C-1 Windshield trim

[Richard P.]

I got the windshield installed on my '61 last night but could not get the bottom trim piece to "snap in". I thought if I left the T-bolts loose it would be easier to get it to fit. Wouldn't fit so I tightened them down and it still wouldn't fit. Anybody know any secrets out there? It has a new frame to body weatherstrip and a new channel weatherstrip, both from Corvette Central.
Thanks in advance.

[Gary C.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Richard, if you are talking about the lower trim piece won't snap into the windshield end posts? Did you have the end posts rechromed? If so, you may have to re-cut the groove into the bottom of the end posts where the lower trim piece snaps into with a die grinder. Rechroming usually fills the groove in where the lower stainless pieces won't hold. Hope this helps. Gary....

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Gary,
No, I havent had the end pieces rechromed. Is that the only place that the trim piece is held in? I was under the impression that it snapped in all along the length of the bottom piece of the windshield frame.
Thanks

[Gary C.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Richard, no it should clip and hold. It took two people and the use of squeeze clamps to help roll the stainless trim around until it caught. Good luck, Gary....

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Gary,
Did you clip the trim on before you lowered the windshield assembly onto the car?

[Gary C.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Richard, yes totally assembled all trim together then put the assembly on the car. Gary....

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Thanks Gary,
I think you've solved the problem! It seems that the rubber weatherstrips have been squeezed against the frame and won't allow the trim in. We'll find out tonight.
cheers.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Richard,
A soap and water solution will help get the rubber to fit into the lower channel which fits in the lower stainless trim piece.
It looks like it makes a mess bot it is essential as far as I'm concerned. Also necessary when you put the end posts on the upper and lower trim.
Another aid in the final assembly is a big rubber mallet. It is sort of strange hammering on the end posts but again it is the way to get the frame assembly together.
I believe the ST-12 details the assembly process.
Good luck.

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Bruce,
Yes, I'm old friends with the dish soap and the rubber hammer. Your explanation turned a light on in my head though. Does the little "hook" on the bottom edge of the trim go under the frame to body weatherstrip or does it hook under the metal frame?
Thanks for the help.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Richard;
Attached is a diagram from the ST-12 which I believe will answer your question.
I hope this helps.
Bruce B

[Roger W.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Years ago I replaced the windshield on my 59 by myself. I should say I replaced 2 windshields. I broke the first replacement.
I just got my windshield posts chromed and my uper and lower stainless moldings restored. This time I am taking all of the parts to the owner of a local glass shop who has experiance with these old windshield assemblies.
I will install the assembly onto the car myself.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Roger,
Make sure your windshield guy is familiar with early Corvettes.
They are different then almost any other cars.

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Thanks again to all of you. I'd be lost without this board.

[Roger W.]

Re: C-1 Windshield trim

Thanks for the caution Bruce. The shop owner claims to know about old vette windshields. The shop has been there it seems for ever, so I tend to believe him. I will do a little more questioning when I bring the parts.