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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I know there has been a lot of agony surrounding our windshields and the various seals that make it harder or easier (or possible/impossible I guess). In fact the body shop broke 2 trying to install mine. But I had it painted in WI and I'm in WA, so that's thousands of miles away now.
Who on earth would I call for such a task? If I go to the Yellow Pages for Advance Auto Glass or similar, odds are I'll get a guy who's younger than the truck for sure and probably never changed glass in one. Also, can they re-use the seal or is it sacrificed when they remove the current glass (which is not broken, I just need to lose the blue tint at the top because I'm too tall and can't see out of the truck!). Put more simply, what can folks tell me to increase the odds that I find someone competent at changing glass in one of these trucks, and then R&R without doing a bunch of damage? Cheers, Dave
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: formerly NY currentlyNC
Posts: 390
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
not exactly car show season but hooking up with a local club to see who they recommend ....since you're not re-using the shield i would sacrifice it to save the rubber and/or chrome...if its fairly new it should still seal fine, but having been in place a while it might not fight the installer as badly as a brand new one...cutting it out you risk slicing into the paint and unless touched up you'll have rust issues later
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1970 short step c10 leaf spring 454 |
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#3 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,248
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Quote:
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
A little ways away maybe but they seem to specialize in classic rides, my friend had his 55 Chevy truck done there and he recommends them. I plan on calling them when i'm ready.
http://tahomaglass.com/
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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#5 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,874
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Because your truck is a fresh build I sure wouldn't worry about them messing up the seal, Id just have it cut out so they don't damage anything trying to save a relatively inexpensive part.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 1,108
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Dave -
We have had a windshield replaced by a "professional" glass company using the latest technology and techniques. The installer came to my home and proceeded to set up his equipment. The only thing I was concerned about was his age. He was only 22 years old and this was his first "old truck" installation. I had purchased a new seal from Precision for the wider stainless chrome and the glass company supplied the windshield. My original windshield gasket was brittle and broken in the corners, so it had to come out. The tech quickly cut the seal and removed the old windshield. But, when installing the new windshield... he had no clue. He couldn't get it in and seated in the opening so he blamed the "aftermarket" seal. He said that he would send his manager out to finish the job. The manager came the next day and within 30 minutes he had the windshield in and was cleaning the glass. The key was that this guy was 64 years old and had actually installed several C10 windshields over the years. He was aware of the problems associated with the install and used old school tools (plenty of soapy water and rope). He had some tips for me: Lay the new seal out in the sun while you remove the old windshield. Install in a warm environment. Plenty of soapy water on both the gasket and the windshield lip. Install the stainless trim into the seal BEFORE trying to put the windshield in. Plenty of soapy water on the little rope. Start at the TOP EDGE of the windshield and remove the rope. Take your time and DON'T FORCE THE CORNERS. That's where they are more prone to crack. All this said, I think you need an EXPERIENCED installer, quality gaskets and patience. I would sacrifice the windshield and reuse the seal if it has not become brittle. I hope this helps. POP
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2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND. Last edited by NoNeck; 01-22-2016 at 05:21 AM. |
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#7 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gods country East,Tn
Posts: 8,545
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
You should be able to save both the windshield and the glass , Use a plastic tucking tool to work the INNER gasket edge back over the windshield opening flange across the top and down both sides and with 2 (1 on each side ) people be able to lift it out of the opening without any paint damage .
http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/745/Auto.html You have to find someone who has played this game before . The new glass installers of today just haven't been exposed to this type of removal or install and things can go south real quick . I know everybody says to install the glass from the top first but that requires at least 3 installers 2 outside to hold the glass up and a third to work the rope inside . The biggest install tip is to mark the centers of the glass and opening ,I install them by myself always starting at the bottom to take advantage of Gravity on the install . Also as a side note to those getting ready to pull their windshield with the polished inserts . Always Polish the stainless insert BEFORE you pull the old windshield .It's easier done while it's still being held securely in place using a 4" stitched buffing wheel on a high speed air drill /side grinder ![]() http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-...eel-34743.html http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-qua...und-96779.html |
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#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Spokane Wa
Posts: 207
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Dave, I looked for glass shop that had a history of installing glass in hot rods and other classic vehicles. In Spokane it was City Glass for me .
I dropped my truck off with the new gasket and stainless trim and in one hour they called me to pick it up. It looked great no problems at all. Months earlier I had talked to an older guy at Safelite and he told me to not have the mobile guys do the install but to bring the truck to him and he would do the install with another older guy who had experience with older vehicles. So I have to say you really have to do your home work when thinking about windshield installs. Even more when it has the stainless trim. |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Green Valley Arizona
Posts: 1,351
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I haven't read everyone responses, but I would look up your local custom car shops. Ask who they use or if they have a resident expert to install it. Don't use the typical auto glass replacement out fit....most of to installers only know how to glue in a windshield. Also use a new Precision seal.
Edit: My wife and I installed the front and rear glass. I watched the front glass install procedure from the Precision website about 10 times. I had a general idea how to do it with rope, but that was years ago. Got it in without breaking...wife pushed firmly on the outside while I pulled the rope and used a hook type tool. I was sweating like a stuck pig all the while, but we got it in perfect.
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1970 C10 Short Stepper with 71/72 front clip. Last edited by BugzC10; 01-22-2016 at 10:54 AM. |
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#10 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 1,701
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Quote:
And I'd add slap the glass with an open palm to get it in - never a fist. I've done 3 or 4 with great success. The last couple went in 1st try no problem. Never cracked one.
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"I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 1,417
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I never did a windshield in my life. I'm 34 years old and last summer I installed a new windshield in my C10 in about 2 hours including removal of the old one. I guess I'm lucky I didn't know these were hard to do. Especially for someone who's young LOL
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1967 C10, LWB, 250, Powerglide, PS, PB, 3/4 STATIC DROP |
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#12 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,248
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Quote:
I can't tell by the OP if your windshield is still on, but assuming not. Some excellent videos here. Comments Grumpy?....Nice tip BTW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Xg30Q39Cw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOU_0HpS7To https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zegzxrZ754 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcJ_lU_VpQ
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 Last edited by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402; 01-22-2016 at 12:48 PM. |
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#13 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gods country East,Tn
Posts: 8,545
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Evanston
Posts: 304
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I don't think age plays a part I'm 21 I can install windshields and back glass in about 30 minutes each by myself. They are not hard just go talk to the installer personally they can tell you how comfortable they are with doing it. Also don't bother trying to save the gasket precision makes an excellent product and you will end up costing yourself an hour of time and likely break the windshield anyways. You also need to know what year stainless you have as they changed the depth mid way through the production and the gasket has to match.
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#15 | |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,874
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Quote:
Ive done a few windshields, but none with the trim ... I hear thats the real tricky one to do.
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#16 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,248
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Don't know how tricky, but suffice to say it's got to be perfect. I wonder if anyone can provide a good description how to operate the clips for the frames. Thanks in advance if you would.
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 1,108
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Quote:
We used a professional glass installer because if they break the windshield installing it they provide another one at no charge. You break it, you order another windshield. Grumpy has some good advice, too. POP
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2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND. |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
That should be my key phrase I think - "Auto glass of the vintage with stainless trim in the rubber seal".
Too bad that blue tint doesn't come off with lacquer thinner, I'd be done already!
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I agree, it wasn't about age so much as how many of these you've done, and I presume that the older the installer the greater number he or she has seen, particularly if they've been doing it 25 years, because these were beaters/drivers/just trucks back then.
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#20 |
Tech Help
![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Broken Arrow, OK
Posts: 197
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I would recommend John at Rainier Auto Glass: http://www.fixyourglass.com/
He's done a number of the classic style installs. This install can be tricky and have came up numerous times before, so we made an install video to help out. Let me know if you have any questions. -Derek
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PRECISION Updates Subscribe --->Installation Videos Follow ------->Instagram Like---------->Facebook |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
If I watch the video am I going to wind up doing this myself? A little knowledge is a dangerous thing...
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#22 | |
Tech Help
![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Broken Arrow, OK
Posts: 197
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Quote:
![]() This is the original thread that prompted us to make the video in the first place. It's an interesting read. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...shield+install Some more light reading. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...shield+install Hopefully you won't have the issues that a lot have experienced in these threads. -Derek
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PRECISION Updates Subscribe --->Installation Videos Follow ------->Instagram Like---------->Facebook |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Seattle Washington
Posts: 39
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
davepl- I also had my installer break 2 windshields trying to install with the Percision gasket. There is a guy local in Olympia "Franks Pick Em Up's" I believe, that sells the gasket that we got to work. I think it was like 40 bucks for the rubber. I tried asking wich brand gasket he sells but he refused to tell me. Anyways it worked! Get that and then call around to find someone who knows how to rope in a windshield.
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#24 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: bolivar, mo
Posts: 839
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
Dave,
Go to Youtube--there are at least two videos on windshield installation (ON our Trucks). It really is simple, Ive done about everything to a car----Except glass work---until this build. I called a couple local glass shops---and because of its age, they didn't want to do it (one of them actually told me they didn't know how). I did it in about 45 minutes with the help of my wife to just hold a little pressure on the glass while I pulled the cord and pulled out the gasket . It really is a job Anyone can do with a little patience. I had the same fear as everyone of breaking the glass---but you really don't exert that much pressure.
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1997 shortie stepside 1968 short stepside 1966 mustang 1966 chevelle ss Dont always go the cheapest route--You can save yourself into the poorhouse! My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489030 |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Raymond Ohio
Posts: 45
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Re: Replacing windshield on a freshly painted truck
I've never replaced or installed a windshield of this type. I watched Precision's video a couple times, and my 13 yo and I popped this one in a half hour. On a 2 day old paint job. Although we didn't have to mess with fenders hood and cowl, it went right in. Just took our time, roped the primary lip over and hooked and fingered the pinch weld lip over. The only thing we did different than the video, was use soapy water on the truck and the rope/seal.
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