Cracked Windshield
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 118
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
Cracked Windshield
Looking to have my windshield replaced on my '70 Convertible. The question is do the seals need to be replaced or can they be reused?
Does anyone have a step by step procedure? I am just curious about the process.
Does anyone have a step by step procedure? I am just curious about the process.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
The C3 windshield does not use a rubber seal like the earlier C2's did. Rather, it uses a liquid sealer that just needs to be scraped out of the sealing area when the old windshield is removed. Some use a little damming tape on the inside to help with uneven metal frame surface, but it's not usually necessary. A fairly easy install as windshields go.
Cheers, Greg
Cheers, Greg
Last edited by Greg; Aug 12, 2022 at 01:41 AM.
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Except that you have to remove all the trim. The side trim screws are under the a pillar weatherstrip. Sometimes you can get them out without destroying the weatherstrip. I just order new weatherstrip and the foam seal strip that goes between the windshield side trims and the a pillar weatherstrip holders. Getting the top trim off without bending anything is also a trick. And those windshield weather damns at the bottom corners of the windshield almost always need replacement.
Once the glass is out most times the frame will need some rust removal, (at minimum) and repainting.
So, no I don't think it's a cake walk.
Once the glass is out most times the frame will need some rust removal, (at minimum) and repainting.
So, no I don't think it's a cake walk.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,177
Likes: 7,781
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I did say, "Most times". And yes windshield frame rust is a very common problem on all C3's.
However, I am now informed that in California this just doesn't happen.
However, I am now informed that in California this just doesn't happen.
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From: SW Florida.
there are 10 clips that go across the top of the windshield and hold the trim. they are ugly. replacements are cheap. keep the old ones. the replacements are taller and hold the trim too high. the 10 holes they are screwed into. buy replacement screws and install in the holes before you clean up, repair and paint the pinchweld. #6 screws, i think. the holes will fill with paint and disappear. get damming tape or use butyl rope as damming tape. 5/16th for real orig glass and 3/8th for newer thinner replacement glass. the glass guy will come by and reassure you he has been doing this for years and will get the glass at the right height. then he will do 1 squirt of urethane goop like it is a 5 year old camry and drop in the glass. you put top trim back on and have a 1/4 inch gap between the glass and the trim. and don't waste your time on Diamond or any other big chain website. first thing you type is 70's corvette. 10 minutes later after filling in name, address, credit card info, etc the website will say "we don't do old cars." corvette resto-repair shops in your area could probably point you to somebody who will do it right.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: SW Florida.
people say you can't use butyl rope. doesn't hold well enough and doesn't provide the structural strength needed. the side trim screws on and overlaps the glass. top trim also is a positive glass retainer. and that windshield frame is not gonna keep the street off your head once car turns upside-down even if the windshield is 1/4 inch steel plate. but a foam dam is preferrable with modern urethane adhesive. the problem with windshield job is the glass from a supplier is sometimes more expensive than having a shop come install it. and definitely remove it yourself first. the glass guy is not gonna wait while you naval jelly the frame and repair the little holes then repaint the pinchweld. and the only real seals are over the side trim. and they will come apart as you try to remove them. you posted the thread twice. maybe delete the second one.
Last edited by derekderek; Aug 12, 2022 at 07:34 AM.
