Windshield install help!

[Denee007]

Sorry to say that I (Gary and I ), failed at attempt 4! The first by the pros, then me twice) We had the bottom and sides in, but could not get the top in the remaining 1/2"!!!!!! I finally removed the windshield, cleaned it and put it back in my room. I'm greatly disappointed: (. Gary goes back to work tomorrow. I'm contemplating ordering the rubber from Soffseal. I'm told its the best, ha!

Also, We did put the windshield up without the rubber, looks to be ok. I must say the upper pinch moulding is a little wavy. But again, the upper part of the glass would not budge, like it wasn't lubed enough.

Tomorrow I'll clean out the cab, get better lighting for the next go round. I'll call Soffseal tomorrow.
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[NEWFISHER]

Bummer! Sorry to hear but glad the flight's not over.

[OrrieG]

Sounds like the bottom corners are not setting allowing the top to rotate back. Like I said before, the guys that installed mine had to bump it pretty hard to get it to set. I have always heard that Steele was the best, but in you case maybe another will work better. We are rooting for you!!

[_Ogre]

my cab was damaged, i had to call in an old time body mechanic to get my windshield to fit.
he had to jack against the curved portion of the A pillars to fix door gaps and make windshield fit properly.
the channel iron brace is where he jacked on the pass side, the blue line is an exaggerated begin line.
the old timer said ''it's only sheetmetal. it bends, we bend it back'' that is fine tuning hammer in his hand.
he jacked the drivers side the same way, but you can see where the porta-power jack is squaring my door frame back the other way too.
this is the proper way to fix door gaps too, instead of all the welding in of small slivers of metal in door jams.
i would recommend this as a last ditch effort to fix your cab



my doors never fit this well before he did all the jacking of the openings

[Denee007]

Gee Ogre, I wish I had your Hero here! ; )

After a couple more tries today, I took some more measurements. I always get so close and it won't go the 1/4- 1/2" that I need.

Where the rubber "seal" part of the rubber goes on the truck is 18.5", most of the way, a little wavey like I said, some may be even 18.25". (not measuring to the pinch weld, but to the 18.5" mark) The glass itself is 18 and a 1/16".


With the rubber installed on the windshield on a stand, it measures 18 11/16"
the tape on the rubber represents the ledge/seal (underneath this flap) part which I believe is giving me the grief. It's about the thickness that keeping the glass/seal from going further in.


Guess I'll wait on the new soffseal gasket. If it doesn't work I don't know what I'll do! My wrists are very sore from hitting the glass.

[NEWFISHER]

Those are great pics with good information. mabey email them to Soft seal and see if they have some diagrams to go off of?

[Denee007]

You're so kind ; ) I ordered the rubber from them this morning; it was 56.oo shipped. I asked the lady on the phone, what makes your product more useable? She just said it's a softer rubber (me~ compared to what?"). But I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to contact them, never know! They make the rubber, so surely they must have dimensions that they go by to make the rubber. If I knew my opening was "off", then the body shop may be in order.

My husband asks me what if that one doesn't work? I may call a body shop that I have used in the past. Maybe have the truck hauled to his shop and let them have at it. Even if it cost a 1000 or so, would be OK, as it is, bothers me! Or find someone that can shave the glass?
; )

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Those are great pics with good information. mabey email them to Soft seal and see if they have some diagrams to go off of?

[NEWFISHER]

With all of that georgeous metal flake paint, I would hate to see something pop or chip when the body shop uses a port-a-power to massage the shape when you can have it ground at a compitent glass shop on their grinder. If the cab was in primer, sure go ahead and go that direction. I have a budy who owns Willamette Valley Glass and he specializes in Hot Rod glass aka making glass on chop tops etc. Give him a call and ask him about the process of grinding it to fit, it may help answer a few questions or concearns. His number is 541-914-4002 and his name is Jim. I will prelude a phone call to let him know whats going on, mabey he knows of someone in your area?

Pm'ed you with an Idea

[Denee007]

I received the Soffseal rubber today. I put it on the windshield, looks pretty much the same, except when measuring its about 1/8" skinnier, ha! Gary has a busy schedule tomorrow and I don't want to try it alone again. I'm kind of alone on my truck most of the time ( which is fine). I'm not a recluse, but I don't know very many people.
Anyway, putting the rubber around the glass dry, seems to stay on better. Maybe some bubbles like I buy for my grandaughter would be good and slippery. I will get this glass installed


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[_Ogre]

gary shouldn't leave you alone so much
you might get lonely and have an urge
to buy another truck

good luck on the install
may the task force be with you

[Russell Ashley]

Good luck with it this time. It will be interesting to see if the different gasket makes the difference. When I had my last windshield installed the installer used Softsoap in a spray bottle. It's a 50/50 mix with water as it is pretty thin so it will spray easily. He gave me the bottle and leftover soap mix and also the nylon paddle that we were using to work the rubber in. I thought I might be using them but after your experience I might just pay them to do it again.

[Denee007]

I broke the glass, I'm depressed.
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[NEWFISHER]

DANG! on the upside....it's was just the glass and not your hand or the paint

[bondobob]

I had a windshield put in my '82 pickup and the guy used lots of the foamy glass cleaner. On the gasket, glass, and more once it was going in. Good luck. PS: Do you have a single sister? You are amazing! Have a good Christmas.

[Denee007]

You're just saying that to make me feel better aren't you? I'd be amazing if I had gotten this windshield installed! I'm the only girl out of 4, my brothers call me when they have car problems

Jon (newfisher), I have really large bruises, when the suction thing failed to hold, I went flying, I was inside the truck while Gary was pushing(yes he came home to help; )

FYI - I threw the glass after I got it back out of the truck, made me feel a tiny bit better seeing smash onto the sidewalk!!!

Originally Posted by bondobob

I had a windshield put in my '82 pickup and the guy used lots of the foamy glass cleaner. On the gasket, glass, and more once it was going in. Good luck. PS: Do you have a single sister? You are amazing! Have a good Christmas.

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[NEWFISHER]

FYI - I threw the glass after I got it back out of the truck, made me feel a tiny bit better seeing smash onto the sidewalk!!!

NIIIICE!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Is it a new windsheild? I had one put in my 69' Chevy and the glass was 1/4" too high on one corner so it wouldn't let it slip in there. Once the glass guys sanded down the corner it slipped right in. We found this out after fighting it all day and ruining one gasket

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Denee007

FYI - I threw the glass after I got it back out of the truck, made me feel a tiny bit better seeing smash onto the sidewalk!!!

some times it feels good to break things

was this glass in your truck to start with?

[Denee007]

The truck didn't have glass in it.

Originally Posted by _Ogre

some times it feels good to break things

was this glass in your truck to start with?

[Divine 59]

Denee,

I could measure my cab if you need dimensions to compare with. I currently do not have glass in mine. I also have my old glass sitting in the garage. It has a few bullseyes so I will have to replace it. Let me know what you need measured? It may take two to get the glass where I can measure it though.

[arturo7]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. What did you do with all the broken glass? Maybe you could make a sculpture. Title it "Pain in the Glass."

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Denee007

The truck didn't have glass in it.

Unfortunately you may be finding out why. Welded fenders may be another clue. It may have sustained a tee bone and side to side may be off. Take devine up on his offer and or I can measure mine too. I know my truck has never been in an accident.

[Denee007]

Divine, I believe this could be greatly beneficial to others as well as I ! If you should find the time and the help to get the measurements, I would certainly appreciate it; ).. I have a book on measurements, but I can't figure out how it works. I think it's mainly for spot welds. We need a section specifically for instances like this.
; ) dne'

Originally Posted by Divine 59

Denee,

I could measure my cab if you need dimensions to compare with. I currently do not have glass in mine. I also have my old glass sitting in the garage. It has a few bullseyes so I will have to replace it. Let me know what you need measured? It may take two to get the glass where I can measure it though.

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[waybad]

wow,, I was thinking of taking my windshield out because the top drivers side gasket is not fully in, but after this thread I might wait till it falls out,,LOL... I drive it everyday,,,,,
don't get discouraged,,, it's called hotrodding for a reason.. you get hot and want to throw a rod!!!!! keep at it!!

[Divine 59]

Denee,

I will measure my cab windshield in a couple of places top to bottom (the center and near the point where the bottom starts to curve). I will also measure the corner to corner dimension (straight across). Perhaps this will help you to figure out the problem. If you need anything else please let me know.

Steve