The ravages of 40-plus years of weather, bugs, flying objects, and road grime are unforgiving to any windshield glass.
Even if the glass escaped cracks or the all-too-common perfectly gouged semicircle impression left by a spent wiper blade, it is likely full of unsightly pits that detract from the overall look of your build. These days, replacing the windshield isn't all that difficult with readily available glass, and doing it makes a huge improvement to any project car.
Our installation is on a '64 Chevelle convertible that had just finished getting sprayed at Starbucks Customs in Riverside, California. Since the glass had already been removed, we enlisted the expert services of Julio Castro from Rhino Glass for the installation. It isnt an extremely difficult project, but there are some tips and tricks that the pros use for a perfect fit and seal every time.
Removal is fairly simple, requiring you to remove the molding and take the old glass out of its frame. As with any specialty job, we definitely recommend using the proper tools to avoid any unnecessary damage. Case in point: A molding removal tool will save your high-dollar trim components, not too mention keep you from having to scour the classifieds or junkyards for those trim pieces that aren't readily available off-the-shelf. Also helpful is a windshield seal tool. In our case we used a length of wire wrapped around a pair of screwdrivers and placed it between the glass and frame. This allowed us to slide all the way around the perimeter and separate the two. After the seals broken, the glass easily lifts out. The entire process took a little over 30 minutes, and that was with us taking the time to be extra cautious.
Follow along as we show you how to swap out the old glass, and take pride knowing that your Chevy will not only look cleaner, but you'll actually be able see what's down the road on your next cruise.
Quick Notes
What We Did
Replaced a pitted windshield
Bottom Line
We no longer have to squint to see the road
Price (Approx)
$200
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We started with a windshield frame that had already been cleaned of old seal residue and c
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While it isn't required, it's a good idea to install new molding clips. They don't cost mu
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The new molding clips are held in place with one Phillips-head screw per clip.
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Always trial-fit the window to the frame. On cars 40 years and older, a lot of things can
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Julio Castro used a number of small wood spacers to center the glass into the channel. If
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For a clean look and a weather-tight seal, Castro applied an even stripe of self-priming s
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The same self-priming sealer is also applied to the windshield frame, keeping dirt and oth
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Surround the entire frame with an even bead of windshield sealer. Products such as Sika's
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With the sealer still tacky and wood alignment blocks in the channel, we went ahead and fi
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Alignment is critical. Apply pressure on both sides of the glass to move slowly on the sea
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When it's time to reinstall the windshield molding, it's best to start on one corner and w
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To secure the molding onto the retaining clips, it's best to apply pressure with the flat
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To avoid unsightly dents and dings, be sure to use a molding tool or a small screwdriver t
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The result is a crystal-clear windshield that enhances the look of your project and will p