69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

[Dennis M.]

I am attempting to remove the windshield on a 68 convertible and had the inside trim sections removed and the side outside trim removed, but am trying to remove the top trim and end pieces. These are the end sections with the plastic inserts, I have all of the screws removed and all of the header trim section screws removed. I have tried to remove the ends and center trim as one piece as it appears that is the way it appears to have been installed, but it does not budge.

Also, I attempted to remove the top dash pad. I removed all of the connecting screws from under the pad and removed the reinforcement section under the pad and the top vent outlet. The pad moves freely, but it will not slide up or out, since it appears to be wider than the distance between the side posts. Do you need to remove the windshield to remove the pad?

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Dennis,

I don't know about the windshield, but to remove the top dash pad one generally needs to remove the inside windshield side garnish molding. Sometimes only one side will give one enough room, but someimes both sides will need to come out.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Dennis, iffen my feeble memory serves me correct you will have to remove the header in three piesces. It is fastened by the screws that you have removed and by caulking which probably holds better that the screws. Plus if someone has replaced the windshield and use urethane caulking it is even worse. Gentle, steady pressure on the outside moldings and they should slowly come loose. The center, being more fragile, requires a lot of patience, but will come off the same way. Just be patient

[Dennis M.]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Dick,
Thank you I have sprayed the caulked area with WD-40 to try to free-up and will work on it some more tonight.

Terry,
I have both side pillars interior sections removed and it still is binding against the sides trying to remove. Since I will be removing the windshield, I figured I could get it out that way. I was only hoping that there was another way or trick that I was missing.

To both,
I had a typo in my original posting, the Corvette that I am trying to get the windshield and dash pad out of is a '68 not a '69. It must have been a finger-check problem.

[Dennis M.]

Re: 68 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Windshield ends loosen up overnight with the WD-40 and windshield removed. I was sorry to have to remove the original windshield, but it had more cracks than I could count. Also took another attempt at removing the dash pad and it came out. It is still a tight fit between the pillars. Thanks

[Klaus Friedrich #33362]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Hi Dennis,

just replaced my upper dash pad this winter on my 69 convertible.
Got the same problem like you removing it. Best way is to ask a friend to help you and bend the pad in the middle. It works - believe me.

Good luck

Klaus #33362

[Dennis M.]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Klaus,

With the windshield out, I was able to push the one side up past the point where it would normal touch the windshield and slide the other side out. It was tight but worked. I guess I better clean the dash pad and re-install it before I put the windshield back in.

Thanks,
Dennis

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

Bending it is one option, but be careful. Parts, especially plastic parts, that would easily bend when new can crack after ageing for thirty or more years.

[Dennis M.]

Re: 69 Conv. Windshied Replacement

So true, I guess it was a good thing I had to replace the windshield and get the extra tiny bit of room to work with.

Thanks to all