61 Windshield replacement

[Richard P.]

I have replaced the windshield on my 1961. Two questions for re-install. How do you get the weatherstripping that sits on the dash to "lay down" and not "ripple"?

How do you re-install the lower windshield chrome molding? Does this have to be attached to the windshield before installing or does it somehow "pop" on after the windshield is secured?

Thanks

[Dennis C.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

Richard... You won't like any of this...

You have to "stretch" the lower weather strip tighter than you think it should be to get rid of the wrinkle on the lower portion. In other words, more material to the vertical part...

The lower SS molding is installed before/during windshield install. I do not believe you can put it on "later"...

I may be right, I may be crazy... Best, Dennis

[Richard P.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

Does the molding "attach" to the bottom of the windshield when not installed? How does it stay in place?

[Richard T.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

The lower stainless attaches to the lower channel before you assemble the windshield frame. The upper edge of the stainless is bent over which creates a lip, this lip snaps over the front edge of the lower steel channel. While assembling the frame the edges of the lower stainless should snap over the lower portion of the windshield posts.
I've had better luck getting the rubber channel to fit and look better using an NOS GM weatherstrip.
Not a hard job but a real pain in the butt. Good luck Rich

[Richard P.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

I got the SS molding on to the steel channel as you described. Any suggestions or "tricks" to get the weatherstripping into the lower steel channel?

[Richard T.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

You need to install the rubber onto the windshield glass first and then push it into the lower channel.
The inside lower edge of the weatherstrip has a lip that will cover the gap between the edge of the dash pad and the windshield frame. This lip should extend to each windshield post on the inside so it's important to measure the length of this lip so it can be centered when you install it on the glass.
There have been numerous articles over time describing how to re assemble a C-1 windshield frame including the ST-12. In most cases you should 1. Install the rubber to the glass. 2. Push the glass and rubber into the lower channel. 3. Install the rubber spacer into the upper frame and channel and push it onto the glass and seal. 4. lubricate the rubber and push each windshield post over the rubber and into the upper and lower channel. When the posts are all the way in the screw holes in the top of the windshield post need to align with the nut plate inside. Also the holes in the lower portion of the windshield post need to be aligned with the inner nut plate to secure the assembly. Both of these nut plates are to be held in place with dum dum during assembly.
The above are general guidelines describing the assembly of the frame, rubber and glass. best to find some written instructions to review prior to assembly. These articles will also provide information regarding rubber lubricants, sealers and techniques. Hope this helps. Rich

[Richard P.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

Rich:

This information is indeed very helpful. Two quick points of clarification. (1) What is the ST-12 you refer to and where would I get it , and (2) where is the location of rubber spacer that goes into the upper frame and channel ?

Thanks again for all your assistance.

[Richard T.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

Rich:

This information is indeed very helpful. Two quick points of clarification. (1) What is the ST-12 you refer to and where would I get it , and (2) where is the location of rubber spacer that goes into the upper frame and channel ?

Thanks again for all your assistance.

The ST-12 is the GM service manual for 53 to 62 Corvettes. It's available through the NCRS book store. The rubber spacer is glued into the steel upper channel.

[Richard P.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

I got the service manual. GREAT help!!

What do you recommend for the suggested "medium bodied non-hardening sealer" for the rubber channel and the "medium bodied body sealer" for frame surface to body attachement?

[Richard T.]

Re: 61 Windshield replacement

I believe that most folks today use nothing at all based on the use these cars see. There are several sealers made by 3M that auto body supply houses sell but they make a real mess and a hard job harder.