71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

[John L.]

Can the windshield be removed without destroying it? I have seen windshields removed from other types of cars before and then reinstalled after repairs or painting. My 71 has alot of windshield top frame rust and I will need to get in there to get at the rust and make repairs. Additionally this is the original windshield, it has some flaws such as the top tinting is fadeing and I can see some (small ) delamination around the bottom of the windshield, is it wort trying to save it and reinstall it? I was planning on polishing out the pitting and light scratches. It's not the money I'm trying to save, it origionality. Your comments and recomendations are always appreciated. Thanks.

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

The windshield can be removed and reused. The new windshield advantage is having nice new windshield to see through. After 38 years of use the old windshield could have imperfections of being blasted with road grit to 70 MPH.

[Ernie F.]

Re: 71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

If you remove all the trim and only have the windshield and the rusted frame sitting there, the easiest way to get the windshield out safely is to use a good knife.

I just did this. I used a regular house hold knife (no serrated edges allowed) and pushed it over and over thru the sealant on small cut at a time! I did this on the top, the sides and the bottom. Use caution when doing this, you scratch the edge of the glass and you’re done!

I have the industrial glass cutter tool and prefer not to use it. I keep guitar strings on hand and wrap them around two wooden dowels. Once I’ve used the knife to push holes in the old seal, I then push one (cut off) end of the guitar string thru the seal and wrap it around two dowels.

If you us a short saw motion you should be able to pull it thru the sealant without any problems on the top and the sides. Do not try to do this on the bottom and/or the upper corners. (Remember above, you scratch the edge and you’re done). In the corners and the bottom use the knife. You should be able to remove enough material to remove the glass without any problems if you take your time.

You can use the string on the lower section, but again. . . Refer to above! You just have to be careful!

Replacement glass if used can cause a problem. The original glass is thicker than the current reproduction glass and using one will drive you nuts getting it to seal back up if using the original bead sealer. Using urethane to install the glass it will not be much of a factor using either glass. However, I’ve had problems in the past with the replacement glass while using the original style bead seal. (78-82 replacement windshields are the worst on fit and should only be installed with Urethane).

Some states require you to use Urethane if you are doing the installation commercially so keep this in mind too! If using the original windshield and the original bead seal use the 3/16” seal tape by 3m. This works best and keeps the windshield closer to the frame. The 5/16 will work, but you’ll have to fuss with the glass to get it to sit down once in the car.

To date I’ve never cracked a windshield that needed to be re-used doing it this way.

Ernie

[John L.]

Re: 71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

Ernie,
Thank you very much, this is the type of information I was looking for.
The windshield is in pretty good shape, I would like to keep it if possible. I think with a good polishing using one of the kits I've seen I could get out most of the surface inerfections. I cn't bring myself to destroying it just because it's old. When we restore these cars we repair, replate, reuse all of the original parts we can to try to keep it as close to original as we can; why not keep original windshields? I could see if there was a safety factor involved or an extreem condition to it, I wouldn't be asking this question. I am going to try your techniques and if sucessful I will reuse the windshield. Thanks again.

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

Hi John,
I think Ernie gave you some really good advice and hints.
I cracked the original windshield in my 71 on a Thanksgiving morning. I can't smell turkey now with out remembering that day. I remember the little sound it made like it was this morning.
The one thing I'd add is to be VERY careful that you don't nick the EDGE of the glass. The glass is very brittle after all these years and that's all it takes to start a crack. People often crack the glass that way while taking the header trim clips off with the glass still in place.
Be careful and good luck.
Regards,
Alan

[Rich G.]

Re: 71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

I used a hot knife (windshield tool) on the top and sides and then used a wire with 2 people sawing a little at a time using downward pressure making sure not to touch the glass and I got it out without a problem just like the other guys said. The hardest part is trying to figure out where to store it until it time to go back in!

[John L.]

Re: 71 Coupe Windshield Removal?

Thanks Guys, sounds like a slow go and be careful type of process.
I will try to proceed with caution in a week or so. I have some repair work in the top front frame area that requires the windshield to come out.
It's good to know others have done this.