64 Wildcat Convertible windshield replacement

Discussion in 'A boatload of fun' started by 64 wildcat conv, Oct 23, 2014.

  1. 64 wildcat conv

    64 wildcat conv Silver Level contributor

    I just had the windshield replaced on my '64 Wildcat due to a crack from something thrown from the road by a passing car. The original glass had quite a bit of swirl in it from being buffed/polished over the years so I wasn't entirely displeased with getting a free replacement. A new gasket was used with the new windshield. I had a hard time finding an installer who would tackle the job and ended up purchasing the glass and gasket myself and hiring an installer that works for a local repair shop. He came highly recommended from a friend of a friend who are both "car guys".

    The installer obviosuly knew his stuff and had the old windshield out in no time. While he was replacing the glass and gasket I took the interior trim and buffed it in my other garage. By the time I got done he had the new glass and gasket installed along with the outside trim. I gave him the inside trim and went back to the other garage. About 20 minutes later he called me and told me he was done. I went to look at the car and from 15 feet away everything looked good. I paid him $150 for his work and he was on his way.

    Later that day I sat in the car and started to clean up some of the OE putty and sealant that was used between the glass and gasket and the gasket and frame. As I was cleaning I noticed that some of the interior screws were not tight and the heads not seated in the trim. On further inspection I found that about half of them weren't even in the hole in the windshield frame but just wedged between the trim pieces to make it look right. I was not happy but removed the inside trim and properly aligned it, found the proper screw for each location, and had it buttoned up in about an hour. I am now wondering if I shouldn't check to see if he used any sealer with the new gasket? As I understand it the gasket is more or less to hold the glass in place and doesn't effectively seal the glass and/or frame in wet weather and at highway speeds.

    Has anyone had any experience with this? Should I leave it go and try it in the rain or remove the inner and outer trim and add sealer between the galss and gasket and between the gasket and windshield frame? My fear is that it may leak in a spot that is not obvious which could damage some of the electrical/interior parts or casue rust.
     
  2. 66electrafied

    66electrafied Just tossing in my nickel's worth

    I'd hit it with a hose, see if it leaks. If it does, and you're sure it isn't through the header, then I'd add more putty. Too much isn't good either. And yes, some people can pack mud mud better than they can line up screws, so he might have done a good job.
     
  3. chriswildcat

    chriswildcat 63 Wildcat conv.

    Mark:

    Maybe he just did not have the patients to get the screws installed correctly????

    I will be installing a new windshield in my 63 Wildcat sometime in the very near future.

    So I have to ask, what did you use to replace the gray putty that was applied under the outer stainless steel windshield trim? I have yet to find a replacement caulking.

    It is AMAZING to me that most of this gray caulking is still soft and pliable after fifty years!

    Chris
     
  4. 64 wildcat conv

    64 wildcat conv Silver Level contributor

    Chris, as far as I know there is no caulking to replace the gray caulking under the stainless trim. I saw no evidence that any was applied. I'm not one to hover around when getting work done on my cars (if I did I don't think I could find anyone who would put up with my questions :rolleyes:) so I left the guy alone after I got confidence that he knew what he was doing. I think he was trying to get to another job and didn't have the patience to line the screws and trim up on the inside. I'll have to hit it with a hose and see what happens.

    On a positive note the vision through the modern glass is like a night and day difference. I never realized how blurry things were until I drove the car with the new windshield.
     
  5. chriswildcat

    chriswildcat 63 Wildcat conv.

    I'm not sure what I'm going to use as a replacement for the gray caulking. I cross that bridge sometime next year.

    Chris
     

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