Replacing windshield - any tips?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Cortland, NY, USA
Replacing windshield - any tips?
The windshield on my '79 developed a stress crack in it while it was sitting in the garage.
I am going to have the windshield replaced. My plan is to have it taken out and then I will check the frame for rust, repair as nesc and also POR-15 the frame before the glass goes back in.
Anyone have any advise on the project before I get started?
Thanks,
LMJ
[Modified by L. Jackmin, 7:48 AM 7/3/2002]
I am going to have the windshield replaced. My plan is to have it taken out and then I will check the frame for rust, repair as nesc and also POR-15 the frame before the glass goes back in.
Anyone have any advise on the project before I get started?
Thanks,
LMJ
[Modified by L. Jackmin, 7:48 AM 7/3/2002]
Advanced
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (L. Jackmin)
Advice on Windshield Replacement --- I don't know how you plan to remove the old windshield but many shops just break it out. This is a shortcut but if you don't cover your defroster vent and put some drop cloths around the interior, you're going to be enjoying shards of glass for a long time. My advice, cover the defroster vent.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (Wayne Ellwood)
My honest advise is bring it to a glass place and have them do it, as front windshields can be tricky to get out and then seal them propoerly and reinstall. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
Likes: 1
From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (L. Jackmin)
I just had my windshield replaced due to a growing stress crack.
I callled a local Glass Doctor and they came to the house and did all the work right in my driveway (I offered them the coolness of the garage, but he wanted to get a tan (I guess)).
He took the old windshield out pretty much in one piece. It was cracked in several places, but he took it out in one piece.
Before the new one went in I got to inspect the frame. Surprisingly enough, the frame was almost perfect.
A couple hours later and $312 + tax and the windshield was done. I didn't even have to get my hands dirty (for a change :) ).
The only bad thing about the whole experience, I had to let the car sit overnight before I could drive it again.
I callled a local Glass Doctor and they came to the house and did all the work right in my driveway (I offered them the coolness of the garage, but he wanted to get a tan (I guess)).
He took the old windshield out pretty much in one piece. It was cracked in several places, but he took it out in one piece.
Before the new one went in I got to inspect the frame. Surprisingly enough, the frame was almost perfect.
A couple hours later and $312 + tax and the windshield was done. I didn't even have to get my hands dirty (for a change :) ).
The only bad thing about the whole experience, I had to let the car sit overnight before I could drive it again.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (gb4622)
gb4622,
When you had them install the new WS do the trim retaining clips go in at the same time that the WS was installed? When I bought my car the trim was already off and the clips were gone. How do they attach?
When you had them install the new WS do the trim retaining clips go in at the same time that the WS was installed? When I bought my car the trim was already off and the clips were gone. How do they attach?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire, WI
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (L. Jackmin)
When I had my windshield replaced by a professional here, he told me that if you didn't get the proper thickness of adhesive to bed the glass into, it could cause stress cracks. He also said that using the wrong type of adhesive actually weakened the integrity of the windhsield posts in the event of roll-over. I seem to have read that the proper thickness is also needed to insure a correct fit of the windshield trim. Hope this gives you the information you need to ask all the right questions from your installer. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (bfrance)
If I remember my glass guy correctly, he said that the factory sealing job on my original windshield was one of the worst jobs he had ever seen. No wonder water got into the pillar area! :eek: I don't think St. Louis was real high on build quality back in the C3 days.
AC
AC
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Cortland, NY, USA
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (L. Jackmin)
Thanks guys. My intention is to have a professional remove the glass and allow me to check the frame.
I plan on cleaning it up and painting it with POR-15 if it isn't too far gone.
Any suggestions on what to use to get the old adhesive off?
Thanks,
LMJ
I plan on cleaning it up and painting it with POR-15 if it isn't too far gone.
Any suggestions on what to use to get the old adhesive off?
Thanks,
LMJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,245
Likes: 4
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (L. Jackmin)
Thanks guys. My intention is to have a professional remove the glass and allow me to check the frame.
I plan on cleaning it up and painting it with POR-15 if it isn't too far gone.
Any suggestions on what to use to get the old adhesive off?
Thanks,
LMJ
I plan on cleaning it up and painting it with POR-15 if it isn't too far gone.
Any suggestions on what to use to get the old adhesive off?
Thanks,
LMJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (67HEAVEN)
Laquer thinner will clean off any residue as well. :yesnod:
The wire wheel works the best for the rusty spots too. The pros removed the windshield, I fixed the frame, then the pros put the new one in. :cheers:
Good investment IMO
AC
The wire wheel works the best for the rusty spots too. The pros removed the windshield, I fixed the frame, then the pros put the new one in. :cheers:
Good investment IMO
AC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
Re: Replacing windshield - any tips? (A C)
It's also a good time to clean up the dash or repaint it. You'll need to install new moulding clips before the glass goes back in. I told the glassman to give me a week before coming back. Be real careful with the top trim when you remove and reinstall it. You don't want to lose it's original shape 'cause it's a bear to get it right again. Total cost $220 with tinted PPG glass (and he did know about the adhesive 'thickness' issue with Vettes).
