73 windshield,help
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: easton pa
73 windshield,help
Purchased a 73, another ugly issue. There is a large gap (3/8") or better all along the top trim piece of my windshield.I removed the drivers side pillar weatherstrip and the s/s trim. The pillar trim piece DOES fit flat against the glass and there is only one set of holes drilled in the post to attach that peice of trim.However,the top piece has a huge gap. I took a few pictures to perhaps get some feedback. First, maybe the Tabs on the top trim are bent at the wrong angle from a previous windshield install? I also have read that perhaps the windshield was pushed too tight at the top when installed , but 3/8" is a lot!. If I was to re install and keep out at the top,then the pillar trims would not line up with the original screw holes. It also looks like the windshield has a large gap at the top as if it slid down during install and is lower on the drivers side by about a 1/4".....bad install? Any help with which direction I should take is appreciated! Thanks, Gator
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
Pretty ugly situation.
I have read that there were/are replacement windshields that don't have the correct 'arc' in them.
That would certainly cause the problem you have.
If the windshield were simply set too close to the windshield frame it would affect the a-pillar trim too.
Looking at the windshield header from the interior side… does it appear the glass is sitting right on, or very near to the frame?
Regards,
Alan
Pretty ugly situation.
I have read that there were/are replacement windshields that don't have the correct 'arc' in them.
That would certainly cause the problem you have.
If the windshield were simply set too close to the windshield frame it would affect the a-pillar trim too.
Looking at the windshield header from the interior side… does it appear the glass is sitting right on, or very near to the frame?
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
One of the problems with many replacement windshields for these cars today is that they are typically 2/3rds the thickness of the originals. Original thickness windshields are available, but they are more expensive and many do not realize the reason for this so they purchase the thinner glass thinking they are getting a better value. Unfortunately the windshield trim (as well as that of the back windows on the '78-'82 cars) is spaced to allow for the original thickness and if it isn't installed correctly there will be an unsightly gap between the glass and trim. Your issue seems to be a combination of too thin as well as ill-fitting glass.
I would seek out a reputable and experienced shop that is familiar with these older cars and particularly the proper way to install the glass in them, and have them look at it and propose a solution. The solution may be as simple as installing a new windshield - in the proper manner.
Good luck... GUSTO
I would seek out a reputable and experienced shop that is familiar with these older cars and particularly the proper way to install the glass in them, and have them look at it and propose a solution. The solution may be as simple as installing a new windshield - in the proper manner.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: easton pa
Hi G,
Pretty ugly situation.
I have read that there were/are replacement windshields that don't have the correct 'arc' in them.
That would certainly cause the problem you have.
If the windshield were simply set too close to the windshield frame it would affect the a-pillar trim too.
Looking at the windshield header from the interior side… does it appear the glass is sitting right on, or very near to the frame?
Regards,
Alan
Pretty ugly situation.
I have read that there were/are replacement windshields that don't have the correct 'arc' in them.
That would certainly cause the problem you have.
If the windshield were simply set too close to the windshield frame it would affect the a-pillar trim too.
Looking at the windshield header from the interior side… does it appear the glass is sitting right on, or very near to the frame?
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: easton pa
One of the problems with many replacement windshields for these cars today is that they are typically 2/3rds the thickness of the originals. Original thickness windshields are available, but they are more expensive and many do not realize the reason for this so they purchase the thinner glass thinking they are getting a better value. Unfortunately the windshield trim (as well as that of the back windows on the '78-'82 cars) is spaced to allow for the original thickness and if it isn't installed correctly there will be an unsightly gap between the glass and trim. Your issue seems to be a combination of too thin as well as ill-fitting glass.
I would seek out a reputable and experienced shop that is familiar with these older cars and particularly the proper way to install the glass in them, and have them look at it and propose a solution. The solution may be as simple as installing a new windshield - in the proper manner.
Good luck... GUSTO
I would seek out a reputable and experienced shop that is familiar with these older cars and particularly the proper way to install the glass in them, and have them look at it and propose a solution. The solution may be as simple as installing a new windshield - in the proper manner.
Good luck... GUSTO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
One of the problems with many replacement windshields for these cars today is that they are typically 2/3rds the thickness of the originals. Original thickness windshields are available, but they are more expensive and many do not realize the reason for this so they purchase the thinner glass thinking they are getting a better value. Unfortunately the windshield trim (as well as that of the back windows on the '78-'82 cars) is spaced to allow for the original thickness and if it isn't installed correctly there will be an unsightly gap between the glass and trim. Your issue seems to be a combination of too thin as well as ill-fitting glass.
I would seek out a reputable and experienced shop that is familiar with these older cars and particularly the proper way to install the glass in them, and have them look at it and propose a solution. The solution may be as simple as installing a new windshield - in the proper manner.
Good luck... GUSTO
I would seek out a reputable and experienced shop that is familiar with these older cars and particularly the proper way to install the glass in them, and have them look at it and propose a solution. The solution may be as simple as installing a new windshield - in the proper manner.
Good luck... GUSTO
The curve on my new window was not right either, causing the top moulding to stick out some. Nothing much that can be done.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
The original glass in my 71 is 1/4" thick.
The way the trim fits is dependent on how far the glass is spaced from the windshield frame.
If the arc is correct, spacing blocks can compensate for thinner glass.
VERY few installers are willing to 'dry fit' the glass and install the trim to see what if any spacers are needed.
This is why you see so much poorly fitted trim.
Regards,
Alan
The original glass in my 71 is 1/4" thick.
The way the trim fits is dependent on how far the glass is spaced from the windshield frame.
If the arc is correct, spacing blocks can compensate for thinner glass.
VERY few installers are willing to 'dry fit' the glass and install the trim to see what if any spacers are needed.
This is why you see so much poorly fitted trim.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: easton pa
Hi G,
The original glass in my 71 is 1/4" thick.
The way the trim fits is dependent on how far the glass is spaced from the windshield frame.
If the arc is correct, spacing blocks can compensate for thinner glass.
VERY few installers are willing to 'dry fit' the glass and install the trim to see what if any spacers are needed.
This is why you see so much poorly fitted trim.
Regards,
Alan
The original glass in my 71 is 1/4" thick.
The way the trim fits is dependent on how far the glass is spaced from the windshield frame.
If the arc is correct, spacing blocks can compensate for thinner glass.
VERY few installers are willing to 'dry fit' the glass and install the trim to see what if any spacers are needed.
This is why you see so much poorly fitted trim.
Regards,
Alan
What do you recommend,tape or urethane? When I install the new glass, I am thinking of keeping it up so I maintain about 1/4" gap from the top of the glassto the top trim clips...sound about right? Thanks again. Gator
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: easton pa
Hi G,
The original glass in my 71 is 1/4" thick.
The way the trim fits is dependent on how far the glass is spaced from the windshield frame.
If the arc is correct, spacing blocks can compensate for thinner glass.
VERY few installers are willing to 'dry fit' the glass and install the trim to see what if any spacers are needed.
This is why you see so much poorly fitted trim.
Regards,
Alan
The original glass in my 71 is 1/4" thick.
The way the trim fits is dependent on how far the glass is spaced from the windshield frame.
If the arc is correct, spacing blocks can compensate for thinner glass.
VERY few installers are willing to 'dry fit' the glass and install the trim to see what if any spacers are needed.
This is why you see so much poorly fitted trim.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
On my 71 there are 2 clips screwed to the cowl that position the bottom of the glass exactly.
Does your car (73) still have those? They take the 'guess' out of where the glass goes.
I used butyl tape on my glass.
Regards,
Alan
On my 71 there are 2 clips screwed to the cowl that position the bottom of the glass exactly.
Does your car (73) still have those? They take the 'guess' out of where the glass goes.
I used butyl tape on my glass.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
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From: easton pa
No, don,t have those and I don't see any holes where they may have been screwed. believe 73 is different as one search for glass says "fits only 73-82". The glass was sitting against the wiper arm rest in the middle of the cowl area. Also was against the metal tab that is part of the rubber cowl to windshield rubber. Need to get two of those..... After reading many forum posts about windshield glass...I am leaning towards re using what I have. It is a PPG Sunshade Solex...at the bottom says W812...thinking maybe was made in Aug of 12...who knows but all the posted about Chinese glass...well what I have may be just as good. I will use a shim to hold the glass more towards the top as the bottom has plenty, and I will dry fit to see how much tape I need to use...I will end up doing a fine job....as I have a penchant for doing it right, not like the ###### that owned it before me. Thanks again for your time, Gator
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
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From: easton pa
I'm so mad at myself...
Wow, finally have all the prep work done to install the windshield...test fit with a 5/16" rubber firm weatherstrip and it will do nicely. I ordered 3/8" butyl which I am sure I can squeeze to the 5/16" that will be perfect. On a sour note...standing along side I decided to reach over and clean and snap on the cover for the rear view mirror....leaned my elbow on the dash and C R A C K !!! there went the original intact only thing on the car I thought would be fine--- dash!! Just got done re doing all the gauges and had just buttoned up complete dash....sometimes I hate working on cars...