66 conv. windshield install, Help

[William B.]

Installing a new windshield with Repo rubber (not sure what vendor it came from) using origional trim clips, on a 66 conv.
After installing the windshield I can not get the trim to catch the retaining clips? I am thinking the w-shield rubber is to thick? Can someone recomend a good vendor that handles a rubber that is not as thick or do I need an NOS rubber?? OR do I have another issue?

[Doug L.]

Re: 66 conv. windshield install, Help

William,
I recently had a new windshield installed on my '64. I bought a new rubber gasket from Corvette Rubber. It fit and looks fine. The only trouble I had was with the clips that hold the lower ss tirm in place. I decided to replace the original clips. I ordered a set from LIC and installed them but could not get the lower SS trim strip to catch. All other SS trim installed with no problem. I searched the archives and found posts indicating others having the same problem and mentioning a vendor that sold replacement clips that will work. I'm traveling now without access to receipts so I can't tell you which vendor sells these clips but a search of the archives will show this info. We had to remove the windshield to replace the lower clips. Although a side-by-side comparison did not indicate any obvious difference, the windhsield went on with no further problems.

I should mention that I had a professional glass company perform the installation with me assiting. I did not want to risk breaking a new date-coded windshield.
Doug

[Timothy B.]

Re: 66 conv. windshield install, Help

Doug,

When you removed the windshield did you cut the rubber with a razor blade and use a new rubber weatherstrip or somehow save the rubber?

[Jack P.]

Re: 66 conv. windshield install, Help

I have a 66 and did the instalation with the help of a glass company. All my clips are original, the problem is that the windshield is heavy and the rubber is new, the weight of the windshield needs to be pushed up with the help of glass suction cups. That will lessen the bluge of the rubber on the bottom of the windshield. You can see in some of the old pictures of the factory, with workers putting their feet up against the glass to un-weight it. Marking where the clips are also helps... look how they clip so you can see how to apply pressure to get the clip to engage. The new rubber works fine......

I have a post showing it, here is a link to some of the pictures

Jack
http://s633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/jackfit87/Windshield Install Leak Drive/

http://s633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/jackfit87/Windshield Removal/

http://s633.photobucket.com/albums/uu57/jackfit87/windshield trim/

[William B.]

Re: 66 conv. windshield install, Help

Thanks everyone for the replies, I see it can be done. My weatherstrip I believe is too thick, I can not even get the side trim to click in. I am looking for the best supplier to purchase the w-strip, I think that is my problem because I do have all origional clips.

[Doug L.]

Re: 66 conv. windshield install, Help

Hi Tim,
The original rubber came out of the frame intact and still on the glass, and I saved it because at the time I didn't know what would be available as repacement. I wanted to use a new gasket as much for appearances as anything else but I believe I threw out the original gasket after we got the WS installed with the new rubber. I'm traveling and can't check in the garage to see if I still have the original, but probably don't.

Doug

[Gerard F.]

Re: 66 conv. windshield install, Help

William,

I seem to be having the same problem with the rear windshield of my 67 hardtop in reinstalling the original rear window with repro weatherstripping.

First it was the repro clips not bent like the originals, so I bent them correctly. Then the window with the new weatherstrip doesn't seem to fit right on the sides, and the upper trim pieces don't fit right around the upper corners.

I too am thinking now that the weatherstripping is too thick, and is putting a twist in the trim and changing its geometry around the corner and sides. Just can't get the trim to fit the original match marks I made when I dry fitted it without the window and weatherstripping in place.

Not trying to hijack your thread, but I too am interested in a better quality weatherstripping. The repro W/S does seem to be thicker than the original which I saved (but it is beat up).