Windshield replacement
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 422
From: Denver CO
Windshield replacement
Hey guys I have a 76 that needs a windshield. Anyone in Denver or surrounding areas know of a competent shop that can handle it. Having a hard time finding one. Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 862
Likes: 185
From: CT
I did it myself over the winter. It’s nothing insane about $40 in the foam windshield spacing tape and a tube of urethane windshield adhesive. Hardest part was cleaning out all the old urethane adhesive and broken glass ( got the car with a busted windshield). Found a nice hole I had to fix and POR15 and topcoated the windshield frame. Putting the actual windshield in took prob 2hrs with me being slow and methodical.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
Likes: 1,054
From: Virginia USA
Safelite did mine a few years ago. The guy who came was a '60's muscle car guy. We had a good chat and I helped him install it and it was all done under my insurance. I took off th trim and put it back on myself. I guess some Safelite franchises are scared.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,090
Likes: 4,015
From: New Braunfels Texas
I highly recommend getting someone that knows how to remove and install the trim......a ham fisted glass tech can destroy this stuff very easily......and it sticks out like a sore thumb as it is near the highest point of the car......
Jebby
Jebby
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 715
From: Marietta GA
My recent experience trying to have a new windshield installed on my 73 convertible was scary. You would be wise to Google names of local classic car clubs in your area. Meeting or visiting those folks could provide the name of shops that install glass on old cars. If you can find a shop that specializes in Corvettes, they could lead you to a local glass company. In my case, my Corvette Service Shop gave me the name of a large company, but only one location messed with old cars. They have an older gentleman that comes in a few times during the week to work on old cars.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Rumor has it that replacement glass from specialist is around 1/32 thinner than the original, if not more.
That's where the problems could arise. Thinner glass means the molding may no longer fit / seal correctly. They are designed for a certain thickness.
SafeLite swapped mine out, in my own garage at home. Did a great job. But first they insisted I sand and rustoleum the entire A pillar. (warranty)
Took an extra day.
That's where the problems could arise. Thinner glass means the molding may no longer fit / seal correctly. They are designed for a certain thickness.
SafeLite swapped mine out, in my own garage at home. Did a great job. But first they insisted I sand and rustoleum the entire A pillar. (warranty)
Took an extra day.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 422
From: Denver CO
Rumor has it that replacement glass from specialist is around 1/32 thinner than the original, if not more.
That's where the problems could arise. Thinner glass means the molding may no longer fit / seal correctly. They are designed for a certain thickness.
SafeLite swapped mine out, in my own garage at home. Did a great job. But first they insisted I sand and rustoleum the entire A pillar. (warranty)
Took an extra day.
That's where the problems could arise. Thinner glass means the molding may no longer fit / seal correctly. They are designed for a certain thickness.
SafeLite swapped mine out, in my own garage at home. Did a great job. But first they insisted I sand and rustoleum the entire A pillar. (warranty)
Took an extra day.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
Likes: 1,054
From: Virginia USA
Rumor has it that replacement glass from specialist is around 1/32 thinner than the original, if not more.
That's where the problems could arise. Thinner glass means the molding may no longer fit / seal correctly. They are designed for a certain thickness.
SafeLite swapped mine out, in my own garage at home. Did a great job. But first they insisted I sand and rustoleum the entire A pillar. (warranty)
Took an extra day.
That's where the problems could arise. Thinner glass means the molding may no longer fit / seal correctly. They are designed for a certain thickness.
SafeLite swapped mine out, in my own garage at home. Did a great job. But first they insisted I sand and rustoleum the entire A pillar. (warranty)
Took an extra day.
See how thick he put the goop on.
Nice and flush
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
The guy from SafeLite that did mine has a classic car also. So maybe its hit-n-miss with finding someone willing to do it.
Younger tech guys are leery of scratching the paint or breaking some 40 yr old interior molding on a classic car I guess.
Younger tech guys are leery of scratching the paint or breaking some 40 yr old interior molding on a classic car I guess.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 829
From: WI
I'd stand there and assist with the process. But if you leave the car with them roll the door glass down an inch or two before you leave ....in the off-chance the installer forgets and closes the door (pressure from closing a door will 'poof-out" a portion of soft urethane and result in a leak). Any competent glass guy should know this, but I've had some incompetent glass guys do terrible work leaving dents in the hood (daily driver) and cuts in the headliner ...and permenant urethane stains in the headliner or dash. And there are some great independent shops who take pride in their work too.
Yeah, find a guy who knows what he's doing...
.
Yeah, find a guy who knows what he's doing...
.
Last edited by Mark G; Aug 6, 2021 at 10:50 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,398
From: SW Florida.
I had a guy assure me he would get the windshield in at correct height. Then he used his standard bead of urethane and windshield sits 1/4 inch too low. Get the damming tape and set the depth yourself. 5/16th for orig glass and 3/8ths for new glass. Everybody says no butyl tape. But our windshield trim is screwed on and physically retains the glass. Also you could use Home Depot 3/8 weatherstrip house stuff to gauge the height then replace with butyl rope with a bead of urethane outboard of the butyl.
Last edited by derekderek; Aug 7, 2021 at 06:56 AM.