> Is replacing the glass a hard thing to do on my own? Is one supplier
> better than others for fit & quality of the glass or the rubber seals,
> etc.?
Two years ago my windshield sprouted a vertical crack on the passenger side
on my way home from the Grand Canyon. I bought all new rubber parts and new
screws and proceeded to rebuild a spare windshield that I had from a 1974
Midget.
Contrary to popular belief, it IS possible to assemble the windshield
without dishsoap or other lubricants. It helps if you have some screws the
same thread as the windshield assembly screws, but significantly longer to
help pull things together during assembly. It takes a fair amount of
patience and ingenuity to get things back together in the right order.
When you take the windshield off, write down which shims go on which side of
the body.
The strip between the wndshield and the scuttle is the hardest part to
install.
Too much stress on the glass and the whole thing wil shatter when the car
hits the first bad bump; don't force it.
The screws are NOT Phillips head, they are PoziDrive. Get the right driver
for them and your life will be immeasurably better. Kroil is also your
friend when it comes to getting the screws out. Did I mention patience?
When it is time to put it back on the car, use a couple straps around the
windshield to hold the gasket curled back so you aren't fighting it any more
than necessary.
It was easier for me to start the bolts on the drivers side first, then pull
down enough to start the bolts in the center cleat. A long pointed steel rod
can really help pry down the far end to get the bolts through.
Take the straps out as soon as all bolts are started.
Do not tighten any bolts until you get it aligned with the doors.
David Lieb
1972 RWA
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