1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

[John M.]

Can anyone tell me which aftermarket supplier has the best and closest to original 1963 Coupe windshield molding clips? Last weekend I installed the windshield into my 63 coupe with the intent of installing the molding today. Everything was going smoothly until I installed the side pieces. That's when I noticed that the clips were not holding the molding snug to the body. After long deliberation I decided to remove all molding and the windshield thinking that maybe, some how, the clips had shifted. But I discovered that the reproduction clips differ from the original clips in that the tangs that "bite" the molding are not as long as originals. I'm sure that I am not the only person to experience this problem. Can anyone help?

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Without a doubt everyone with a 63 has experienced this problem UNLESS they use the clips made in the USA. The only source I know for these clips is Paragon and they have them outlined in their catalog as "Made in the USA". The molding on C-2's is no fun! Good luck!

JR

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

I agree; Paragon has the best repros....
I bought a set of their 63 clips a year or so ago for future use-- sooner or later I'll have to deal with my rock-chipped windshield...
My original clips may be OK but I get paranoid Paragon may start sourcing outside the US...

[John M.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Thanks guys. I have heard the same about Paragon. Are their clips the same configuration as original? I ask, because I don't want to go through the installation all over again, only to get the same result. Do you know a source for original clips?

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

John,

Paragon has the BEST available! Your only option to get the molding to fit! There are no options for original clips.

JR

[John M.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Thanks. I appreciate the info.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

My restomod pal sold some originals to a restorer who had the 98.4 pt black 63 fuelie split window at Lakeland last January...those were the ONLY ones I've seen in a LONG time.

You could check with Andy Cannizzo or David Sokolowski but you might still strike out...

[Mike H.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

I keep original clips in inventory for our restorations, as we have fought this battle many times. If Andy or David aren't much help you may want to try Marty Fowler also - but he is a little more difficult to get in touch with. If you can't locate original clips, grab the Paragon ones. Did you install the trim prior to windshield and rubber? The rubber is at fault as much as the clips so if you can't get the trim to hold correctly without the glass and rubber you will never get the trim to hold with the glass installed. That will save you the trouble of installing the glass 14 times!!!

[John M.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Thanks again for the replies. I did install the trim first without rubber & glass, with no luck. I am now waiting for the Paragon clips to arrive, and I will start the process all over again. I will update my results after this weekend when I again try to install my windshield & trim.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

How about a pic of an original clip please. I might have some in my sash. John

[Bob W.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Keep us posted on how the Paragon clips workout. Also some photos as JOHN D stated.

[John M.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Attached is a photo of my original windshield clip (on left) and the reproduction on the right. Note that the tangs that catch the molding on the original are longer than the reproduction clips. Hopefully the Paragon clips will look like the clip on the left. I'll let you know once I receive the Paragon clips, (should be on Friday).

[Michael B.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Hi - Not wanting to steal your thread, but did you always have to put in new clips if you install a new windshield ? I have 63 coupe that needs new front glass. Thx!!!

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

I have installed my windshield three times with the original clips. No problems.

Hi - Not wanting to steal your thread, but did you always have to put in new clips if you install a new windshield ? I have 63 coupe that needs new front glass. Thx!!!

[John M.]

Re: 1963 Coupe Windshield Molding Clips

Last week I posted a picture of what I believed to be the original windshield molding clips for my 1963 coupe. See picture above, the one on the left is what I believed to be original. Can anyone verify this assumption. I ask, because a few on the replies recommended Paragon for replacement clips. Well they arrived today, and don't look any different than the ones I purchased from Corvette Central, the one on the right in the photo above. I have not tried to "dry fit" the Paragon clips yet, but I just have this bad feeling in my gut. Has anyone tried the Paragon clips recently? Paul Young, did your original clips look the one on the left, or the one on the right in the photo above?