47-55.1 47 GMC windshield install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tttuba · 11-26-2025, 12:21 AM

Can someone please help me? I have a 47 GMC truck. I did the bodywork and repainted it the original pimpernel scarlet color. I took all the windows out. I got all the rear ones in but can not get the windshield to go back in. Original glass that came out of the truck. New gasket and chrome strip around the windshield. I can get one side in but when I try to get the other in, it sticks way out at the top and will not go in. There was no repairs to the windshield opening and it was not rusted just stripped down and repainted. I have tried 4 times and can't get it in.

nvrdone · 11-26-2025, 11:25 AM

Have you got the glass in the side it came out of? Sometimes the openings are not the same dimensions. Had that problem with my '49.

leegreen · 11-26-2025, 11:44 AM

A helper, tire bead lube and some fresh new rubber faced work gloves are your friends

there are some youtube videos by the major rubber seal resellers worth watching for tips

I'd look at the first side done and make sure it is fully seated into the frame and as far over as possible....this is where the work gloves come into play, reaching through the door, clamp the glass between two hands and pull it into the corners away from the other side, the sticky new gloves are a grip multiplier.

the second side has to be flat to the frame and held centered in the opening as you rope it in.

having the rubber warm and pliable is a must

tttuba · 11-26-2025, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvrdone

Have you got the glass in the side it came out of? Sometimes the openings are not the same dimensions. Had that problem with my '49.

I know they are in the same side since there was a sticker on one side and it has to be read from the outside.

Thank you

tttuba · 11-26-2025, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leegreen

A helper, tire bead lube and some fresh new rubber faced work gloves are your friends

there are some youtube videos by the major rubber seal resellers worth watching for tips

I'd look at the first side done and make sure it is fully seated into the frame and as far over as possible....this is where the work gloves come into play, reaching through the door, clamp the glass between two hands and pull it into the corners away from the other side, the sticky new gloves are a grip multiplier.

the second side has to be flat to the frame and held centered in the opening as you rope it in.

having the rubber warm and pliable is a must

Thank you. I didn't think about the gloves and the tire bead lube. My theory was that the glass was not going all the way into the middle strip but I couldn't get it to move anymore. . And the rubber gloves sound good as I could get a better grip.

**mr48chev** · 11-26-2025, 02:38 PM

The factory instructions are here https://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.co...ruck/index.htm

Click on body then click on 1-3 windshield glass. They are showing how to replace one broken piece of glass at a time.

I've done it by myself but it really isn't a one person job.

tttuba · 11-27-2025, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The factory instructions are here https://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.co...ruck/index.htm

Click on body then click on 1-3 windshield glass. They are showing how to replace one broken piece of glass at a time.

I've done it by myself but it really isn't a one person job.

So it also appears they put the chrome strip in AFTER the glass goes in. They videos I have seen say to put it in BEFORE installing the glass in the rubber channel and installing it into the opening. Should it be AFTER the windshield is installed?

**mr48chev** · 11-27-2025, 06:28 PM

I really don't know if glass or stainless strip goes in the rubber first. I've aways put the rubber on the glass, set the whole thing up on the cab with the bottom setting somewhat where it has to go and worked the glass in with a rope and the tools to move the lip of the rubber around on the inside.

The "garnish molding" they are talking about is the inside window molding not the stainless trim strip.

tttuba · 11-29-2025, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvrdone

Have you got the glass in the side it came out of? Sometimes the openings are not the same dimensions. Had that problem with my '49.

So today I put the windshield in without the chrome mldg. It went on pretty easy but it needs some minor adjustments to be correct. I will try to do the mldgs after that. I hope I can still get those mldgs on.

tttuba · 12-20-2025, 04:10 PM

Could not get the chrome mldgs in after and when I tried getting the assembly out I broke one side. Ordered another set and rubber. Oh well it's only money right?

e015475 · 12-21-2025, 01:56 PM

FWIW-

I put the window in my '49 with the perimeter stainless trim installed. I took two of us about 4 hours and the results were unsatisfactory with the seal puckered up in the corners.

I found a glass shop that said they did classic cars. They had out and reinstalled in less than a half hour. They did shave a little off the edges of the repo glass I used to get it to fit better.

Here in AZ, soapy water doesn't last too long in the heat. I went to the big box store and bought some of the lube they use for pulling wire through conduit. Stayed slippery longer and was easy to clean up

11-26-2025, 12:21 AM	#1
tttuba Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Olympia WA Posts: 186	47 GMC windshield install Can someone please help me? I have a 47 GMC truck. I did the bodywork and repainted it the original pimpernel scarlet color. I took all the windows out. I got all the rear ones in but can not get the windshield to go back in. Original glass that came out of the truck. New gasket and chrome strip around the windshield. I can get one side in but when I try to get the other in, it sticks way out at the top and will not go in. There was no repairs to the windshield opening and it was not rusted just stripped down and repainted. I have tried 4 times and can't get it in.

11-26-2025, 11:25 AM	#2
nvrdone Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Moxee WA Posts: 1,698	Re: 47 GMC windshield install Have you got the glass in the side it came out of? Sometimes the openings are not the same dimensions. Had that problem with my '49. __________________ 49 chevy 3100 3 window. 327 / m21 4 spd, 12 bolt w/ 3:55's Bought in 1973 for $235.00. Had it longer than my wife & Kids!!

11-26-2025, 11:44 AM	#3
leegreen Registered User Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Surrey BC Posts: 1,397	Re: 47 GMC windshield install A helper, tire bead lube and some fresh new rubber faced work gloves are your friends there are some youtube videos by the major rubber seal resellers worth watching for tips I'd look at the first side done and make sure it is fully seated into the frame and as far over as possible....this is where the work gloves come into play, reaching through the door, clamp the glass between two hands and pull it into the corners away from the other side, the sticky new gloves are a grip multiplier. the second side has to be flat to the frame and held centered in the opening as you rope it in. having the rubber warm and pliable is a must

11-26-2025, 02:38 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 16,391	Re: 47 GMC windshield install The factory instructions are here https://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.co...ruck/index.htm Click on body then click on 1-3 windshield glass. They are showing how to replace one broken piece of glass at a time. I've done it by myself but it really isn't a one person job. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

11-27-2025, 06:28 PM	#8
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 16,391	Re: 47 GMC windshield install I really don't know if glass or stainless strip goes in the rubber first. I've aways put the rubber on the glass, set the whole thing up on the cab with the bottom setting somewhat where it has to go and worked the glass in with a rope and the tools to move the lip of the rubber around on the inside. The "garnish molding" they are talking about is the inside window molding not the stainless trim strip. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

12-20-2025, 04:10 PM	#10
tttuba Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Olympia WA Posts: 186	Re: 47 GMC windshield install Could not get the chrome mldgs in after and when I tried getting the assembly out I broke one side. Ordered another set and rubber. Oh well it's only money right?

12-21-2025, 01:56 PM	#11
e015475 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Show Low, Arizona Posts: 844	Re: 47 GMC windshield install FWIW- I put the window in my '49 with the perimeter stainless trim installed. I took two of us about 4 hours and the results were unsatisfactory with the seal puckered up in the corners. I found a glass shop that said they did classic cars. They had out and reinstalled in less than a half hour. They did shave a little off the edges of the repo glass I used to get it to fit better. Here in AZ, soapy water doesn't last too long in the heat. I went to the big box store and bought some of the lube they use for pulling wire through conduit. Stayed slippery longer and was easy to clean up



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