Windshield Install [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Windshield Install


jmw
Feb 29th, 00, 4:02 PM
I have the tech ref #1 printed out and the Fisher Body manual and the 3M tape kits and primer and am going take a shot at installing both the front and rear glass on my 67. Two things.

1. I've been to a few large auto parts places and no one has the suction cup tools to handle the glass. Anyone got a good source?
2. Any do's and don'ts beyond what I already have would be appreciated.

Oopps, sorry Al, violated my own rule here, feel free to slide this one over to the Body Shop.
jmw

[This message has been edited by jmw (edited 02-29-2000).]

rick
Feb 29th, 00, 8:58 PM
If you have 3 bodies you shouldn't need the suction cups. 1 - inside & 1 on each side of the car to set the glass in straight. The person inside can help lower the glass & make small adjustments. My son & I did his camaro (no experience) and it wasn't a big deal.
rick

Clark
Feb 29th, 00, 9:19 PM
jmw
I replaced the front window on my 71 with the help of my wife but I dont claim to be an expert. This is what I did.

Make sure the window channel is clean and rust free. Lay the window in the channel and position it so you have an even gap all around. you can use a couple of small blocks of wood as a spacer to support the bottom of the window. (some installation kits come with them) Once the window is positioned correctly you have to mark the window and the window channel. I placed masking tape a few places around the edge of the window and channel and then made marks with a pencil.( the idea here is to mark everthing so you can easily place the window in the same position on your first try.) Once your happy that everthing is in position and marked remove the window, leave the little wooden blocks on the lower channel. Lay in your window weld tape all the way around the channel and put a little sealer where the ends of the tape meet. ( I positioned my tape so the ends met at the bottom of the window)

Now you are going to need a buddy with a steady hand. With you and your buddy on opposite sides of the car pick up the window and place it on the little wooden blocks that you left on the lower window frame DO NOT LET THE WINDOW TOUCH THE RIBBON TAPE YET.
Center up the window on the blocks so that it matches your marks. If every thing is lined up and spaced correctly all you have to do is lean the window back into the channel and it should be lined up. (you can reach in through the door with one hand to help control the window)

Caution: The window tape is some sticky stuff, once it makes contact with the window you are commited. Dont let it touch until you are sure everthing will line up correctly.

As I said earlier I did this with my wife so its not to hard, But it did challenge my patience.

Clark

von
Mar 1st, 00, 5:10 AM
I installed the front and rear glass on my '69. During "dry" fitting, after finding the correct position, I put a piece of masking tape on the center bottom of both window and body panel. Then marked a matching line on both with pen. One of the most important steps is doing a nice job on the sealing ribbon installation. A sloppy job here means the glass to ribbon seal may have gaps in it that may be impossible to seal by pushing on the glass. Also, if any body work or straightening is done on the channel pinch weld, it must be smooth and straight to get a good seal. Use the little rubber setting blocks provided with the 3M kit to locate the glass bottom. You may have to trim them a little. It helps if the installation is done in warm conditions to make the ribbon more "fluid". Only use a suction cup to lean the top of glass in after the bottom is in place. Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone have suction cups.

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von '69 300 Dlx SS Murphy's Law is always in effect

Wes V
Mar 1st, 00, 9:55 AM
JMW;

When I did the window on my 64 (and did the "techref"), I did it by myself. Keep in mind that the early windshields are a lot smaller and easier to handle.

I'd recommend that you have at least two people!!! One other recommendation that may sound funny is that before doing the job, agree who is in charge of "positioning" and when to drop it in place. That way, the two of you don't work against one another.

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference section
Gold Member #5

Vitriol
Mar 1st, 00, 10:58 AM
Just a few tips I've heard, I've never done it myself, but better to be safe...

Don't grab the edges of the glass, the oils/dirt/etc. in your hands may inhibit proper sealing.

Don't skimp on sealing compund (whatever you use), buy the good stuff.

Wait at least 10 hours before driving.

Feel free to add or make any corrections.

Kevin
Mar 1st, 00, 1:57 PM
Why not call a glass comapany and have them come out and do it for you? The cost is minimal ($80 total) and the worry is zero.

jmw
Mar 2nd, 00, 4:46 AM
I called several and they all would not install glass they didn't furnish. One wanted $400 just for the front glass, not including install. I got both front and back for less than $200 (including shipping. Also I have heard they do not use the ribbon sealer as original, which may affect how deep the glass sits in the channel and make the trim not fit right.

Thanks for all the replies, I'm giving it a go this weekend.

jmw