Split window hood surround

[Frank D.]

I have a friend with a dilemma and I don't know enough to give him the right answer...
He is restoring a project car and wants the best parts available...

He has found a top hood surround in excellent condition but it is in black glass...
I've been told that only blonde glass was used on these cars (regardless of VIN)...

I've also been told that Shimmerscheims (sp) and Corvette Image make decent repros in blond glass...(hand laid of course)...

So the dilemma is whether or not to use the black glass surround already in hand or bite the bullet and get one of the products from the vendor's mentioned. This car will go for regional Top Flight in Lakeland this Jan if all goes well.
Proper fit and thickness of the glass is as important as the color IMO...

Insights and thoughts are much appreciated!

[Jim D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Both Sermershein's and Corvette Image sell press molded 63 hood surrounds. CI says theirs is the correct color, Sermershein doesn't say.

[Harry S.]

Re: Split window hood surround

What's the VIN number of the 63, it could be gray glass.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Frank,

If the car needs a complete front then get the press mold aftermarket front without the fenders bonded. If it only needs a surround go for the black NOS piece. That's what I would do FWIW.

[Frank D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Well we just got a picture of the surround....looks like gray glass to me...I'll have to ask about the VIN...its an April car IIRC.
The car apparently only needs the surround - the front quarters are salvageable - the headlight buckets .. not so much..

[Keith B.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Doesn't Amercias Finiest make some 63 glass

[Frank D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

The latest JG says the transition from blonde to gray occurred sometime after VIN 11000 +/- 2000 VIN numbers.
Some cars apparently got a mix of blond and gray during the 'transition' period. I learn something new
every day about this year car it seems... So, this gray piece may be OK...I'll have to confirm..

Unless somebody knows different (yeah the JG has 'issues') my advice would be to follow the JG..

[Patrick B.]

Re: Split window hood surround

I know two very quality conscious restoration shops that will not use Corvette Image glass under any circumstances because of problems with the paint bubbling. The best restorer I know wants to use only GM NOS glass despite the cost. I think Frank's friend is lucky to find an NOS grey front surround and that it would give him the best restoration possible.

[Jim D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

I know two very quality conscious restoration shops that will not use Corvette Image glass under any circumstances because of problems with the paint bubbling.

That "problem" was resolved decades ago. Because they are closer and shipping is almost next day, I've used CI panels many times and have never had an issue with them, as have many others that I know that buy from them. You and your "conscious restoration shops" are living in the past. If there was still a problem, why are they still in business?

[Frank D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

I'm gonna suggest my pal go with the surround he has in hand.

Talked to David Sokolowski today (some here no doubt know him) and he said both of the repro vendor's products are very well done at this point...but you can't beat original...

[Joe R.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Frank,

The NOS piece has cured several years and you don't have to worry about shrinkage after applying the paint. Both the vendors mentioned sell green glass and it is prone to shrinkage.
Tell your buddy that the only choice he has is the NOS because of the above.

JR

PS. This is the hand of experience speaking!

[Tracy C.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Frank,

I would choose the NOS piece. Grey glass was indeed used on later 63s. The transition however occurs at different time for different parts. The original A Pillar close outs on my very late 63 are even made from "black" glass. If your friend takes some scotch brite to the inside surface of the black glass, you will find that it becomes very close to the correct grey in color. The "Black" glass is closer to charcoal anyway to start with.

tc

[Frank D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Frank,

I would choose the NOS piece. Grey glass was indeed used on later 63s. The transition however occurs at different time for different parts. The original A Pillar close outs on my very late 63 are even made from "black" glass. If your friend takes some scotch brite to the inside surface of the black glass, you will find that it becomes very close to the correct grey in color. The "Black" glass is closer to charcoal anyway to start with.

tc

Thanks -- looks like that project is going Shimmersheims repro....
I'm gonna help fund that by picking up the gray glass surround myself...
Its just too nice a piece to get kicked around somebody's garage...

My May '63 has a grey glass rear valence and everything else is blonde - always made me wonder what went on at the factory...

[Joseph S.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Frank, To answer a couple of questions: I have seen light gray glass on 63 cars as early as sn 8500. These early cars will have a combination of Bone(Blonde) colored and light gray glass. So if you wanted to use a light gray upper surround it would appear correct.
The upper surround you showed the photo of is not produced in polyester resin. It is a later NOS part produced in SMC similar to the mid to late 70's C3s. You will not be able to use normal bonding adhesive to secure this surround to the car. You will need epoxy adhesive for this. It will also not appear 100% correct in surface finish from the backside. I would use the Corvette Image part if you are going for judging. They have corrected their early bubbling issues and their parts appear correct. Good luck, Joe

[Frank D.]

Re: Split window hood surround

Frank, To answer a couple of questions: I have seen light gray glass on 63 cars as early as sn 8500. These early cars will have a combination of Bone(Blonde) colored and light gray glass. So if you wanted to use a light gray upper surround it would appear correct.
The upper surround you showed the photo of is not produced in polyester resin. It is a later NOS part produced in SMC similar to the mid to late 70's C3s. You will not be able to use normal bonding adhesive to secure this surround to the car. You will need epoxy adhesive for this. It will also not appear 100% correct in surface finish from the backside. I would use the Corvette Image part if you are going for judging. They have corrected their early bubbling issues and their parts appear correct. Good luck, Joe

I'm amazed you can see that from that single, small picture...

My car has already been judged with no deducts in the body/fiberglass area last January...at Lakeland...
This would just be a piece I picked up for a nominal amount to keep in my horde of parts...