[GatorsUF]

Is this something I could do myself? I have never done it but I am very good at learning how. My 68 currently has no windshield and there is no glue/rubber around the frame, just the metal.

I have the windshield already, just curious about the process and the products needed.

I also need to install the rear window, what items are needed for that. I do not have the rear window, but Safelite wants to charge $400 to supply and install.

 

[looks_aint_everything]

Yes, Sean you can do it! You need to prepare the metal, buy some butyl tape on a roll, put it on the glass, and get a helper to put the glass in. There is a super long and detailed write up on it somewhere on this site. I think if you use the search feature and type in "windshield" you will find it.

 

[Raven1]

Supposed to be installed with urethane. You can do it if you can apply it correctly and neatly. I pay about $175 for new rear glass including installation at my shop.

 

[GatorsUF]

Wow $175 total? Awesome, I am going to call some local auto glass shops in the morning to see. $175 is very doable.

I will search for that write-up thanks!

 

[Raven1]

Wow $175 total? Awesome, I am going to call some local auto glass shops in the morning to see. $175 is very doable.

I will search for that write-up thanks!

A glass shop with liability insurance and follows it's requirements will not use butyl for windshield installation. Glass and installation prices vary widely.

 

[Gary56]

Supposed to be installed with urethane. You can do it if you can apply it correctly and neatly. I pay about $175 for new rear glass including installation at my shop.

Just curious. Why do you say 'supposed to be'? Glass wasn't installed with urethane till around 1980 if I remember correctly. I agree it's a lot better material, but harder to cut if you ever have to remove it again. I guess that doesn't matter if you're paying someone else to do it anyway.

 

[Raven1]

Just curious. Why do you say 'supposed to be'? Glass wasn't installed with urethane till around 1980 if I remember correctly. I agree it's a lot better material, but harder to cut if you ever have to remove it again. I guess that doesn't matter if you're paying someone else to do it anyway.

Been discussed numerous times. Thiokol was originally used until urethane replaced it. Butyl was not used on these cars as it would not pass MVSS frontal impact requirements. Some shops do their own glass. We did them occasionally but subbed it out when I was in collision. For what the glass shop charges me it's not worth it to get involved now that I only do restos. Ever see a glass tech slice quickly through urethane?

 

[CoolBlueGlow]

Just had my windshield installed. He came to my house and put it in in less than an hour, for $85. I had done all the prep work. Car was totally ready. I put my own chrome back on.

I had already put in my own back glass,or I would have paid him another $85 to do that too!

Urethane is correct and very durable if properly done.

Worth paying a pro, IMO. Find one who will work with you.

Note: I did EVERYTHING else on my car, including all mechanical, paint, bodywork, electrical, brakes, rear end rebuild, the works...total frame off restoration...and I still think it was a good idea to pay a glass pro for the windshield install - at least.

Just my opinion

 

[Alan F]

I've done it myself with butyl in the past. There was a time when purists would argue that the older cars don't need to make the windshield part of the structural integrity of the body by using urethane. But I would now use urethane just for a superior seal. And yes I'd pay someone to do it too. I'm almost at that point with my current project.

 

[douglee25]

If you decide to install the window yourself and use urethane, the trick to laying down urethane is to not apply it like you would caulking. Cut the tip size to about 1/2"-5/8". Apply pressure on the gun and hold it above the surface about 3". Let the bead lay and walk the gun backwards while keeping it above the surface. Urethane is super thick, so it won't run. Once you get back to where you started, overlap the beads by 1" or so. 2 tubes usually do a windshield.

Doug

 

[GatorsUF]

Local auto glass guy quoted $380 for new rear glass and installation for front and back.

 

[Raven1]

Local auto glass guy quoted $380 for new rear glass and installation for front and back.

Better make sure he applies the urethane primer to the glass so it does not show beyond the moldings, and it's not a horrible mess when done.

 

[Tod74]

I've done several myself with the butyl....out of ignorance. Never had a problem but never crashed one either. Until I came here I never knew it was wrong.

 

[757driver]

Just had my 64 done. Front glass was cheap, back glass was EXPENSIVE! Installer used urethane, super quick and neat as a pin. Installed my trim while urethane was still soft so the glass was at proper level. It turned out great.

Jerry:beers::beers:

 

[MikeMalibu]

If the installer has as steady hand, the black primer can be painted about 1 inch around the perimeter to "hide" the urethane and, more importantly, the ugly pinch weld. Ask around your area for a pro that does old cars. They will know how much urethane to apply so that the mouldings fit correctly. My installer used small spacers that were covered by the urethane when the window was set. Buytle doesn't work in my area because the summer temperatures are too hot. The exposed bead softens and collects dust and lint. I think I paid about $75 for each windshield.