63 SWC Windshield

[Rainer S.]

I just received my Dec 62 build SWC windshield from O.E.M. I ordered tinted, shaded with date code and logo. The car came originally with a clear windshield, no shade.
The windshield I received is very dark, the tinting looks blue. (Darker than any of the 4 newer cars in mine and neighbors driveway). The shade strip is very dark, 4" wide across the top, tearing down to 6" at the corners.
Has anybody else received a windshield as described ? I personally think the tinting is too dark and the shade is way to wide, especially at the corners.
I was planning to have the car judged when restoration is completed, then drive it. Therefor I deviated from the original "clear". I wanted some sun protection...
Any coments ?

Rainer

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 SWC Windshield

Well now let's see! You have pointed out to the NCRS judges (on this site)that your car does not have an original windshield and even the reproduction is probably wrong. You knew this when you ordered the wrong windshield. Would you like to have full points for originality? I don't think I would count on them to push me over the number to Top Flight!

I do admire your honesty but sometimes it's better to let the judges find the mistakes by themselves. They do have a tendency to miss a few from time to time.

Regards,

JR

[mike mccagh]

Re: 63 SWC Windshield

i've found that the OEM tinted windshields differ from original tint pattern in that their tint area is wider as you point out and there is a sharp , well demarcated pattern between the tint and non-tinted portion of the glass on OEM's version. the original tint pattern is narrower and the tint "blends" gradually into the non-tinted portion of the glass. i'd suspect your OEM glass will take a minor or no deduct as long as the date code jives with the cars build date. mike

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 SWC Windshield

Rainer,

This may be completely wrong but I seem to remember that tinted glass was not available for the first part of 63 production. I think the option was listed at SOP but it may be possible that no cars were built with tint until some time after the 1st of the year 63?

Does anyone have info on this? I looked through all of the info that I have on option availability during the model year and there's no mention of the tinted glass option being held for any reason.

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC Windshield

As per the NCRS judging guide, tinted windshield option A02 was available after ser #4000. My ser # is 5137, so it could be tinted.
My opinion is, that the windshield I received is just too dark...
I called OEM, and they stated that the shade is the way all of their units come, and nobody has ever complained. Maybe I overreacted. OEM stated that clear winshields are not stocked at all. He offered to give me credit, if I should return the unit.
I am considdering to get a clear windshield, but would like to hear more opinions from other members...

Rainer

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 63 SWC Windshield

------Just a couple of things. I may be wrong but if a car got a tinted and shaded windshield from the factory I believe it would have been part of option A01. A02 would have only been shaded at the top but the body of the windshield would have been clear. If Im right then all the rest of your windows would have to have been tinted as well to go along with your windshield, and it sounds as if you havent gone to those lenghths yet with your side windows. A car with a tinted and shaded windshield and the balance of the glass clear would look a bit odd. I have seen a few cars that people have done this to, and the eye is drawn to the windshield more easily. In other words you notice the shaded part faster when the side glass doesnt match. Hope this makes sense..............Bill S

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC Windshield

Thanks everybody for the good advise. I agree, that the car would look odd, if the windshield is tinted, and the rest of the glass is clear. That was my first thought, when taking the windshield out of the box, espessially, since the tinting was so dark....
I will return the winshield and try to get a clear with date code. OEM said, they may not be able to get one readyly. It will have to absorb the cost of date coding and shipping both ways, but I will be happier with a clear unit in the car.
Thanks again,

Rainer