Hi,
I am working on my 59 Corvette and am trying to find someone to replace the glass in my windshield. I have downloaded and studied the windshield installation pdf that Rich 5962 has posted to the Forum, but I am having significant problems getting the lower molding to seat on the new gasket I purchased from Corvette Rubber Company.
So, I have tried every auto windshield replacement company in northwest Florida with no success in finding anyone who has experience with C1 Corvette windshields.
Also, I have spoken with several individuals at Corvette parts suppliers who have done this job and they have all advised me that the imported windshields are poorly made and many result in breakage. I have spoken directly to Auto City Classic glass company regarding their windshields and they informed me that those they sell are imported.
Apparently, many of the US glass companies (i.e., PPG, LOF, etc.) are no longer in existence and I have been unable to find a US supplier for a new C1 windshield.
While I would prefer to have a new windshield (my original windshield is in good shape, not delaminating but it has wiper scratches that are too deep to remove), I am at the point of continuing to try to install this windshield.
Looking for any information of a windshield supplier/installer nearby or one that I can ship my new posts and good upper and lower moldings to to install on a new windshield.
Alternatively, if someone has advice regarding what I need to do to get my lower molding to seat on the new rubber seal I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks,
mainstreet98

 

I'm not sure that I understand why you cant get this together. Could you supply a picture?. Are you following Rich's tutorial.?

In order for the stainless to fit correctly, it is first snapped to the stainless.The bottom rail MUST be fitted PROPERLY—to the SS Trim piece that runs along the body and INSTALLED AS A SINGLE UNIT——the channel MUST snap and LOCK into the trim piece with a gentle CLICK and REMAIN LOCKED TOGETHER.—If you are trying to install the stainless to the U channel after it is installed to the glass, it will not work.
If, when you assemble the bottom, the two pieces come apart—you got it wrong. Do not proceed until yo get the two pieces locked together properly.

So, the lower U channel, and the stainless trim are snapped together first, and then installed to the bottom of the glass

 

Mike,
Thank you for replying.
Yes, I understand that the bottom stainless and steel moldings must be assembled as one piece while attempting to get the assembled molding on the lower windshield rubber. I followed Rich's instructions exactly, establishing the center of the windshield top and bottom and the center of the top and bottom moldings. I mixed Dawn and water 50-50 and liberally applied it to the rubber and metal. I started in the center and tried to push the molding over the rubber but it did not seat. I reread the instructions and saw that Rich said to push hard and I tried to do that. But the lower molding did not go down over the rubber. I tried to hold it in place and hit it with a rubber mallet as Rich recommeded and that had no effect. I am 78 and not nearly as strong as I once was so maybe I just can't push the lower molding assembly hard enough to get it to slip over the rubber. I am at a loss and my work is at a stop at this point.
I would appreciate any additional advice that you may have.
BTW, I have spoken to Rich many times in the past and I considered calling him but I don't know if he is still as involved in Corvettes as he once was due to some family changes.
Again, Thank you for responding.
Mike Evans