C1 (1959) Windshield and Frame Mounting

[Brad K.]

I need a little help with mounting of the windshield unit and it's frame on a '59. I am trying to fit the lower windshield frame on a new (undrilled) front body assembly (without the glass). I have a new concave rubber strip underneath the lower frame and I'm having a hard time pre-attaching it to where there is a small and uniform gap between the SS moulding and the body. I've heard that some of the rubber strips can get produced which are too thick. (I didn't save my old one) My problem is that I'm getting a large gap (3/16" or greater) on both sides as the SS moulding turns back into the windshield posts with a very proper and narrow gap (1/32" or less) in the center between the windshield wipers.

Can anyone give me some hints to make this job go a little easier?
Thanks,
Brad

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 (1959) Windshield and Frame Mounting

Brad...

First of all, a new windshield channel weatherstrip must be "curved" to match the windshield channel. Make sure the strip is warm and seats in place. After you mount the windshield, use a strip of wood (approx 2x2) and push the top of the SS moulding down at each corner of the curves. The idea is to make sure the curve in the weatherstrip seats with the bottom of the windshield. Be sure to tighten the "tee" bolts and side bolts evenly. Also the number of shim seals required may change, have some spares ready. This well require you to move back & forth under the dash several times, but it is well worth it. Taking the steerin wheel off helps a great deal!

[dennis frey]

Re: C1 (1959) Windshield and Frame Mounting

hi brad, i went thru this w my 57. i will bet that gap was there when u took the windshield off. i was upset w mine until i went to some car shows and saw others the same way or worse. some tried to calk that gap w clear or black, etc===the more they did , the worse it looked. about the only thing that would work would be to re glass it. but i m convinced many came from the factory w a poor fit there. thats the easy answer, now for the hard part. no doubt , the overall fitment of the door/windshield/windows was the hardest part of my restoration. if u are off w the windshield, the door post will not allign properly,==if u adjust the door posts, then the windows may not crank properly. placing the winshield also affects the fitment of the hard top and to some extent the soft top if u have one. dont attempt to horse down the T bolts holding the windshield down===they can pull out. dont overtighten the large bolts at the ends ==u can break the tabs [if not modified] and the windshield will soon break, even if properly shimmed. this is a place for great patience as it affects many things down the road. good luck. d.