Replacing Windshield

[toms68cst]

I stopped and talked to a glass shop about replacing my windshield the other day. There is a crack starting to spread out in front of my field of vision. The Sun really catches it at times.

He said he could get my old windshield out without damaging my chrome trim. He also thought he could reuse the rubber gasket. It looks pretty good yet.

Are there any special considerations when replacing the windshields on our trucks? Is this something for more for a specialist or should any good glass shop handle it?

Tom

[toolboxchev]

Most guys go with Precision Gaskets or Steele Rubber products. Through an extensive search of this site many have replaced windshields to much frustration, some have to do it 2 or more times over. PPG glass seems to be the best option for most. It has a different name now.

A lot of glass shops can get frustrated with these older vehicles due to fitment issues, bad or overly large gaskets, too thin of replacement glass. I even have seen some documentation of factory installs way back having to use silicon or some other type of sealant on the upper 2 corners which is not needed according to factory spec.

All in all getting it in properly seems to be the key to have a leak free windshield. I would bet a tad of metal massaging might be in order with some. Do a search of this sight, a ton of info out there.

[Robznob11]

In short, my 11 year old daughter roped mine in while i pressed from the out side. Its not to bad if you get a quality gasket and windshield. With that said if you doubt it let the shop do it so they can eat the replacement if they mess up.... this pic was right after the install, mine does not have the chrome how ever. There is a good how to video on youtube!

[toolboxchev]

Heehhheee haha!

[davepl]

Sometimes it's easy; sometimes it will crush the soul of the best of us.

With the stainless, my truck stymied many men, including a body shop and two glass installers and me and another board member, but an old experienced glass guy finally got it in.

Because these trucks (and that whole method of installing glass, roping) are not commonly seen any more you almost need to find a glass shop that still has a guy that knows how to do it.

So I'd call around and ask if they have anyone that still knows how to rope in a early 70s truck window. They'll tell you (most told me no).

[truckster]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

A lot of glass shops can get frustrated with these older vehicles due to fitment issues, bad or overly large gaskets, too thin of replacement glass. I even have seen some documentation of factory installs way back having to use silicon or some other type of sealant on the upper 2 corners which is not needed according to factory spec.

Silicone should never be used as a windshield sealer. If you need to seal a windshield with a rubber gasket, butyl rubber sealant should be used.

[notsolo]

Is the rubber in good shape? ( no cuts or cracks ) Most people don't want the hassle of removing and cleaning old rubber. I carefully removed mine, cleaned with soap and water, dried it out applied 50/50 Wintergreen oil mixed with xylene..Heavy gloves needed.. it takes time but It looks and fits like new. Also Did the same with all Blazer windows ....You might get lucky with a Repo gasket....Here's an old post.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=484773&page=5
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[toms68cst]

Thanks everyone for the input.

The old gasket visually looks good. There is no weather cracking. I guess it's pretty pliable. I will look on Youtube for the video mentioned.

I suspected there was more to it than with most modern cars.

Tom.

[Shaky]

There's some good windshield threads here if you use the search function.

I just did mine a couple of weeks ago (no chrome though). Had two helpers, used a Precision gasket, a rope, and glass cleaner. Took about an hour and a half and the gasket fits nice.

A warm day and letting the gasket sit in the sun helps a lot.

[68c10airstream]

Consider this install route, normally the windshield would be set in on the bottom edge and work the rope around from the bottom ending up at the top center area. After working with a good friend that owned at the time a body shop and fighting with the normal install (as stated above) i said when i do it again i will do exactly the OPPOSITE; install the windshield with help and PUSH the windshield UP so the tight upper corners that like to get the rubber cut up if not careful will be tucked in place with no issue, install the rope to end at the bottom and benefit from easily walking the rope along the lower gently sweeping curves. The body shop owner reluctantly agreed!

[michaeluad]

I will look on Youtube for the video mentioned.