Does the windshield provide structural integrity.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,302
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From: Napa Valley California
Does the windshield provide structural integrity.
I’m in the process of tearing apart my 73 Coupe for a body off restomod.
I have all the interior removed and I’ll be replacing the windshield with a new one as part of my project.
I know several components on the body help provide structural integrity and was wondering if I need to do anything, or will I harm anything if I remove the windshield before I lift the body from the frame?
Will it hurt if the windshield is out for a year while I complete my project or during transport to the body shop?
Thanks!
I have all the interior removed and I’ll be replacing the windshield with a new one as part of my project.
I know several components on the body help provide structural integrity and was wondering if I need to do anything, or will I harm anything if I remove the windshield before I lift the body from the frame?
Will it hurt if the windshield is out for a year while I complete my project or during transport to the body shop?
Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I would say definitely no; basis I have had my windshields out on my 68 and 72 projects for a few years now (the 72 longer than that, 
, but that will change soon, I hope!) and done all kinds of work on them and trailering to welding shop. My 2 cents.
, but that will change soon, I hope!) and done all kinds of work on them and trailering to welding shop. My 2 cents.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,302
Likes: 8,106
From: Napa Valley California
Thanks guys!
That’s what I was thinking, plus there are no references anywhere that say the windshield does add structural integrity.
But these are Corvettes and you just never know.
That’s what I was thinking, plus there are no references anywhere that say the windshield does add structural integrity.
But these are Corvettes and you just never know.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,576
From: los altos hills california
That said, I wouldn't install the windshield until after the body was reattached.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,302
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From: Napa Valley California
Agreed as well but how do you plan to rig your hoist? A coupe will have far less issues than a roadster. I used my lift and a couple of 4x4's attached to the rockers. Minimal stress as best I could contrive.
That said, I wouldn't install the windshield until after the body was reattached.
That said, I wouldn't install the windshield until after the body was reattached.
I do like your idea of using 4x4’s under the rockers.
That would keep the straps off the door panels
The windshield would go in after the body is reattached and after paint.
Thanks!
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Steve O.
Thread Starter
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From: Napa Valley California