Windshield install help!

[Denee007]

Steve~ thank you and so pleased to meet you! I'll take some accurate measurements tomorrow as well and post them. I'm hoping that I've just had a bad experience in installing glass as well as the pro's that came out!
dne'

Originally Posted by 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

[Divine 59]

OK, I have taken some dimensions of my cab. I can't say my cab should be "the standard". Here is a crude sketch I made. I hope it helps you out. I also looked through my Factory Assembly Manual. There are "cab checking dimensions" for Fisher Body to verify the cab is built correctly. They have windshield dimensions there, but I haven't figured out the "reference points" yet. Anyway I hope these dimensions help you figure out your challenge. Ask any questions you want, I will try to help.

[Denee007]

Gee Steve, incredible! are you an engineer? Thank you and thank you!! I can see already with the areas that I'm having the most difficulty are the measurments in the 18 3/4" mine is 18 1/2". I just got up, I'll figure out some how to use your template, maybe I can copy your guide and blank out the numbers and install mine and repost. I kind of new this deep down that something was wrong. I'll be back! ; )

Originally Posted by Divine 59

OK, I have taken some dimensions of my cab. I can't say my cab should be "the standard". Here is a crude sketch I made. I hope it helps you out. I also looked through my Factory Assembly Manual. There are "cab checking dimensions" for Fisher Body to verify the cab is built correctly. They have windshield dimensions there, but I haven't figured out the "reference points" yet. Anyway I hope these dimensions help you figure out your challenge. Ask any questions you want, I will try to help.

[Denee007]

[Denee007]

[/QUOTE]

There were no seams inside my truck (inside cab body seam), must have been filled over.

[Divine 59]

Gee Steve, incredible! are you an engineer?

Well, yes I am. What gave it away?

It looks as though the height of your opening for the windshield is "short".
I'm not sure what would be the best way to get the dimensions closer to mine.
I would probably look at one of two avenues of approach.

1) Talk to a glass shop about the problems you experienced with the previous windshield install. It is possible they can grind down the edges of the top portion of the windshield to make it fit your measurements. Not a glass expert, but usually the windshields are laminated so they will stay together when they break. I would think this would be the most cost effective option based on where your truck is (painted etc.)
2) Find a "hero" that could use a hydraulic jack to reshape your cab. Your paint may not "like" this option.
There may be other options, but I think grinding the glass would be the way to go. Other board members on here are pretty sharp, they may have a better idea from their experiences.

Let me know if I can help you with anything else.

[Denee007]

Hi Steve! well, I spoke to a man yesterday that was recommended by a reputable body shop known for installing glass in classics. I told him of the pro's not getting the glass in after 2-3 hours, then the non pro (me) attempted several times without success, then breaking the windshield. He didn't make any comments. I was waiting to hear like something is wrong here? Unfortunately, he looked around for a windshield here in Houston, but there isn't one to be found. I found a PPG NOS windshield with no tint, in Dallas, actually from the same company that I bought my windshield. It was described as having some separation in a few places around the edge, like 3/8" worth. I don't want to drive 4-5 hours one way and not willing to pay 180 s/h either, besides my husband doesn't want me to buy a windshield with already aging to it. When, (with goodness) the windshield is installed, I never want to take it back out.
I guess enough for today, going to ride my motorcycle to chill out!
Thank you again! dne'

Originally Posted by Divine 59

Well, yes I am. What gave it away?

It looks as though the height of your opening for the windshield is "short".
I'm not sure what would be the best way to get the dimensions closer to mine.
I would probably look at one of two avenues of approach.

1) Talk to a glass shop about the problems you experienced with the previous windshield install. It is possible they can grind down the edges of the top portion of the windshield to make it fit your measurements. Not a glass expert, but usually the windshields are laminated so they will stay together when they break. I would think this would be the most cost effective option based on where your truck is (painted etc.)
2) Find a "hero" that could use a hydraulic jack to reshape your cab. Your paint may not "like" this option.
There may be other options, but I think grinding the glass would be the way to go. Other board members on here are pretty sharp, they may have a better idea from their experiences.

Let me know if I can help you with anything else.

[Denee007]

I guess these photos are what convinced me that the windshield may fit. Of course this is before I broke my windshield! Just have to split the difference as I couldn't hold the ws up halfway and take pics.

[mknittle]

It really looks like it would fit.

[Denee007]

I agree! there may be some tight spots, but it looks like it should have fit!before I broke the glass, I was getting kind of happy cause I had it in closer than the pro guys that were here. After the WS cracked, the windshield was really easy to get out. I guess the rigidity of the glass keeps it fitting well.
This next guy that's coming out next time, I'll show him all the data I have and let him make the call. Probably someone that really knows what they're doing would have some difficulty, but get the job done. the next guy quoted 125.oo to install (less the glass of course). Now I have to locate a windshield! ; )

Originally Posted by mknittle

It really looks like it would fit.

[OrrieG]

Just to offer more data, both sides of my opening, above the wiper holes are 18 5/8" and 17 3/4" (where yours are 18 and 17 5/8). In your photo it looks like the passenger side at the top flattens out a bit while the drive side has a slight radius. If you look up inside the headliner hole you might be able to see evidence of an old accident that compressed that side and a good body man hid it. The PO may or may not have known and the previous windshield was probably shaved to fit. Like Devine says trying to jack it back up might cause a whole bunch of problems at this point (buckling the cab top or top leading edge, popping loose the shaved seams, etc.). I would discuss it with your new glass expert and see if he can custom size the glass (choppers do it all the time).

[Denee007]

I had this one other photo. Thanks Orrie, when I'm back out in the truck, I'll look/feel or look for evidence of work having been done. The body shop that did the work, though reputable, did some naughty repair work all over, and this window opening caught me off guard. I think the paint sold me, but had many underlying things as I got into the truck. Probably should have sold it and taken the loss, would have saved a great deal of agony and money.

Actually the truck, someone in the not so distant future (years) will take the truck apart and fix it correctly or it may have to be even scrapped. But if I can just have a little fun with it, I'll be happy. IT was/is/has/ still a learning lesson of which has proven to be a challenge! and has allowed me to "meet" some wonderful people along the journey~ And even the cost of things, well~ just kind of goes along with rebuilding these old vehicles.
; )

[Divine 59]

Denee, when I look at the photo you posted showing the top of the windshield it appears to have a slight bow right where you took the photo. Your dimensions and Orrie's seem to indicate your windshield opening is about 3/8" or so small. It doesn't seem like much but it could be just enough to cause all the problems you've been fighting.

Would a glass pro be willing to grind a little off the top? I would not want to trim the flange, the rubber fits into. Let me know if I can help in any other way. Can't do too much but offer my "moral support" since you are way down in Houston. BTW, I lived in Sherman, TX for about 15 years.

[Divine 59]

When I lived in Sherman, I used to order parts for my truck from a guy in Pasadena, TX. I can't remember the name of his business. It has been a while since then too.

[Denee007]

Yes, I know who you're talking about, I bought my radiator from him. He's in Pasadena, he has a small but well stocked building. I don't remember his name. Anyhow, Monday is almost here, so maybe I can get the ball rolling again on this windshield. I guess not much to say until I hear from the guy, thanks everyone! ; ) dne'

Originally Posted by Divine 59

When I lived in Sherman, I used to order parts for my truck from a guy in Pasadena, TX. I can't remember the name of his business. It has been a while since then too.

[oldcouple]

Here is the label off my windshield, should be closer to you than me up here in Wa. If the do have to cut it down, it can be done with a belt sander, just go a little at a time to not overheat the laminate in between the glass, then when done seal the fresh edge with paint so air will not get in to cause bubbles. Actually its a good idea to seal the edges on any new laminated glass just in case, because sometimes the seal is not applied.

[Denee007]

thank you! funny, my glass has the same number, but was Made in China!

Originally Posted by oldcouple

Here is the label off my windshield, should be closer to you than me up here in Wa. If the do have to cut it down, it can be done with a belt sander, just go a little at a time to not overheat the laminate in between the glass, then when done seal the fresh edge with paint so air will not get in to cause bubbles. Actually its a good idea to seal the edges on any new laminated glass just in case, because sometimes the seal is not applied.

[Russell Ashley]

That's the same brand that the glass company installed in my last truck. The installer said that PPG owned Pilkington but I never tried to verify that.

[OrrieG]

The places I circled in red look suspicious to me. The reflections are not uniform and it almost looks like its indented?

[Denee007]

Just got home from getting another windshield. yes, the whole upper part looks~ not very good. I'll contact the new windshield guy and let him cast his eyes upon it, if he thinks he can try, we'll go ahead, if not, then I'll need to let someone, a body shop, do something.

The windshield man will be coming out tomorrow afternoon. I'll post what happens. ; )

Originally Posted by OrrieG

The places I circled in red look suspicious to me. The reflections are not uniform and it almost looks like its indented?

[_Ogre]

you've probably have more experience than a windshield guy on installing glass in a tf truck
try it yourself.
if it is the right one for your truck it will slip right in.
if it fits like the old new one you'll know just what to do with it.

throw it on the sidewalk

[Denee007]

After the newest guys (best in the business I'm told) tried installing the glass twice, they had pointed out the main problems and said it really needs some work on the upper window opening. He showed me the problems and then I understood why IT WILL not go in the normal way. So, we discussed an abnormal way! lol

I really did not want to put the truck in a body shop, so he installed the windshield as he would a modern day car. He ran a large bead of urethane, or whatever it is they use, primed the areas with something, then put the glass in but not resting on the metal,, the glass was kind of floating. The cut one of my windshield rubber to make the outter rubber look good and will come back tomorrow to finish. I'm pleased and it looks great. I just hope the integrity of the cab is ok and won't crack my windshield. I'll live with a cracked windshield if it came to that.
brb! ; )

[arturo7]

Hooray!!

[Russell Ashley]

That's good, I'm glad you finally got it installed. Sometimes at car shows I see cars with chopped tops that have the windshield glued in like that. Nothing wrong with it, in fact might be an improvement over the rubber weather strip. I've never had a windshield that was glued (actually, it's urethane I think) in to leak but can't say that about rubber mounted ones.
Just curious: what exactly was the problem?

[OrrieG]

All modern windshields are installed that way. Any 60-70 car with metal trim usually is installed that way too, I have R&Red my 64 Chevelle back window. I did it buy myself, next time will get help.

Glad it worked out, I suspect the way you are going to use the truck cracking or water leakage should not be a problem.

I to am curious what the problem with the cab is?