I've got another one - Windshield Trim Early '68

[Michael Hampson]

Ive got #1800 or so 1968 (convertible), and it's got some unique parts that's for sure! Here's an interesting question:

There are two stainless pieces across the top of the windshield. One is the wide piece that the convertible top w/s sits on, and the other is the narrow piece (windshield trim) that actually covers the top edge of the windshield. The windshield trim piece I think is original, the wide piece I know is not, although it is not a repro. Problem is, they don't fit together. There is a flange that sticks out on the wide trim piece that's about 1/8" wide across the front edge of the trim, and has six notches, each about 1 1/2" wide evenly spaced across the length, too. This flange prevents the windshield trim, whose rear edge is solid except for six ~1" notches, from coming up flush against the wide piece. I assume that maybe the wide piece didn't have the flange on early '68. I'm not sure what to do. Here are some possibilities:

1) Can I modify the wide piece to fit flush against the narrow piece? If so, how can I modify it to make it as close to original early '68 as possible? 2) Should I just buy a new windshield trim to match my existing (probably later model) wide trim piece? 3) Could I locate an early '68 wide piece that will fit against my existing correct windshield trim?

Any ideas or suggestions (i.e. why are you so dang londwinded?) would really really be appreciated!!!!! I bought my car as a basketcase and it's been a heck of an ordeal piecing it together!

I'll try and post a picture of the offending pieces if anyone wants to take a look: and trim2.jpg. Check out corvette.jpg while you're there.

THANKS! Michael

[Joe L.]

Re: I've got another one - Windshield Trim Early '

Michael-----

Well, you may have a bit of a problem on your hands here. For 1968 there were two different designs for the windshield reveal moldings(the two side, two corner and one top "thin" moldings) and the windshield header molding("wide" upper piece).

This whole situation gets VERY complicated so I'm going to boil it down to the essential facts so you can "digest" it.

The 1st design upper windshield reveal ("thin") molding for 1968 was GM #3912716. You won't find this part number in the 68 AIM, but that's the part that was first used. This part has 6 attached clips and is very likely the one which your very early 1968 was equipped with.

The 2nd design upper winshield reveal ("thin") molding was GM #3935577. This part was also used for all 1969-76. This part has 5 attached clips.

Now is where things get complicated:

The 1st design upper windshield header("wide") molding for 1968 was GM #3912719. You won't find this part number in the 1968 AIM, either, but this is the part that was first used for 1968 and probably is what your very early 1968 was built with. This molding has slots "cut out".

The 2nd design upper windshield header("wide") molding for 1968 was GM #3935640.

In 1969, the 2nd design 1968 upper windshield header ("wide") molding was discontinued and replaced by the 69 design, GM #3966659. With modification, which includes the addition of 2 GM #3966660 clips(discontinued) and the drilling of 2 11/64" holes in each corner molding, the GM #3966659 can be used in place of the 2nd design 1968 windshield header("wide") molding GM #3935640. HOWEVER, THE GM #3966659 MOLDING CANNOT BE USED IN PLACE OF THE 1ST DESIGN 1968 WINDSHIELD HEADER MOLDING GM #3912719. That is what, I expect, you are currently attempting to do.

In order to use the GM #3966659 molding that you have, you will have to obtain a GM #3935777 upper windshield reveal("thin") molding. However, that molding will likely not fit properly with your 1st design upper corner moldings, GM #3915667 and GM #3915668. Alternatively, you could try to locate an original GM #3912719 windshield header("wide") molding. That piece would work for sure with your current upper windshield reveal("thin") molding. The second option, as difficult as it may be, is probably going to be your best bet. Otherwise, you will likely end up having to change your upper corner moldings which may, in turn, force you to change your side windshield reveal moldings. There may very well be additional installation problems encountered with any of these changes, if they can be done, at all. These are the "complications" that I spoke of at the beginning that I don't even want to get into.

ALL of these moldings are LONG SINCE GM-discontinued and are extremely difficult to locate in NOS form. Furthermore, to my knowledge, not a single one is being currently reproduced. So, you will have to scrounge in the used marketplace for the parts that you need.

Now, for anybody that doesn't think that the NCRS Board is a GREAT PLACE, show me anyplace else IN THE WORLD where a Corvette restorer could get the information which I provided above.

[Roberto L.]

Re: I've got another one - Windshield Trim Early '

Yes, I'm impressed with all this info. This show that to restore a corvette properly is an amazing task, with so many detail even during any model year (well the 68 is the champ...). More interesting is the fact that you Joe, as many other here share all this knowledge without reserve, my hat off. On the windshield, I always read vaguely that there are difference between early shark glass pieces and say 70 on winshields. I failed to notice those difference visually, is that correct? Thanks for all this info, Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Michael Hampson]

Re: I've got another one - Windshield Trim Early '

Joe,

You are an amazing repository of knowledge, and I'm sure everyone you've ever helped appreciates you taking the time to look over this discussion board (which also is wonderful). Thanks so much.

From looking at my reveal molding, I see that it has six notches for six clips, which correspond to six holes in the upper windshield frame, so I agree that it is the 1st design. The holes in the frame are fairly large, so I'm thinking the clips don't screw to the frame... do you know?

Without heavy modification of the flange on the header trim, it won't fit with the reveal molding, so I assume again that this molding is a '69 design.

I want to keep the original corner and side moldings (especially the corner moldings, as these are very unique and obviously different in early '68), so now I'm in the market for a 1st or 2nd design header molding. Off to the swap meets!

Thanks again, Joe! You've just given the NCRS another member.

Michael

[Paul Y.]

Re: I've got another one - Windshield Trim Early '

Joe,

You da man. I'd rather ask you than my grandmother any day. I appreciate all of the info that you share. Paul Young

[Patrick H.]

Re: I've got another one - Windshield Trim Early '

Joe,

Well, my personal opinion is that if you weren't here and so generous with your time and knowledge, even WITH the Board we'd still be clueless.

Methinks that the "Joe Lucia Memorial NOS Parts Collection and Museum" will actually be without its greatest asset once displayed...

Thanks for everything Joe!!!

Patrick Hulst