CMC windshield install question

The gaskets for the posts are visible if you look at the car from the outside. It's my opinion that using the dash cover as the gasket wouldn't look as finished / correct as the gasket from Sierra Madre.

I know you want to get the car done so you can enjoy it. My suggestion is to order the gaskets. You will be happier with the results. You're doing a great job on the build so far, no reason to cut corners on ten dollars in parts.

I just installed my windshield, so I will try to help. There are gaskets available for the posts from Sierra Madre, etc. They wrap around the bottom of the post. However, I cut gaskets to fit the shape of the posts using 1/16" black rubber gasket material. (McMaster-Carr) Another option, from guys on here, is to use VW fender welt under the bottom aluminum frame and then wrap it around the bottom of the posts. I thought the same thing on the rod, at first. But, notice that the rod is at about a 45 deg. angle to the dash. It angles back towards the lower edge of the windshield and pulls the frame and glass down towards the gasket. Mine sticks thru the bottom of the dash about an inch. I made a collar to go on the rod, under the dash, that is cut at a 45 on one end and square on the opposite end for the nut to seat on. Hope this makes sense. James

Plus 1 to what James said. Once it's installed, you will find that it's just about the right size.

I do have the manual but I'm not seeing anywhere showing a gasket for underneath the side windshield posts, is it because the CMC vinyl dash is longer and goes between the body and the post which acts like a gasket? Regardless can I get away with that instead of ordering/waiting for a gasket? Also, the center tension rod I ordered from VS looks to be much longer than I need (about 4").

 

No the dash vinyl does not go under the corner posts.

 

Porsche had a rubber gasket just for the corner posts, available from International Mercantile or Sierra Madre, which should go there but, instead, what Alan Merklin and I have used is a roll of VW fender welting under the lower, metal trim piece, which we extend out around the corner posts as a way of gasketing everything and finishing it off.  The welting is a cord bead with vinyl wrapped around it to form a 1" tab along its length.  The tab is inserted under the bottom trim and, when you get to the corner post you just keep going and wrap it under the post all the way around the corner and then neatly tuck the end under the dash mat to finish it off.

 

This does three things: The welting makes a water-proof gasket under the metal trim piece to prevent water incursion under the trim, plus it continuously seals right around the corner posts to prevent any water getting in there, plus it looks great.  Oh, and it's cheap.

 

The VS center strut should fit.  There should not be much of an angle on it.  the bottom of the strut should fit through a hole about 2" behind the bottom of the windshield, and my strut appears to be 14"-16" long.  I made a similar "bushing" for the bottom, under the dash, as James did, angling one end and flat cutting the other so it would fit close under the dash and give the nut a flat to seat on.

If I ever have to install a windshield can I just call one of you guys?

Is this the bug welting mentioned? I like the idea behind it.
Thanks for all the help guys!

Slammed:  Yup, that's the stuff.  Trim as needed to make it fit.

 

Rusty:

 

I'm just a plane ticket away.......You buy the ticket (and I fly Business or better!)

 

I'm waiting for Jim Kelly to need a new windshield install in Fiji........  

Good one, Gordon! I'd be happy to assist

I'm really good at drinkin' beer, if anyone needs help with that...

Me too... I'm in. You buy. I fly. I don't even need a fancy seat. Put me on the wing for all I care! Free Beer?! I'm in. 

 

That said, All this time I assumed 'Slammed23' was big burly dude. This image shows surprisingly small hands and a very nice shade of nail polish.

   

Just goes to show, you never know...

Ted