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Ready to reassemble my windshield. Reviewed the many posts on the topic in the archives and have found them very helpful. It can be nice to know that the problems and confusions one experiences in this hobby are shared by others. One question for those in the know, are there any tips for "popping" the top moulding onto the channel without scrathing or denting it? Also, although not the standard operating procedure, is it possible to install the channel and moulding as one unit onto the weatherstrip ? Thanks. Richard
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
Richard, I'm no expert, but I just this past week reassembled my windshield on my 54 with new seals and repaired posts.
The seal must be installed on the glass first, then the bottom channel can be fitted to the seal/glass. You're best off using a spray bottle with soap/water mixture and keeping it all slippery. Work the seal onto the channel by hand (maybe 4 hands!). Make sure the seal is centered well! I then fitted the top molding on again using a lot of soap/water. Then the end posts go on. The little threaded steel keepers are a pain to keep in place. I used the black non hardening weather seal stuff from 3M (NAPA sells it) as a sort of bubble gum to keep the keepers in place. I used 2 awls to keep them aligned as I assembled them. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
Hope this helps.
Joe 24865 -
Re: C1 sealer?
Joe,
The factory reccomends a non hardening sealer between the rubber channel and the glass and the lower seal and the body. What did you use in these areas ? RichComment
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Re: C1 sealer?
Rich, I didn't use the sealer the last time I put new rubber in this car 17 years ago and it didn't leak at all. I did, however, use the non-hardening sealer around the mounting studs under the rubber lower seal to the body, but not under the whole length.
JoeComment
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Re: C1 sealer? WHAT KIND?
Joe,
What specific kind or brand of sealer did you use? RichComment
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
Joe,
Thanks for your reply. All seems to be going well, but I do have a question about the upper channel. Mine is damaged and needs to be replaced. It is recommended that the upper channel be installed first, before the moulding. Then the moulding is then mounted on it. But it seemns to me the moulding does not have a wide enough opening to go over the upper channel. Attempting to widen it while the upper channel is on the window I believe runs the risk of damaging the moulding. I wonder if one has a unit where the channel is in the moulding already if it might be easier to keep it that way and install the whole unit together on the weatherstrip. Do you have any thoughts/experiences with this.
Thanks,
RichardComment
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
The upper channel only locks in on one side. It doesn't lock around front and rear.
LarryComment
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
I made some notes when I did mine.
LarryComment
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
Larry,
I read your installation post extensively. I still am not sure exactly how the top moulding snaps back onto the channel. The opening of the moulding seems to narrow to accommodate the channel. What tools, if any, or procedure do you use to get it started without damaging the moulding. Also, is it possible to install channel and moulding to the weatherstrip as one unit? Thanks. RichardComment
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
Yes, the channel and molding can be installed as a unit, just install the rubber gasket/seal first.Comment
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Re: C1 Windshield Installation
The molding just snaps onto the channel. It will flex enough to slide over the channel. Remember it only actually goes under the channel on one side. I don't remember if it's the front or rear that it doesn't go under. It just sits against the channel. Maby somebody else will know.
Make sure ALL of the original sealer has been removed from the moldings. The stuff inside that you can't see will make it hard to fit the rubber properly.
Just put the molding straight down on the channel, it won't slide in from the side. If you have the replacement tabs that are removable, you can snap the molding onto the channel and go ahead and attach the posts to the channel. Don't tighten the screws all the way yet. Install the lower channel first. I used some blocks of wood so the lower frame sits on the blocks and the screws don't touch the floor. (no pressure on the glass) Drop the channel with the posts attached onto the windshield. Slide it together and start snugging everything evenly. Don't force anything, be patient and work it slowly.
Just like everything else on the car. it's not gonna fit perfectly.
I walked away frustrated many times and came back to it.
It's also very important when you set it on the car to make sure all of the bolts are thru the holes before you tighten anything. If one is binding and you start tightening you will crack the glass.
good luck!
LarryComment
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