windshield fit

I'm trying to fit a new windshield in a 88 CMC. It looks like I need to trim a little off the middle portion of the bottom of the glass. I'm afraid it will break it I put it in and crank it down. Does anybody know how to trim the glass to fit. Can you use a belt sander or a Dremel or something? Thanks for the info.

Most glass shops have a sander that will do the trick but it is risky.

Look up the article in the Knowledge data base. That or write Dr. Clock (Alan M.)

I found and article on installing a convertable top that refers to two books. Is there another one that deals with windhsields? I was also curious if someone had this problem during their build. Thanks.

Martin the windshield to the car is not a perfect fit, the rubber gasket takes up the slack. Also the top windshield frame should not be drawn down to tighten the windshield, this will cause breakage sooner or later. The side posts should be fit and tightned to the car, then the top windshield frame trimmed to fit firmly against the glass and the gaskets sitting down in the side posts, (this takes several fitting and trimming trials and errors) When you have a good fit, mark the places to drill for the screws that hold the frame to the side posts. It should all come togather with only mild downward pressure on the glass. The center rod and silicone caulking in all seams and joints should result in a nice fit and seal. Mine looks real good. Hope this helps.

Correct position for the windshield is 1/2" rear ward of the wiper post "hump" so to speak ........any more forward and you'll run into wiper arm clearance problem with the lower portion of the arm hitting the lower windshield rubber. Install the posts first hand Snug Only slip the top frame into the posts , ( you must use caution and take your time when threading the frame as it is this ) I have used machine screws and slicing a nut in half to make it very thin on the inner side of the windshield frame. Then install the center rod support also hand tight only. Go back to the posts and Lightly Snug them down ..Do Not tighten more than good and snug
Return to the center support rod and Gently Snug that up ( be Sure that the top of the rod that is bent 90' Does Not Contact the top of the windshield glass or you will be parting with $300 to $400 for your muscle man move....This is all you need to do to bolt in the windshield I've done quite a few installs without breakage following this method.

Alan Merklin

To add...when installing and trying to locate the best fit ... you move the windshield forward and back on the cowl area even just a bit , you'll notice a change in the bottom margin to cowl due to the cowl / body taper
Again 1'2" rear ward form the wiper post "humps" is a best fit

Alan Merklin

How does one know where to put the posts?

Alan......In one post you say 1/2" behind wiper humps, and in the next post you say 1'2". I know theres just a typo there, but please one more time......specifically what is the recommended distance from my humps??????


Thanks

Gary Clarke

Thanks alot guys for the input. I tried the suggestions yall listed and it turns out I didn't need to trim the bottom after all. Got it in with a "dry fit" now and will go back and do it again with sealant.