What would be the best way to replace a winsheild on a 72? Do all the chevelle/elky year winsheilds fit, or are they specific? Could a glass shop just cut/install one for a couple hundred, or is it something special?

Thanks
MadMaxx

72 windshields are readily available. Call around to the "Do It In Your Driveway" outfits. I had mine R&R'd for about $160. Last fall. The windshields themselves are only about $100. at swap meets. I don't think the guy was there for an hour.

Be sure that they use the old style tape sealer- Not the stuff in a tube. The windshield flexes a bit in the frame and the tube stuff does not give.
Also while the windshield is out, check for rust in the sheetmetal.

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Rick72 El Camino (http://members.home.net/jimmy4/rick1972elky.html)
TPI350/700r4
TC#00038
ACES#00140

On Mon I had a new one put in the 70 conv, which has extra chrome molding on the posts. Some of the places I talked to didn't know how to remove the extra trim. I went to this little hole in the wall glass shop where the man had been in business over 30yrs. No problem. He had it done in about 2hrs, took lots of care to remove old sealer, scrape and seal over some rust and charged $225. That may have been a few dollars high, but his care and expertise was well worth it. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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Tom Parsons



[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 03-17-2000).]

I had my 72 front windshield installed a year ago, before I new about this site. So I had a place do it. They used the tube stuff... no problems yet, BUT I can see the goop where it bulges out some. and the driver's side top corner leaks. It was just crappy service, they have been back 3 times and say it's "condisation in the hood" I say "B.S.!" **ask around for a reliable place.


Also most will have a deal that it is $50 to remove and if you buy a new windshield it'll be at a good cost. mine = $150 for windshield removal, new windshield with antenna in it!, and installation.

Have them come out one day to remove it, spend the weekend re-working the channel for rust etc. The new 'tape' won't seal well with flaky rust. Then have 'em come back later and put it in. Also you may need to order the chrome retaining clips. Check with local GM dealer or Ground Up etc.



[This message has been edited by 72chevelle350TH350 (edited 03-17-2000).]

I suggest you do it your self, or at least most of it. Removing the old glass is relitivly easy with a thin wire and vice-grips. I say do it yourself because of the next steps. Remove "ALL" of the old sealer, at this point the odds are very good that you will encounter at least some rust. This "MUST" be removed and treated, then a quality primer and paint applied (brush is ok,just stay inside of the showing paint job). I like to really lay it in thick. At this point you can call in a pro for installation. After he is done, install trim clips then what I do is fill the remaining channel with byutal (like used for sealing around house windows) to insure that no more water can get in there "ever". pop the trim back on and it is fixed for a long time.

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Harley
69 461 El Camino Nitrous Model, 69 Chevelle coupe
70 El Camino,71 SS Camaro
79 Corvette
Kerrville,Tx.
A Camel is a Horse designed by a commitee

I agree with the above comments. When I had mine done last year I checked around for a shop with "EXPERIENCE" on older cars. The shop that did mine, ONLY the owner would do older cars. Someone who is has only been doing this work for a couple years or less is not not experienced with older methods.

I took my car to the shop vs have them do it at my house so the shop owner had everything he needed easily available. The shop is > 15 miles from my house so I layed my old windshield back in place, and used some clear shipping tape to hold it in place.
My rear window traveled in the trunk wrapped in a blanket.

Good luck,

IMPORTANT-

Make sure you specify you want a windshield with the built-in hidden radio antenna if you are using it with whatever radio you have in it. Also beware, that some modern sealants can short out the antenna connections, and the antenna connector pigtail must be installed correctly. A respectable glass shop should know about this stuff. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

Joe

-building team chevelle's radio pages

Madmaxx,
I'm down in Beaufort and the cost to replace mine will be $210. I chose to go with a local guy with a good reputation and pay a little more. As soon as I asked him about a windshield for my 72 his first question was " That has the antenna in the windshield, doesn't it?" There are plenty of "do it in your driveway" companies with good rates. Just check around and see what their rep is. For me the extra few bucks is worth having the job done right the first time. How far are you from Beaufort?

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Honey, its not a $200 hat. The distributor was $200, the hat came with it. kevin d
Maryland Chevelle Club #362
Classic Cars and Trucks of Beaufort #72