C1 windshield

[Bruce W.]

Hey guys, the upper windshield gasket has pulled away from my windshield as the result of a top fitted to tight. My question is does the whole windshield have to come out and the frame dissembled or can this be fixed leaving the windshield in the car? what are the challenges. any tricks that will help? appreciate your help.Bruce

[Art B.]

Re: C1 windshield

Bruce:
I replaced my '61 windshield several years ago. I think the only way you are going to fix it is to take the whole windshield out and disassemble the frame. Others on this board may have been able to do it without all that work.

[Chester C.]

Re: C1 windshield

If it was my car I would want to remove the complete assembly just to check everything . Because the top pulled the windshield apart, you could have broken the tabs that are part of the windshield post located at the bottom. They see a lot of stress when locking your top down and they break very easy. Corvette central and other places can repair the post. Also a good time to replace windshield gasket if needed.

[David D.]

Re: C1 windshield

I just completed removing and replacing all seals on my 62.
i cannot imagine any possible way to correctly fix your
issue without removing the frame assembly. There are
many valuable posts on the DB that will help.

[Bruce W.]

Re: C1 windshield

David, thanks. how long does it take to do this job. any tricks to make this job easier?Bruce

[David D.]

Re: C1 windshield

photo 1.jpgphoto 2.jpgphoto 3.jpg
Bruce -

Keeping in mind it has been bitter cold and wintry here in beautiful Alton, Illinois and the fact that I am retired, it has taken me about 4 months, this includes a new dash pad. Depending on your skill and dedication, probably a decent weeks work once you have the parts - full time effort for just the winfshield. Lot of good input on the 'Board', look for Rich's Restoration Site, Richard Mozzetta, member 13499. He has done a very good job documenting several processes, this being one of them. I wish I lived next door to his shop! Be sure to read the Discussion Board articles over and over. I started with the ST12, Section Body 1-4. Line up a good chiropractor, be ready to perform other little jobs while you are living under the dash, and don't lose your patience! It takes lots of steady, persistence to do a good job. One of the posts pointed out that you need to test, take apart, retest, etc, etc. Unless you have done this several times, it will take time and lots of careful patience, be careful not to break things such as a windshield. My car is a driver, I want it to be like the General made it but it will never be judged as long as I own it, I do feel I could start over and do a better job.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 windshield

Bruce, this may help....and yes, you MUST remove the assembly. It's possible your post tabs are broken. In the online document below there are references for repair if necessary.

online version...

http://home.comcast.net/~richmz/site/?/page/1956_to_1962_Corvette_Windshield_Frame_Glass_Removal_and_Installation_Part_1/

and

http://home.comcast.net/~richmz/site/?/page/1956_to_1962_Corvette_Windshield_Frame_Glass_Removal_and_Installation_Part_2/

printable pdf version attached below that member Dave Zuberer converted for me. About 40 pages.

Rich

[Brad H.]

Re: C1 windshield

Bruce.....the tab's at bottom are very important, also if you would want to try an easy way out, you could pop off the header moulding(not an easy task off or on) and use the polyurethane, I believe it is, and try to get a bead of that under the rubber and frame work the best you can, also not easy and messy, pull the windshield top assembly down tight and tape then let set 24 hours. then clean up time. It is far better when putting these crap windshield's back together(out of car) to poly everything together, rubber to rails etc. I have seen too many supposed great top installer's put a new top on a car before fitting the frame to the car and then clamping down the front and pulling the header away from the glass.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 windshield

Brad, it quite difficult, if not impossible, to get the header top stainless off with the w/s frame mounted on the car, without damaging something. IMO it's too risky. It's hard enough to remove it from the upper channel with it OFF of the frame............


......the lip of the channel catches the header trim. You have to carefully pry it off a little at a time.
PC130033.jpg

What it takes to remove it on the bench.
P1130007.jpg P1130008.jpg P1130014.jpg

It may be possible to use the poly sealer to get it back together, but if his post tabs are broken it may be just a matter of time before it pops loose again, or break the glass, especially if his top is too tight.

Rich

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 windshield

Bruce, a friend tried to "fix" his '59 while it was on the car. The driver's side tab was not broken before his attempt, his new red seat upholstery was not torn before his attempt, his nice black paint was not scratched before his attempt, his header was not bent and scratched before his attempt, and his windshield was not cracked before his attempt. He did have a temper before his attempt and during the attempt it got a lot worse. Do as Rich describes and remove. You will save a lot of money, you will have much lower blood pressure, and the neighbors will not be offended by your language. Steve

[Brad H.]

Re: C1 windshield

There ya go.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 windshield

i think if you have your original LOF windshield and the repo , i'd measure the vertical dimensions of both. i believe u'll find the repo about 1/4 to 1/2" shorter than originals. the only way to cure this problem is first ascertain the tabs aren't broken, then "glue" the windshield glass to the windshield rubber weatherstrip. make sure the soft top +/or hardtops aren't pulling excessively on the windshield assembly(latches out of adjustment).the numerous c-1's i've done over the last 35 years all pulled the weatherstrip away from the glass. it wasn't till i started glueing them with urethan glue. never had the separation problem since. as an aside, i had a local windshield installer put a new windshield in my driver, a 2005 silverado. they are glued with a butyl glue that incomes in a calking type tube. i watched the dude remove the trucks windshield and install the new one. the installer has had the job for 18 years and knew his stuff. we got to bs'ing during the 45 minutes it took to do the job(it'd taken me a day) .. anyway, he stated the repo glass for antique cars can't be cut to the exact measurements of originals as that would be a legal issue. he also said repo glass for cars is about 1/16" thinner than oem glass. he hates to install glass in older vehicles using rubber weatherstrip but said the company he works for gives him all these work orders cause the young bucks don't know how, nor do they care to learn. mike

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 windshield

Mike, I heard thinner, too. While getting a windshield installed in our HHR a few months ago we discussed my '57 and the installer told me the new glass (repo) is lighter because it is thinner. He also told me if I ever needed a new windshield in the '57 to call another company. Steve

[Roger W.]

Re: C1 windshield

How did you get the glue in there? did you put the weatherstrip on first and then try to get the glue in there or put the glue in the weatherstrip and then install on the windshield?

[Bruce W.]

Re: C1 windshield

Mike, thanks will use the glue.Bruce