63 SWC windshield

[Rainer S.]

I am finally getting to the point of installing the glass on my 63 coupe.
The rear glass (original) went in w/o a hitch. Not so the front windshield.
It will not go in !
I purchased the windshield from a reputable vendor in February this year.
The glass, with seal, will not drop into the opening readyly. It interferes across the top, and especially in both upper corners.
I measured the new glass, and compared it with the measurements of the old windshield and the new one is between 1/4" and 1/2" larger than the old one.
The Vendor stated, that they have not had any problems in the past. (the glass is made in Mexico). They are sending me a new one. (charges will be discussed later)
Is it possible, that the opening of my window mouting area is smaller than it should be, and the previous owner, or the factory, may have installed a smaller unit ?
Can someone, who has a coupe in progress w/o glass, measure the opening on his car ?
I would like the dimensions, where the windshield is almost parallel and diagonally, across the corners.
Additionally, I would like to know, what the dimensions's are YOUR windshield, w/o seal.
With these dimensions, I would know, if the problem is with my window contour or with my new glass.
I will not have my new glass for another week or so, gives me time to measure...

Rainer

[Jack H.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

"Is it possible, that the opening of my window mouting area is smaller than it should be, and the previous owner, or the factory, may have installed a smaller unit?"

I doubt it... We've seen this same issue in the Rocky Mtn Chapter pretty frequently in recent years (reproduction glass is actually LARGER than factory originals).

Members here found replacement shipments weren't right either and took the repro windshield(s) to a local glass shop and had them 'trimed' to the correct dimensions (most have a water cooled glass sanding belt). Once dimensions were made correct, the reproduction glass installed fast and easily!

[Phil P.]

who has the best re-pop ?

well with that info out ,is there a company that has a windshield that will fit without modifications ?

[John D.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Ranier, AS we discussed my 63 was restored twice. Once in 1979-1980 era and just recently. Anyhow back in the late 70's I bought all LOF tinted glass for the car and it fit perfect and was the same as the original glass when the car was new except for the fact of dates and safety float. But the appearance and fit of the glass was 100% exact.
So a friend of mine restored his 63 with all new tinted glass-don't know where he bought it and if I did I wouldn't say here anyhow as that's the way I am. Anyhow his windshield didn't fit for crap. Either did his vent windows. And the tint on the windshield looked like it belonged on a new car. Big wide dark line of tint. No gradual tint at all. I said to myself boy am I happy I stuck to my guns and would not let my friend replace all my glass for the 2nd time around just because of dates. I mean the point hit is peanuts. But the quality of my glass is first class. When you said you were going to install your own windshield I figured Oh Oh. Been ( long ago) Anyhow he cracked the first new one and then "borrowed" my new one just to get his car back together. Sometimes we are better off letting a pro do a job that he is trained to do. Just like the seat covers we buy along with the buns. Better off letting Al Knoch and others put the things on as it's no back yard job. Good luck, John

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

I had all good intentions to have a Pro install my glass, including the rear.
I called (5) glass installers, Harmon, Henderson and (3) others. I even took (1) rear glass and seal to "The Glass Doctor", Hanson Glass. They passed on the job..
I finally got the #5 Vendor to come out, but the Tech did not have the non-hardening bedding compound (3M). Wanted me to get it.
I finally decided to do the rear myself, with a helper, using the correct compound and method.
The rear went in w/o a problem (original glass). I found instructions on the Internet, for a Ford Mustang and Jeep, with similar glass mounting and seal construction.
I then decided to install the front also, but struggled all the way, since it was too large, which I did not realize, until it was too late.
I just could not get the thing in on top and in the corners.
Took it back out, removed the seal and measured it, best as I could. I measured the old windshield, made a paper overlay (template) and compared my findings.
The new windshield is 1/4" larger than the old one, all the way around. That explained it...
I have a new one (same, clear with correct edging) coming from the same Vendor.
If it measures the same as the old one, I will contact the last Installer or others, who will tackle the installation, including grinding the new one to match the old one and the opening.
If the glass fits, it is really not a big deal, as I found with the rear glass.
And it was really not an issue with the cost to have it installed. I just didn't feel the Tech was too experienced, since he didn't even bring the correct sealant. But the Tech would have probably noticed, that the windshield was too large, if he dry-fitted it first, which I did not do. (I expected it to be identical to the old one)
Will keep you posted...

Rainer

[John D.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Ranier, Since you live near Werner maybe ask his advise on what to do. Not being determental of course but he restores a ton of mid years. Good luck for sure. Take care, John

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

John, thats a good suggestion. I will give him a call on Mon...

Rainer

[John H.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Rainer -

Werner won't be back in his shop until next Saturday - he's here in Bahstun with the rest of us.

[Frank C.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Now you boys have made Me nervous. Many years ago I bought all the glass for My SWC from the General save for the windshield which I bought from a local glass shop. They told me at the time you couldn't get LOF glass. Well when I received the first one it WAS LOF, so I had them order another one and it was LOF as well. So I ordered a third one and it was not LOF. Now I'm wondering if they'll fit.

[John D.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Frank, Should fit fine. That's all we ever used. For judging though you take a minimum hit. Without looking I believe it's 10%. So for the entire SWC you will lose about 12 points if it's all LOF. The 3rd glass u got was probably PPG and it was made in my home town. PPG is long gone though. Lot of our locals worked there. Now the huge building is full of offices, etc. John

[Frank C.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

John thx for the input....without going to my shop and looking, I believe the 3rd windshield I got was a Safelite brand. Altho I will never have this car judged, I'm wondering if I would take a hit for having all LOF glass with wrong dates??? Thx Frank

[John D.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Frank, Read my post directly above yours for the answer. Thanks, John

[Dino L.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Rainer,

I am thinking along several other issues....when you lay paper over the glass and compare one windshield to another...you are comparing apples to oranges...the depth of bend on a windshield determines the exterior size as well as the cut silhoutte blank size....in other words if you over bend a windshield like a fish bowl then the glass would fall through the aperture opening....Another thing to consider is... are you replacing the rubber gasket? The tolerances on different suppliers are amazingly different as well as the cross sections, and unless you cut an OEM and the Aftermarket versions you can't see it. The bottom line is, there is enough tolerance to get a 1/4" installed...are you using the rope in method with a lubricant? The corners are always hard to set and you need to lubricate the gasket....You must use the rope in method? Are you?

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC windshield

Dino,
Thanks for your comments.
The replacement W/S I tried to install is a bit thinner, than the old one. The curvature is very close to the old one and the area on the car is goes in.
I used a new gasket, used lubrication (windshield cleaner). I used the rope method, but I just could not get the thing to lay in the opening at the upper two corners and along the top..
The W/S was just too large.
The old one had approx .35 to .43" gap around the edge. The new one less than .200 in some areas. I also ordered a new gasket, just in case.
I just heard from my wife, the new W/S just arrived. I will dry-fit/check it tomorrow. Hopefully it will fit better.
I have a professional installer lined-up, to install the new W/S.
He stated, that he will may grind it to fit, if required. Will see...
Will let you know, how it turns out...

Rainer