I just read the tech reference on windshield R&R and what i read will help me a lot on installing my new glass. However,,, it talks about a 65 chevelle. Has anyone had any experience installing one on a 70? What size window weld ribbon should i use,3/8 or 5/16? I'm sure the two different sizes would determine how the windshield moulding looks once its installed.
Thanks

I have installed windshields before on several 68-75 GM cars. I don't think that I even bothered to check the size of the window weld ribbon. 1/16" of an inch might not matter all that much.

Zak350;

Yes, the 1/16 of an inch does seem to make a difference as far as replacing the trim. (I wrote the techref) On the side windows (on my 2 door wagon), I had to remove and replace them in order to get the trim back on. There was no way that the trim would go on with the 3/8.

I still haven't gotten the front windshield trim on totally correct and just can't stand the idea of R&R'ing it also. I guess it's something that just has to be done.

SO, it's a learning thing and if you want, you can learn from my mistakes!

Of course, the easy thing would be to have a shop do it.

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference section
Gold Member #5

Glass is always tricky (trust me--had to do the rear glass on my '70 twice, the 2nd time was the right way)

Be very careful as the windshield is lamenated, not tempered glass. This means it is very fragile and prone to cracking/shattering.

Also, if equipped (or was equipped) with a factory radio, you have the special "hidden" windshield antenna. This means the windshield itself contains to tiny wires that are the radio antenna.

You must take care to connect the "pig tail" connector back into the cowl plug (this is what links the radio antenna wire to the actual windshield. Also some adhesives used in window installs can short out the antenna connections if you're not careful.

Bring this up when purchasing or having a window installed. Not all vehicles have a hidden antenna (radio delete vehicles for example), but ALL factory '70-72 Chevelles, El Caminos, Monte Carlos, Wagons, etc. were given windshield antennas if a radio was ordered. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

Joe

-auto radio repair tech
-building team chevelle's radio info pages

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Long live non-computerized fuel and fire!

Thanks to all who replied.
I recently R&R'd my rear glass which was really easy, since it was almost falling out, but this will be my first attempt at doing the windshield and i would like to do it right the first time. Maybe when the time comes to do it, ill give a few glass places a call to see what they charge. It might be worth it
Thanks again

Zak,
I am one of the strongest advocates for doing work yourself on yur car. But this is one area where I think you should consult a glass shop, for several reasons. It takes a special tool to go under the glass and cut the seal. A glass pro can tell you which seal will be best. If you crack the new glass, you eat it, if he cracks it, he eats it. If you have a little rust in the corners (fairly common), he can treat/remove/fill it in.
I would shop around for a mom/pop type place that has been in business for 25-40yrs and see if they would mind if you hang around and watch so that you can see what it takes to replace one.
If you do go to a shop, please ask them to COMPLETELY REMOVE ALL of the old seal/sealer. Some of the chain glass shops just squeeze out sealant from a caulking gun and slap the new glass in http://www.chevelles.com/forum/mad.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/mad.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif .

I just had one installed in my 70 conv last month. The place I went to is not a place where I would take a dead cat!! (I almost didn't use them) It was a Dad/Son shop, and they were quick/effecient/careful (they recoginzed my car was special and took a lot of care not to scratch it) and only $15 more than one of the "speedy" type chain glass shops. I WILL GO BACK!
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Tom Parsons

[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 05-05-2000).]