Major setback on installing my windshield

[Keith R.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

That is a GREAT ideal Richard - thanks for the tip. I may have made the mistake of torquing down the post nuts too tightly as well. The AIM calls for the T-bolts and posts nuts to be torqued to 30 and 90 Inch pounds which is not much.

Keith, It sounds like it'll be a much better result.

When you reinstall the windshield assembly I suggest you add some "telltale" tape on the glass at edge of top frame along the rubber. Attach several strips of masking tape along the glass. Place the tape so it's horizontal edges are right at the edge of the rubber so you don't see glass at the tape joint. When you tighten the T-Bolts and Side Post stud nuts, go slowly and check the tape on the glass as you tighten. If you start to see separation and see glass appearing at your tape markers, stop and investigate.

Shims: I usually start with 2 Side post shims each side. Your 3/16" gap to Door posts may be a little too much and may be part of the reason your glass separated before. You may have to add more post shims if you start to see glass separation when you tighten the nuts. If you do, cut slots along the side of the shims so they can be inserted from the sides after loosening the hardware and slightly raising the posts. This way you don't have to remove the windshield to add them. Also keep in mind that the T-bolt and Side post nuts don't need to be extremely tight. Just snug is best.

I also use this "telltape" tape procedure when I install a soft top so I can see if the header pulls on the frame as I adjust the header latches and vinyl attachment to the header. You can see the tape on the glass below. If I start to see clear glass between the tape and the rubber, I stop and readjust.

[Keith R.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

I think that the filler strip acts as a spacer to compensate for the end plates in the header so as to keep the distance between the header frame and windshield gasket uniform. It also probably acts as a a cushion or shock absorber as well I guess. I got mine from one of the big box stores. It was a compact foam strip with self stick adhesive on the back.

[Richard M.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

I think that the filler strip acts as a spacer to compensate for the end plates in the header so as to keep the distance between the header frame and windshield gasket uniform. It also probably acts as a a cushion or shock absorber as well I guess. I got mine from one of the big box stores. It was a compact foam strip with self stick adhesive on the back.

Keith, Yes that makes sense. The nutplates create a gap in the channel and the filler strip fills that gap. I've taken many apart and one problem is it acts like a sponge and can trap moisture and cause rust in the channel.

Rich

[Stephen R.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

when I decided to do my 59's dash pad, I figured I might as well do the windshield also. when I got under the dash, to my surprise there were just 2 "T" bolts (the ones behind the cowl) with finger tight nuts and two of those bigger end bolts (one on each side ) with finger tight nuts holding the windshield down. I had been driving the car for 40 years this way, So when it came to a re-install, I figured if the w/s stayed on with only 4 hand tight nuts, then I figured with a full compliment of nuts and bolts it would be even more secure, even hand tight. And that's what I did. The 4 corner bolts are slightly more than hand tight (very snugg), the "T's" are approximately 1-to1 and 1/2 turns past hand tight. Everything is snugg and nothing move or wiggles.

[Ed H.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield



It was a relief when I saw the windshield in mine on Friday. First time since the frame was repaired 30+ years ago.

[Pat H.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

Rich,
I'm back at it with the windshield. Its out of the car and disassembled on the bench. I checked the spacers on each end and one side had 2 and the other had 3. That's the way it was when I removed it. If you have the detailed instructions on how you performed this task, can you please send them to me. Thanks pat.heimrath@gmail.com

[Richard M.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

Rich,
I'm back at it with the windshield. Its out of the car and disassembled on the bench. I checked the spacers on each end and one side had 2 and the other had 3. That's the way it was when I removed it. If you have the detailed instructions on how you performed this task, can you please send them to me. Thanks pat.heimrath@gmail.com

Pat, you can download it from this post....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...005#post692005

[Bruce B.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

Rich, glad to see the rubber mallet in your pictures. I was hesitant to use it on the first C1 windshield I did but found out it is essential.
Hope all in well in Florida. BTW, I got the Gasser back from the body shop last Saturday and the mechanical work is almost done.
Bruce B

Pat, Any dense foam strip cut to fit the width of the channel will work. I make my own from foam used to seal truck bed caps. Something similar can be purchased at a hardware store, etc. It's apx 3/8"" thick and runs the full length of the channel just inside the nutplates. Pics below.

This foam filler strip in the upper channel is used to fill the gap between the backside of the glass rubber seal and the deep channel. I would think it was used to act as a stop aid when installing the upper channel to the glass/seal. It doesn't have any structural significance so I wouldn't bother taking anything apart to install it.
Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: Major setback on installing my windshield

Bruce, Yes rubber mallet is a necessity. Glad your gasser is coming along.

Rich