questions about replacing a 1957 3100 windshield

[hplacecf]

hi.

I have a 1957 3100 step side.
I am working on getting it up and running, and am making some progress....

so, the windshield needs to be replaced (numerous small dings and small cracks). the rubber part around the windshield is rock hard (and looks like it might be original).

I am somewhat handy, but not sure if this is something that I am up to.

questions:

for anyone who has done it, how hard is it to do? any suggestions on how to proceed, and lessons learned?

any threads to links where I can find information on this task?

would a regular auto glass shop be able to do it, or is this something left to restorers (or people like us)?

thanks in advance!

[2Jhead]

I did mine myself, it is very doable. It seems to be a common problem to get the new glass to seat at the lower corners. I had one very troublesome corner. What I ended up doing was glue it in place at this corner. Used a ratchet strap to hold it tight untill the glue set up. Has been flawless after that. All u need is some rope, new rubber, a ratchet strap to hold it while you work the gasket. No need to use any lube or soap or anything like that, these aren't that tight a fit. You'll be fine this is not the hardest job on these trucks, at least it wasn't on mine

[lowrodderchev]

I'll let u know in a few days doing mine Wednesday check local glass shops before buying on line save liked $80 buying locally

[Nordic]

I bought mine from a local glass shop and let them install it, cost about $60. for the install but figured it was cheap compared to me cracking it going in.

[_Ogre]

the glass shop will learn on your truck just like you will learn on your truck
rarely will you find a shop that has anyone experienced in replacing rubber gasket windshields
2 of us did the windshield on truk in about an hour using new rubber and old glass

cut the old rubber out with a razor knife and clean out the install surface
install rubber on glass, install a rope in the groove starting and ending in the middle on the bottom
set the bottom edge on the rubber on to the opening and start working the rope out as the windshield works it way into the opening
one guy inside working the rubber and rope, one guy outside pushing on the glass

you may need to do some repair to the windshield frame when you pull the old glass out

[Cape Codder]

I would soap the rubber, But then I have only done it a dozen or so times. If the windshield isn't positioned perfect it will bind. If it is lubed it will move to where it needs to be.

[pbeguy]

Sprayway Foaming Glass Cleaner ( get it at Home Depot ) is what a LOT of glass installers use for the lubricant. Safe for fresh paint and is alcohol based. Leaves nothing behind. And it cleans the glass streak free afterwards.
Ps. It is a great hand cleaner also.

[buggy5872]

Try to find a made in usa windshield. I had one from mexico that was not even close to the same shape and really thin......I ended up breaking it after fighting with it for a couple hours.....went and dug through my stock of old windshields and had an original in 20 minutes later.

[lowrodderchev]

Starting to see why so many trucks don't run the stainless around the windshield its a pain to put in

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by lowrodderchev

Starting to see why so many trucks don't run the stainless around the windshield its a pain to put in

I bought my new windshield and rubber gasket from a local shop that specializes in classic vehicles, but I already had the new stainless trim. I paid them to install the windshield and they said no extra charge for installing the trim. When I picked it up they told me it was a PITA and took twice as long to install as a glass with no trim. They said they would charge extra for installing the trim from then on.

[lowrodderchev]

Yeah I've pulled my window 4 times �� losing my marbles

[papastrk]

Ogre explained in his post exactly the way we replaced these when I worked in a body shop back in the 70's. You should be able to do this yourself. Just follow Ogre's post. The guy on the outside should hold pressure on the glass where the inside person is pulling on the rope. Just enough pressure to move the glass in with the seal. Too much pressure will make it difficult to pull the seal lip over the edge of the opening. There is a special hook that is used for pulling the rubber seal into place also. You can lightly tap the glass with the flat of your hand as you work around the corners to get it to seat correctly. I don't think the fit of the import glass and rubber seal is as good as the original was. The seal fit in the lower corners on the TF trucks is definitely not right. I have been told that some of the seal brands are better than others. The guys here on this forum can help with what brands are the best. Hope this helps

[Cape Codder]

And if using the chrome trim it is put in the rubber before installing in the truck. That sometimes is tough to keep in place while roping it in. The 74 and up square bodys had the trim go in after with a special tool.

[lowrodderchev]

⬆ what he said I did the rope soap and everything including spit but its a pita to keep that trim on I got the seal in without trim no problem so thinking not running trim :'( or trim the lip on the trim and push it tight enough it will stay

[Dan in Pasadena]

Since no ones mentioned it yet I will, use Steele Rubber Co. rubber. Nothing else is as good. Yes, it IS more expensive but I've never heard anyone have anything negative to say about it.

My truck windshield was all pecked; nearly sandblasted, the rubber was Rock hard and coming off in chunks. I DIDNT use Steele because I am not doing final paint yet, when I do it'll only be Steele.

[55dude]

the glass and gasket quality vary widely! lots of junk out there and these wrap around windshields take lots of patience to get in correct without breaking!

[lowrodderchev]

For me gasket not the issue its the stainless that is lol

[BIGglaSS]

Is the windshield rubber gasket reusable if you install the window to test fit during bodywork? I'd hate to get through paint and body only to find out that the window doesn't fit right.

[lowrodderchev]

Gasket fit perfect no issues I installed it without the trim I got tired of fighting the trim window would be in and trim would come loose and not be in right

[gono]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

cut the old rubber out with a razor knife and clean out the install surface
install rubber on glass, install a rope in the groove starting and ending in the middle on the bottom
set the bottom edge on the rubber on to the opening and start working the rope out as the windshield works it way into the opening
one guy inside working the rubber and rope, one guy outside pushing on the glass

you may need to do some repair to the windshield frame when you pull the old glass out

When do you install the windshield trim piece? I referring to the one at the base of the windshield. I would assume after the windshield is installed, but haven't done it yet. thanks.

[starterman99]

i installed mine having the wife and son holding it from outside while I pulled small rope from inside. I made up a squirt bottle of water and dish soap about 10 to 1 and gave it a couple squirts if it was starting to bind up. It also helped the glass slide in the rubber when I got to the last edge and it was off center a little. I also used a radiator hose hook tool from snap on that could slide between rubber and windowframe. I think it helps to lay the rubber in the sun for a little to help it be more pliable to work with.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by gono

When do you install the windshield trim piece? I referring to the one at the base of the windshield. I would assume after the windshield is installed, but haven't done it yet. thanks.

not sure it would matter, but if it's out leave it out.
less to get the paint scratched on

[gono]

ok. thanks!

[oldcouple]

And buy your gasket as close to the date you plan to install the glass, from a high volume sales place. That way you won't get stock that has been setting on the shelf for years. It tends to get hard with age, I knew a guy that had his for ten years in the box, was worthless. Work on a hot day helps, and soak it in a bucket of nearly boiling soapy water while getting ready. Clean every inch of the metal. I used the LMC brand, only had it a month before install, sealed up great. Soap makes it stick to the glass after it dries, so no sealer needed.