Advice on windshield for '67 - Pilkington Classics

[Alexander D.]

Summit Racing is offering the following as a replacement for my '67 coupe which has tinted glass all around:

Pilkington Classics Front Windshield 400043616


At $163 the price seems quite reasonable. With shipping to me here in Canada the price is $203. This windshield includes the original style LOF logo. For an extra fee they will date code the windshield. I wouldn't be going for that as I've heard that judges have no trouble spotting replacement windshields due to their tint band being wrong vs. the originals, etc.

My car no longer has its original windshield. It has a PPG replacement, rock chips and all. This spring I bought one of these Pilkington Classics windshields from Summit for my '65 Buick Riviera GS. The windshield came with an LOF logo and looks very good, way better than the wiper-scratched and pitted original it had before. I'd be happy if the Corvette windshield they offer is as good.

So my questions:

1. Has anyone bought a Pilkington windshield recently for their C2? Did it fit properly? Anything I should be aware of?
2. Is it very difficult to replace a C2 windshield? Should I seek out a glass shop that has done a midyear before? I've heard getting the reveal mouldings back on properly can be hard to get right. Is this true? How come?
3. I often hear about leaking C2 windshields, mine does! Why do they leak? Is this an installation issue, or because the gasket shrinks over time and is something to accept?

Thanks

[Peter M.]

Re: Advice on windshield for '67 - Pilkington Classics

Alex,
I had the windshield replaced in my 67 coupe this spring. The shop used a Pilkington glass. I don't think there was any problem with fit, as you are already aware the tint band is different than the original.
I have done this job myself in the past, however my age and health issues forced me to have it done by a shop. They had problems getting the mouldings back on even with new made in USA clips. I had the mouldings polished and they thought they were warped. I don't know?
The windshield gasket needs to be sealed well both between the gasket and the glass and the gasket and the pinchweld. If the bird cage has rust you will obviously have problems.
So even though I had a glass shop that I thought would be able to do the job it looks like I will be doing it over.
Kind regards

[Jim D.]

Re: Advice on windshield for '67 - Pilkington Classics

The shop used a Pilkington glass. I don't think there was any problem with fit, as you are already aware the tint band is different than the original.

They now make the windshield band correctly and it will not receive a deduction in judging. Members can PM me for more info. if needed.

[Edward D.]

Re: Advice on windshield for '67 - Pilkington Classics

As Jim notes they have improved the glass. A friend got one a couple months ago for a 65 coupe and it looked correct. On the clips, it is important that you open up new clips slightly with a flat blade screwdriver before installing. You can reuse original clips but you will have to soak them to remove all hardened sealant. Glass shops typically don't remove the clips at all, and old sealant residue combined with new sealant around the rubber can make reinstallation of trim difficult. The flange of the trim has to go into and engage the clip. Outboard trim should be installed directly after the windshield while the sealant is still soft. So, do it right and remove the clips and all the old sealant, and either clean or replace them making sure they are open enough to accept the trim flange.

[Peter M.]

Re: Advice on windshield for '67 - Pilkington Classics

Jim,
Glad to hear Pilkington has changed the tint band.
Thank you for all your time and effort in making it happen!
Kind regards