C1 Windshield fit problems

[Larry P.]

My 60 windshield doesn't want to pull down properly. Right about where it curves between the wiper holes and the top fender molding. The gap is at least 1/4 inch. The posts are flush and the front is almost flush. I believe all of the bolts are seated properly into the lower channel. I'm not comfortable with going any tighter with the bolts. Any ideas what might be wrong?
Larry

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Windshield fit problems

take it back off the car and be certain the t-bolts are properly positioned in the channel and then be certain ALL of them are coming thru their respective cowl holes before tightening anything. busted windshield glass result of my first windshield reassembly about 30 years ago. it was a new peice of glass. good luck, mike

[Dennis C.]

After you do what Mikie says...

...and if it still looks about the same, keep in mind that some C1 windshields just don't fit much better than what you describe in this exact area - hence the practice of cosmetic caulking came to be... Good luck, Dennis

[Larry P.]

Re: After you do what Mikie says...

That would make more sense. I know all of the T-bolts are thru the cowl. I believe all of them are seated properly.
Larry

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 Windshield fit problems

Larry, in all likelyhood, the lower channel is properly seated against the body gasket. What I suspect you are seeing is the molding not being seated all the way down in the channel. As mentioned earlier, a lot of cars' moldings don't fit all that well in this area. There is a cure, but it is a bit risky and if you elect to try it, you do so on your own advice: Take a wooden dowel about a half inch in diameter to use as a "punch". Fold the rubber back on the top of the molding so you don't cut it. Holding the dowel parallel to the ws, tap it with a hammer to seat the molding in the channel. Don't get greedy. If you get it to move enough to have a reasonable gap that you can live with, let well enough alone. I know this will work because I've done it successfully. You can also break the windshield if you don't do it right, or try to go too far. I know this from experience also.

Your alternative is to take it all back apart and try again. You may get it better, but you will likely have a larger gap than you want unless the molding is somehow forced down in the channel, particularily at the curved areas.

Like I said, if you try this, you're on your own. No nasty emails or phone calls if it turns sour.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 Windshield fit problems

Is it a new windshield? If it's new, did you compare it to your old one when both of them were out of the frame?

There were a whole bunch of posts 10/21-22/2004 on the CRPL about lousy fitting new windshields. I took a particular interest in the thread because the same thing happened to me. New windshield installed by a reputable shop fits terrible.

If the windshield is new, from whom did you buy it? I suspect there aren't many manufacturers of these windshields. Maybe all the trouble is simply a bad batch of windshields.

[Larry P.]

Re: C1 Windshield fit problems

I bought a new one about last may from the glass company in Bloomington, Il. I have had a lot of problems with fit. I can't get the upper molding to match the side posts. They extend about 1/8 inch (many say that's normal) and the right side upper channal isn't all the way into the side post like you would think it should be. I've had the frame on and off 4 or 5 times and i'm getting pretty good at the process, but, I can't get it to fit right. With the work my body man did and the fit and finish we have on everything else, I sure hate to give in on the windshield.
Larry

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 Windshield fit problems

Larry, one might also ask where your winsdshield gasket came from. If it doesn't fit, the glass isn't going to fit either. With that said, the last windshield I changed had some pretty stark dimensional differences from the original glass. This was particularily true around the lower rear corners. The new glass had been ground quite a bit further in these areas and required sealer in the corners to keep it from leaking.

The only other thing I can add is to use PLENTY of soapy water during assembly, and be sure the old parts are cleaned of all the old sealer residue or anything else that will potentially keep everything from sliding into place.

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 Windshield fit problems

Larry...

I have used Ed's hammer & wood process with success. Using a 2X2 on a warm day, the windshield can be tapped into place. Make sure the wood dowel or 2X2 rests tightly on the window frame before tapping....

[Ed Jennings]

It wouldn't hurt to

soak it down real well wth some soapy water, too. Be sure your striking force is parallel to the windshield, and DON'T push your luck. Voice of experience.