73 Vert Windshield Leak
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 10
From: NEW ORLEANS Louisiana
73 Vert Windshield Leak
So on a nice cruise Saturday afternoon got caught by a thunderstorm.
Top on driving home and water starts pouring from rearview mirror.
Took top of frame off windshield and found more than i bargained for.
Rust? Yes, but surface only. Top is solid. Remove inside trim from windshield, and i think this car has the top of shield repaired.
Note the lines on upright frames. last two pics
I found the issue though.Note there is nothing between trim and windshield. Water coming up shield under trim straight onto frame.
Should there be caulk? I am attempting to get corner pieces off of frame with no luck. Would like to get this mess cleaned up.
I have no idea how to deal with all the exterior trim though.
Top on driving home and water starts pouring from rearview mirror.
Took top of frame off windshield and found more than i bargained for.
Rust? Yes, but surface only. Top is solid. Remove inside trim from windshield, and i think this car has the top of shield repaired.
Note the lines on upright frames. last two pics
I found the issue though.Note there is nothing between trim and windshield. Water coming up shield under trim straight onto frame.
Should there be caulk? I am attempting to get corner pieces off of frame with no luck. Would like to get this mess cleaned up.
I have no idea how to deal with all the exterior trim though.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 10
From: NEW ORLEANS Louisiana
36 views and no opinions,
Just looking for some thoughts if windshield frame has been repaired or does it come this way from factory?
How do i seal this to keep water from coming into vehicle?
Just looking for some thoughts if windshield frame has been repaired or does it come this way from factory?
How do i seal this to keep water from coming into vehicle?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,681
Likes: 3,134
From: Shamong, NJ
Okay, let me start by saying that you need to remove the windshield, to get the two top chrome corner pieces off. Each of them has a screw that goes in from the front, that's blocked by the windshield. Sometimes you can get to the screws, with the windshield in place, but more often than not, you end up chipping or cracking the windshield.
Secondly, caulking the top of the windshield, is not the right way to fix that gap. It appears that the windshield has been replaced, and not installed properly. The windshield is held in by windshield setting tape, that should be installed on all 4 sides of the glass, including across the top. The gap you have at the top of that windshield, looks to be a lot more than I would expect see. I think the glass should be a much tighter fit, to the frame header.
It's hard to tell from your pictures, if the A-pillars have been repaired. It looks like something has been done to them, but it could be that someone just painted them with POR-15, by brush? If the A-pillars have been repaired, this could explain why the windshield isn't fitting correctly.
I would suggest talking to an auto glass shop, about removing the windshield and seeing what can be done to correctly re-install it.
As an FYI, the factory did caulk the header area of the frame, in the channel behind where the screws for the inside header molding screw into. While you have everything apart, it wouldn't hurt to re-seal that area with some Dum-Dum Putty or silicon sealant.
I have an original A-pillar in the shop. I'll try to post a picture of it later on, so you can compare the finish of yours, to an untouched original one.
Secondly, caulking the top of the windshield, is not the right way to fix that gap. It appears that the windshield has been replaced, and not installed properly. The windshield is held in by windshield setting tape, that should be installed on all 4 sides of the glass, including across the top. The gap you have at the top of that windshield, looks to be a lot more than I would expect see. I think the glass should be a much tighter fit, to the frame header.
It's hard to tell from your pictures, if the A-pillars have been repaired. It looks like something has been done to them, but it could be that someone just painted them with POR-15, by brush? If the A-pillars have been repaired, this could explain why the windshield isn't fitting correctly.
I would suggest talking to an auto glass shop, about removing the windshield and seeing what can be done to correctly re-install it.
As an FYI, the factory did caulk the header area of the frame, in the channel behind where the screws for the inside header molding screw into. While you have everything apart, it wouldn't hurt to re-seal that area with some Dum-Dum Putty or silicon sealant.
I have an original A-pillar in the shop. I'll try to post a picture of it later on, so you can compare the finish of yours, to an untouched original one.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 10
From: NEW ORLEANS Louisiana
Okay, let me start by saying that you need to remove the windshield, to get the two top chrome corner pieces off. Each of them has a screw that goes in from the front, that's blocked by the windshield. Sometimes you can get to the screws, with the windshield in place, but more often than not, you end up chipping or cracking the windshield.
Secondly, caulking the top of the windshield, is not the right way to fix that gap. It appears that the windshield has been replaced, and not installed properly. The windshield is held in by windshield setting tape, that should be installed on all 4 sides of the glass, including across the top. The gap you have at the top of that windshield, looks to be a lot more than I would expect see. I think the glass should be a much tighter fit, to the frame header.
It's hard to tell from your pictures, if the A-pillars have been repaired. It looks like something has been done to them, but it could be that someone just painted them with POR-15, by brush? If the A-pillars have been repaired, this could explain why the windshield isn't fitting correctly.
I would suggest talking to an auto glass shop, about removing the windshield and seeing what can be done to correctly re-install it.
As an FYI, the factory did caulk the header area of the frame, in the channel behind where the screws for the inside header molding screw into. While you have everything apart, it wouldn't hurt to re-seal that area with some Dum-Dum Putty or silicon sealant.
I have an original A-pillar in the shop. I'll try to post a picture of it later on, so you can compare the finish of yours, to an untouched original one.
Secondly, caulking the top of the windshield, is not the right way to fix that gap. It appears that the windshield has been replaced, and not installed properly. The windshield is held in by windshield setting tape, that should be installed on all 4 sides of the glass, including across the top. The gap you have at the top of that windshield, looks to be a lot more than I would expect see. I think the glass should be a much tighter fit, to the frame header.
It's hard to tell from your pictures, if the A-pillars have been repaired. It looks like something has been done to them, but it could be that someone just painted them with POR-15, by brush? If the A-pillars have been repaired, this could explain why the windshield isn't fitting correctly.
I would suggest talking to an auto glass shop, about removing the windshield and seeing what can be done to correctly re-install it.
As an FYI, the factory did caulk the header area of the frame, in the channel behind where the screws for the inside header molding screw into. While you have everything apart, it wouldn't hurt to re-seal that area with some Dum-Dum Putty or silicon sealant.
I have an original A-pillar in the shop. I'll try to post a picture of it later on, so you can compare the finish of yours, to an untouched original one.
The assembly manual i have did not give the clarification of assembly as you have explained. I do believe i have been recommended to a local guy here who may be able to help me with this issue.
A pic of you post would be appreciated though.
Previous owner just reached out. Forum member here.
Again thanks for your explanation!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 278
From: Akron OH
Taking your car to a automotive glass shop is the way to go if you don't feel comfortable taking the glass out yourself. With the windshield out, you'll be able to assess the condition of your windshield frame and repair as needed. It is difficult to do this assessment with the windshield still in place. Don't be surprised if you find some rust issues as this is very common on C3s. Finally, correct sealant to use around the windshield is urethane. Silicone sealant for automotive use is not a good idea as it leaches out chemicals that can cause rust.
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 10
From: NEW ORLEANS Louisiana
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
highly recommend inspecting on the outside where the firewall meets the birdcage,
this is a common area for separation or a gap, which will pour buckets of water into the cabin under the dash. good luck !
this is a common area for separation or a gap, which will pour buckets of water into the cabin under the dash. good luck !
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 10
From: NEW ORLEANS Louisiana
Car is pretty much rust free.
I almost bought a car based on the amount of rust over originality, year, motor size, vert or coupe etc.
Windshield area in very clean.
Birdcage body mount are in great condition.
I really lucked out with this car as it meet most of my wishes.
