? Just cut some small blocks of rubber ?
I'm fairly sure you can't buy those spacer blocks anymore ... could be wrong.
You are correct - I searched all around the country (really!!) for some of the "correct" spacers to no avail!
I'm killing you???? How about that frame work you did.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by DonBecker
Has anyone on here installed a windshield in their C3?
Can I use some generic sealer stuff from a local windshield shop?
What size sealer? Any other info?
Would like to do it right the first time...
Can I use some generic sealer stuff from a local windshield shop?
What size sealer? Any other info?
Would like to do it right the first time...
Well, as I stated in a previous message, I took pictures during the install - but never made them available. I started feeling guilty (no feeking idea why!!) so......
I put this together for all YOU brave folks who want to give it a shot!
http://www.speakeasy.org/~pws/Corvette.htm
It's really not a bad job at all!
Good luck.
Paul