Windshield Installation Secrets Revealed!

Wish I'd have known that last week.  

How did your install work, Lane ?

Weeeeeell...

Thursday was an exercise in frustration.  After a hour or so in sweltering heat and humidity (heat index >100 outside - worse in the garage) I started to yell a naughty word at high volume and I decided it was time to stop.  It seemed that the curvature of the windshield and the curvature of the aluminum strip at the base were different either horizontally or vertically - or both.  On Friday I loosened some things up and within a few minutes I had everything lined up well enough to work.  It looks fine except that the bottom seal appears to be forced backward, causing the inside part of the seal to lift up at least 1/2" at the end, tapering down over about 6-8" until it meets the top of the dash.  On the previous windshield I had about 1/8" gap, which I was able to fill with some foam weatherstripping so it didn't look bad.  I had to use a bit more (!) this time but for now I plan to live with it.  I could remove the whole shootin' match and try again with Troy's technique, but I am done.  This is a job I don't ever want to do again.  At some point I guess I need to seal things up, but not right now.

So THAT's what I've been doing wrong!  

I always had the third guy sitting off on the side and handing us beers!

Good call Gordon.  If you need a third guy again, give me a call.  I am soooooo glad I was ignorant enough that I didn't know the windshield was such a priss.  I took mine off to add the vinyl on the top of the dash (which was never installed).  No issues.  Set it aside fully assembled.  Then just picked it back up, set it on and bolted 'er down.  Snugged it up tight without thinking about it.   I've even drilled new holes in the top frame for new snaps for the top and somehow didn't hit the glass.  Wish I was that lucky with the lottery.

Good job, Craig.  Sounds like you were careful, nonetheless.I had to dis-assemble mine when I replaced the glass because the passenger side stud, threaded into the bottom of the corner bracket, and its bottom nut are both rusted in place and not coming off.  Still, removing the top frame and slipping the glass up and out isn't all that bad.  It's getting everything to play nicely together when re-assembled that is the bug-a-boo.

I've been amazed at how much "Englishing" and flexing these windshields can take when they like it, but, BOY!  You flex them just a little in the wrong direction and they let you know it!

Sometimes it's better not to know what might happen and just forge ahead.  

Seems to work for me.....

Since it's really a three man job, Robert, Teby and I would need one more man.

Troy Sloan posted:

Since it's really a three man job, Robert, Teby and I would need one more man.

SAY WHAT??

Not sure what you're talking about Troy. I've got mine and I carry it with me at all times. 

I'm getting inundated with PMs suggesting that Teby is the weak link in this chain.  You guys are so cruel.  Even though he is not the most manly man, he is a human being after all and he does have feelings.  Give him a break!

SOC:

Troy Sloan posted:

Since it's really a three man job, Robert, Teby and I would need one more man.

WHAT THE SAM HILL SAMMY HAGAR?!!!!! (that's a lot of cuss words that I cant post)

Well if the truth be known,  IF you ever get the chance to go to "Troy's Parts Emporium" (his home), Troy has several Chinese kids, that you have to step over, assembling his "Cruiser Windows"  in the middle of his living room.

Since he is low on inventory, he thought it would be a good idea for them to install the windshield for him...   Poor kids!!  I think the oldest maybe 13, not sure...

I assure you I have uninstalled and installed my own windshield several times alone and had no problem.. !!   If Robert has his man card, and I do my own windshield installs that only leaves one conclusion...

Tebs.......

See.   I told you Teby has feeling just like the rest of you and he's obviously hurt by all these comments.  The truth is that Teby would give you the shirt off his back, but don't ever take it.   According to Robert, he has a very hairy back and it's a pretty shocking sight. 

A sure sign of manliness right there.

Or apeness.

He's probably quite a spectacle when the moon's full.

Or if he does a Full Moon.

"LOOK OVER THERE!..........Is that uncle Eddy??"

Actually I am quite proud of my luxurious mane of back and ass hair.

Do you have it styled periodically, Ed?

Troy , HELP !!!!  any other tricks , different seals or something I'm missing here ? I've installed my new Windshield EXACTLY like this a week ago and still have a 1/2 to 3/4 inch gap in the front ! any answers ? Next is Alan's way with the wedges and silicone , My windshield seems to be my Achilles Heel , everything else is just another V Dub "BUGGY"

Thanks , Lee 

P.S. I style my hair like a Bowling Ball ! a nice Full Moon does effect other parts though !

Did you correct the mis-match/positioning of the corner posts?  The PO knew they were not in the right place, but rather than fix it properly he performed that windshield attachment "upgrade" but left the posts where they were.  THAT could be a big part of the glass not fitting and kipping up in the front when the bottom corners are sitting flat because the outside lower corners are sitting too low versus the crown of the cowl behind the windshield.  When it's all fitted properly, the bottom of the windshield (the lower frame) should be about 1" back from the rear of the depression of the windshield wiper shaft.  We told the PO all of this, but you've seen the result.

BTW:  Yesterday, I saw Norm, the guy in my club who has the distressed-paint 356 Cabriolet and told him about your "Rusted Patina" Wrap.  Gave him a BIG laugh and grin for a while and he said of you, "Yup, THAT guy 'gets it".

Gordon , The lower frame doesn't fit any of the contours ! I measured it all according to the Template found on this site and they're a little off about a 1/8 inch but loose fit , frame doesn't separate or spread when tightening , I have bought some composite wedges , Also bought a set of used posts off ebay and they seem to have a different angle , just got them today so haven't spent much time checking yet , Thanks for all the help ,, I KEEP AVOIDING THE WINDSHIELD PROBLEMS , Ha Ha , Lee

Lee, confirm that the post holes are in the right place, or not?

Do we have any experienced windshield installers in St. Petersburg, FL that could help out Lee with the install???

Robert , had a guy who use to come to my shop and install windshields and cut glass for my Street rods and Kustoms , mostly flat glass , HE WILL NOT TOUCH IT HE SAID, he's broken a couple already , I called a couple of those places that replace windshields like Starlite , and they said , "A what ?" and laughed , It's going to be the last thing I do on the car , had to buy a new windshield because the previous owner only had a piece of electrical tape separating the glass from the screws !!! Can't afford another one , Got booed off the stage at the Male review the other night , No Respect !

Bill , I used the templates that are posted on here , they are a loose fit with 1/8 inch tolerance either way , Will use Alan's advice and more than likely shim it up when the time comes ,  Thanks

If you have new glass, then use it.  

If you don't then contact Carey Hines at Special Edition (he posts on here) and get new glass from him.  He has these spiffy shipping containers so it'll arrive perfect.  PM me for his email address/phone #

But don't forget Bill's question:  "confirm that the post holes are in the right place, or not?"

That's a big one and the basis for everything else.

 Beyond that, I think I would have to be there.  Remote diagnosis sucks.

post holes are very close an 1/8 close and loose either way , windshield is about an inch from the wipers , It just don't fit , I WILL GET IT !!!! already have a new windshield , had the edges polished Friday at the glass shop to avoid problems , it just tilts back , Lee