Windshield install question

[Mark Spiegel]

Hi all,

Doing my first windshield install on a ‘63 coupe. I’ve read through a lot of posts on this topic but still have some questions…

First, the new windshield and trim is from Stoddards, gasket from IM.

When I installed the windshield it seemed that there was a bit of a gap in the bottom corners such that the gasket barely overlaps the body. And the top of the windshield shows what I think is a lot of gasket material while the bottom shows less gasket material. Do I not have it aligned/installed quite right? I referenced my ‘64 unrestored coupe which I think might have the original windshield still in it and it has pretty uniform gasket showing all the way around (and a lot less than my new gasket). I’ve included pics of both new and original fitments.

Thanks,
Mark Spiegel

[Mark Spiegel]

Btw, probably doesn’t matter but it’s a Reuter and Euro car.

[Martin Benade]

Did you have plenty of lube on it? I prefer dishwashing detergent like Joy. Even if everything is perfect installing with a new rubber is pretty challenging. You may have to carefully take it out and install it again.

[Thomas A. Arima]

I had the same problem. It looked like it didn't fit the two bottom corners, as if there were almost gaps. But the shop said that at the factory they would insert spacers or shims. Not sure about that. I think they also said to give it time for the windshield and rubber to settle in. Basically, they were saying don't worry about it.

[Vic Skirmants]

I had the same problem. It looked like it didn't fit the two bottom corners, as if there were almost gaps. But the shop said that at the factory they would insert spacers or shims. Not sure about that. I think they also said to give it time for the windshield and rubber to settle in. Basically, they were saying don't worry about it.

Isn't that the shop that has given you a bunch of problems?

[Joris Koning]

Who's seal are you using and did you line up the corners correctly?

[Mark Spiegel]

I’m using a International Mercantile gasket bought April 2020. As far as “corners lined up” are you talking about the aluminum strip? If so, yes, I put the gasket on the windshield, fitted the aluminum strip so it followed the profile exactly and cut the ends to fit so there was like an 1/8” gap at the centers. It didn’t look like the gasket had a top or bottom.

[Mark Spiegel]

As far as lube, I had dish wash soap in water in a spray bottle and I sprayed the body channel and the gasket. It was a pretty diluted mixture. But it seemed to work fine with 2 people, one on the inside one on the outside. The sunroof came in handy at one point!

[Mark Spiegel]

On the invoice, it indicates the gasket is a M49A/M51

[Martin Benade]

I like the full strength soap best. It’s risky if done wrong but with the right hands “pounding “ on the glass and rubber as it goes in is very helpful. And even with it fully installed that might make it settle inwards a bit more.
I am surprised you had to cut the metal inserts, mine from Stoddard 9 years ago didn’t need trimming.
By the way there is no such thing as a spacer for fitting a windshield.

[Mike Wilson]

Thomas, Vic is correct. Your shop doesn't know diddly squat about the 356.

Mike

[Jan Kolm]

The spacers were installed between the door seals and body wherever a water or air leak was detected at the factory and are often pitched in the dumpster with the original seal.

[gregg hake]

On my cab, I installed the windshield several times and noticed that the overlap on the corners was different each time I installed. I was unable to install it with lube as the window would pop out on one side or the other, so my son and I tried it without lube and it was quite easy. We did notice that the windshield actually has room to move 3/16 inch right or left and that the rubber may be overlapping great on one side the first install...and then overlapping great on the other side the second time we tried it.
The rubber seal needs to be aligned correctly. There is a visible seam in the rubber that has to be centered in the windshield ( I cant remember if it is centered on the top of the windshield or the bottom). Centering means the true corners of the rubber are then aligned with the corners of the windshield glass.
Then, I decided to take it to a pro (because I broke the new windshield tightening up the rear view mirror bar). I got to watch him install mine as he explained it to me.
1. He said not to use lubricant as it allows the windshield to pop out or to slide one direction or another during installing (thus making the overlap excessive on one side and deficient on another).
2. He said experience helps you install the windshield centered in the frame so the rubber overlaps equally on both sides. In fact, the first time he popped it in, we had too much gap on the drivers side so we pushed out the windshield and re-installed it and it was an even overlap after that.

[Mike Wilson]

The question of the seam of the seal is interesting. I think it looks better with the seam on the bottom; less obtrusive. However, I checked out an unrestored, low-mileage '60 coupe that the front was at the bottom and the rear was at the top.

Mike

[Thomas Sottile]

The windshield can take a warp if stored incorrectly this would hinder installing of the glass and also keep it from seating properly