WindShield Story & Question

[rcorkren]

You all will not believe this... I am in the process of painting my 1972 Truck, and the windshield was out and sitting in blankets on the hood of my 1972 Chevelle. When I went to move the windshield and uncovered it... it was cracked straight in half - I was pissed.

The windshield was out of the truck when I bought it.

I am going this weekend to grab one from the junk yard. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting the new glass out of the donor truck without cracking it?

[Piston]

Take a VERY sharp knife and carefully cut the inside lip of the rubber gasket( inside the truck)and start praying...

Oh be sure to remove the stainless steel trim (if it has the deluxe trim package)

[rcorkren]

Thanks... I have been diggin all the pics you have on the site - I especially like the dash with aftermarket gauges. A buddy and I were just talking about that.

[Hutch]

The windshields are best left to glass pros.
My advice have it done by a glass shop and stress the fact to them that you do not want any leaks.
Get a warranty also.
You can do it yourself with some cord inserted into the grove.
Take your time and use a lot of lubricant.
I would also use a new seal but be aware the aftermarket ones are sometimes harder to get right, there is also the added difference of the one with the stainless trim.

A lot of boardmembers have learned the hard way by breaking their new glass.

[bobs409]

Most if not all junkyards won't allow you to remove a windshield. (at least not around here)

If they want your money, make them take it out.

[68_c10_on20s]

i just put a new one in my truck last weekend needles to say i cracked it putting it in i was pissed too next time ill have a pro do it,back window was no prob just the front tha sucked...

[69sixpackbee]

I put mine in, trim and all and it is not that difficult. I sprayed alot of mold release (silicone) around the opening and the gasket itself, used the cord in the channel and started in the BOTTOM first. Others stated top in first but that method is way too hard. It takes alot of force to break a windshield. Patience and a couple of helpers and a couple good suction cup devices and it is a snap. But if you are not that ambitious or feel that you are not capable then spend the $$ and have the pros do it. BTW, I used a NEW gasket that I purchased from Chevy Duty and it fit real well.
Good luck!

[Slammed67]

I agree with 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee ....... it can be done with a little patience, silicone lube, and a couple extra hands. I've installed (and reinstalled) the windshield on my '67 and have also installed one on my '57 Bel-Air with no problems. Hoever if you don't feel up to the challenge, then have a shop do it.

[crazy longhorn]

Do yourself a favor......with fresh paint, a new pc of glass will really make it look nice Used glass tends to have scratches(some very fine), but it detracts from the beauty of the truck. I agree about setting that sheild, they can be a pain. If you arent up to it, pay a few bucks extra & let the shop do it(if they break their glass, its still theirs!) If you do tackle the job, you will want to start at the BOTTOM ,as 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee suggested. I have set a few of them, but I worked in glass for about 10yrs. Good luck,crazyL

[cojnit]

Had a professional come over and install mine. He gave me a how to lesson at the same time. He said it was easy and I could do it myself next time.

he first outlined to make sure you use enough silicone spray to cover the gasket. then use some rope that is large enough to fill the channel in the part of the gasket that will touch the truck body.start from the top and have the two ends of the string meet at the middle on the bottom and overlap each other.

Then have someone help you move the glass into place and set it in bottom first. Rest the weight of the glass on the bottom edge.

make sure the rope filled channel is resting on the lip of the windshield frame. Use a screwdriver or windshild pick to bring the inside edge of the gasket into the cab and over the lip of the frame. Work it across the bottom edge so that the gasket is now completely inside the lip.

Pick one side of the rope and begin to pull it out of the channel allowing the frame to fill the channel, and also allows the lip to remain surrounding the frame.

Continue to do this until you reach the top edge of the glass and frame. when you reach the top, firmly pat the glass in a downward motion allowing the glass to settle in the frame. keep doing this periodotically as you move the rope across the top.

It is important to keep the inside edge of the gasket inside of the frame. The "firm" patting is important to help the glass and gasket settle into the lip.

did I forget anything??