Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

[Mike Z.]

Need to order a replacement windshield for my 70. I know the tint geometry and color of the ASI issues with every reproduction vintage windshield available-nothing I can do about that. However, I want the best reproduction I can buy.
I am talking to Pilkington, who I believe makes the closest to OEM as is currently available. I checked archieves, but not really seeing answers to some of the questions they asked me. I realize the logo should be for Safety Plate, not Flo-Lite. But then, they asked:
1) Do I want the logo/date etched on the outside or the inside surface.
2) Do I want it to read left to right when looking at it from the outside or the inside.
Additionally, since the original windshield was peeled out at the body shop prior to my thinking to check the date, how close to build date typically were the late (July) car windshield glass dated, I have one side dated February and one dated June. Any help is appreciated.
Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

Hi Mike,
The original manufacturer's information and date were etched on the outside of the windshield glass but read from the inside….. so the actual etching is backward. It's just deep enough that I can feel it with my finger tips.
On my January 1971 built car the 4 pieces of glass are all dated December 1970. Note it's FLO-LITE (6589).
Regards,
Alan


As seen from the interior of the car.

[Mike Z.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

Thanks Alan, that's what I needed.
Mike

[Paul O.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

Mike

Most typical glass for your car is a "SAFETY"- PLATE not a "SAFETY FLO-LITE". the FLO-LITE started in 71 model year.

[Kenn S.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

My car agrees with Paul (February 1970 build date). I didn't look at the side glass but can.

I would think it odd to have side glass that far apart in dates, but stranger things. My 1970 seems pretty original, but looking at the casting for the master cylinder, it's for a PB car whereas mine has no PB. (When I get it apart I'll check the date on the casting.) I think they grab whatever part is closest if out of another and get the car out the door. Anything is possible. I'd keep the glass, for sure.

I did go out to see inside/outside etching, and it's outside, to be read from the inside. As I looked at it, the depth of the inner glass seemed off, so I'm thinking it's delaminated. Even if you were to save your glass, it probably wouldn't be usable. Most seem to delaminate.

Looks like I'll be calling Pilkington at some point too. Bummer...I was hoping to save the original.

Kind of a funny story, but I'm working a 1980 car to practice and teach myself before I carve up and possibly harm this 1970. So I work hard to get the windshield out in one piece, only to realize it's a Carlite replacement. Doh! All that work and it's a Ford replacement part... Geezers.

[Mike Z.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

Kenn, thanks for the confirmation on the logo/date etch and direction of wording-looks that's the way to go. In my research, Pilkington has the best currently available choice-they bought out OEM glass, who at least had the tint geometry correct (have one on my 66 Duntov award car). I asked Pilkington if there was any way to correct the tint margin/geometry, and they said: we have been selling this same glass for over 20 years, why should we change now-point well taken, since it's only us anal Corvette crazies that even care about such things-ain't it great to be different.
While I have you: I posted another thread about the color of the VIN tag; could you check yours. My concern is, all the responses were either not 70 models or had black interior-mine is bright blue. Based on the feed back it should be black, regardless of the interior color-I am still not 100% sure that is correct.
On your master cylinder, I had a replacement on my LS-5 also and have one of my sources (I run a resto shop) come up with a correct PB-may have another. Wasn't cheap by the time it was rebuilt, but it is correct.
Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

My concern is, all the responses were either not 70 models or had black interior-mine is bright blue. Based on the feed back it should be black, regardless of the interior color-I am still not 100% sure that is correct.

Mike

They're all black.

They were painted black before they were ever installed on the car, and the paint color of the VIN tag did not change at time of installation or depend whatsoever on the interior color. They were installed at St. Louis after the blackout process which is why the shade of black on the tag differs from the shade of the surrounding blackout.

I hope that helps.

[Kenn S.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

In my case, there isn't a vestige of paint on the pillar, so I couldn't necessarily tell. Worse, the interior is black, so in my case it would all show up as black even if otherwise it would be some non-black interior color. I saw that post and really wanted to give a definitive answer, but I just can't. Now I know that when I repair/repaint the pillar, I'll use a different color of black for the tab, tho.

I did scrape up a master cylinder, correctly date-coded and everything. I can't prove the PB cylinder is original to the car, so why fight it? It needed replacement anyway. Or certainly a professional scrubbing-down.

I'm sure I'll be talking with Pilkington in the next couple of years. Is what it is...

[Mike Z.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

They're all black.

They were painted black before they were ever installed on the car, and the paint color of the VIN tag did not change at time of installation or depend whatsoever on the interior color. They were installed at St. Louis after the blackout process which is why the shade of black on the tag differs from the shade of the surrounding blackout.

I hope that helps.

Patrick, you are the first to make clear what and why. In looking again at the pics, it appears the glass frame blackout is slightly flatter gloss than the VIN tag itself-correct? Great stuff, thanks again.
Mike

[Mike F.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

My May 1970 build original windshield is SAFETY PLATE, dated April 70 (GT). Both side windows are SAFETY FLO-LITE, dated March 70 (LT).

I believe NCRS judging allows for within 12 months of vehicle build date.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Correct configuration of windshield logo/date

Patrick, you are the first to make clear what and why. In looking again at the pics, it appears the glass frame blackout is slightly flatter gloss than the VIN tag itself-correct? Great stuff, thanks again.
Mike

Correct, the blackout of the birdcage is the same sheen as the engine compartment, forward edge of the doors, etc. It's the same paint.
The VIN tag was affixed after the painting process for the body. They just both happen to be black. Well, I suspect that they were both specified to be black but you know what I mean. The VIN tag in later years changes colo and appearancer, so the observations are only good for the years in question.

It's sort of like expecting your A-arms and your frame to be the same black color, paint, sheen, etc even though they were made by different companies using different paints. They're not.