Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

Need to replace both of the original (yup, OEM 1950 glass!) windshields in my '50 3600. Couple years back I replaced the windshield in my '66 C10 and the replacement glass was considerably thinner than original and fit terribly(loose) in the channel of the replacement rubber. Comparing the replacement rubber to the original channel seemed to be identical and of good quality on the replacement. The problem was the glass. Any of you have any experience with this and have any recommendations for glass and rubber?

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

Subscribed to see what answers you get.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

Glass, take yours to a good local glass shop that has been around for a long time and have them cut new ones. Remember that pre cut glass is usually spendy to ship. You have to factor shipping into the cost.

Rubber, I think that a lot of guys will say Steele rubber but I'm another one waiting to see what the consensus is.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

I used LMC glass in 3 ADs, 50 bucks a side, but I live in the same state so shipping isnt crazy. glass always fits, be it windshield or side glass or rear window. order ALL the glass you need at the same time, so if you need side glass get that too. They offer it in green tint, clear, and smoke tint, great options, I stick with green tint. Bowtie Bits offers the one piece windshield that replaces the center bar, I may try that one some day.

I have used rubber from LMC (dont remember the brand, very soft rubber, easy to install but hard to get the wrinkles out. I had to seal the corners with urethane) and from Precision (VERY stiff, fit very well, had to buy a second local rear window gasket because I just could NOT get the glass in with the precision, and I am not a newbie to glass)

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

Steele rubber all the way.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

"They offer it in green tint, clear, and smoke tint, great options, I stick with green tint." QUOTE

"I just could NOT get the glass in with the precision, and I am not a newbie to glass)[/QUOTE]"

Are the green tinted windshields tinted a bit darker at the top like late model glass? With stubborn glass rubber I've used a heat gun to make the rubber more workable-bendable to get the glass in. Think that might work??

Thanks for the replies,

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

"

Are the green tinted windshields tinted a bit darker at the top like late model glass? With stubborn glass rubber I've used a heat gun to make the rubber more workable-bendable to get the glass in. Think that might work??

Thanks for the replies,

Steve weim55 Colorado[/QUOTE]

the green tint I used was all the way through, and looking it looks like they dont offer the smoke ones any longer. they offer a shaded option in the one piece, which is what you are describing

I tried everything to soften it up, I even put it in a bucket with a portable heater till I had to wear gloves to handle it, didnt work, it fit the pinch badly and when I had the glass halfway in it fell off the pinch. new rubber fixed it, although I lack the small tool to get the lock strip in, mine is too big.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

I'm thinking that their green tinted glass is the same tint all the way across.

I have several really good auto glass shops in this area to pick from that have reps for excellent work but not everyone has that option. My top is chopped so buying off the shelf glass is out for me.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

Jeff and BowTieBits said the glass shops in town buy the glass for ADs from him. Have you ever tried his? Nice to skip the shipping and support local if it's worth it.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

I tried on this last truck but there was something that prevented me from getting it, guy was out of town? or behind? I dont remember the reason, it was on my list I gave him but unable to get.

I buy literally everything else at bowtie, jeff is a great guy. the little hook on my glovebox latch is broken so I will be there today or tomorrow haha.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

I checked with the glass guy that does all of my fleet trucks here at the shop and his supplier can cut the glass for me in green tint. I'll get old glass out for patterns and have a look comparing old vs new myself as they are just a couple of blocks from me. Thanks for the suggestion on this and I'll let you know how it goes......

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

From what I have seen, any curved glass windshield the replacement glass will always be thinner than the original one. The manufacturer can cut cost by using less material on thickness, but has to keep the same height and width of the glass

When you are working with the 1955 and older flat windshields that was always cut from sheets of laminated glass, and I have not seen a thickness difference from new replacements today versus the originals from 1950 in your case.

I have seen some size differences though, so having glass cut using your original windshields as patterns is a great idea. You know that those windows fit into the opening of your cab.

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

x 4!

Re: Thoughts-experience quality windsheild glass-rubber
 

Steele rubber in my '49.