Windshield install question
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- 356 Fan
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Windshield install question
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
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
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- 356 Fan
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- Martin Benade
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Re: Windshield install question
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.
Cleveland Ohio
62 Cabriolet
56 VW
02 IS 300
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62 Cabriolet
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02 IS 300
04 Sienna
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Windshield install question
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.
1965 356C Karmann coupe
1967 adopted by family
VIN: 221XXX
Original home: Carmel By-the-Sea, CA
Engine: 1600cc mini big-bore, Webers
Color: white, black interior
Member since at least 1990
Jan 2020-present - "quarantining" in shop
1967 adopted by family
VIN: 221XXX
Original home: Carmel By-the-Sea, CA
Engine: 1600cc mini big-bore, Webers
Color: white, black interior
Member since at least 1990
Jan 2020-present - "quarantining" in shop
- Vic Skirmants
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Re: Windshield install question
Isn't that the shop that has given you a bunch of problems?Thomas A. Arima wrote: ↑Sun Jun 20, 2021 4:02 am 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.
- Joris Koning
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Re: Windshield install question
Who's seal are you using and did you line up the corners correctly?
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Windshield install question
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.
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Windshield install question
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!
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- Martin Benade
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Re: Windshield install question
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.
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.
Last edited by Martin Benade on Sun Jun 20, 2021 11:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cleveland Ohio
62 Cabriolet
56 VW
02 IS 300
04 Sienna
62 Cabriolet
56 VW
02 IS 300
04 Sienna
- Mike Wilson
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Re: Windshield install question
Thomas, Vic is correct. Your shop doesn't know diddly squat about the 356.
Mike
Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Windshield install question
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.
Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe
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Re: Windshield install question
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.
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
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Re: Windshield install question
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
Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
- Thomas Sottile
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Re: Windshield install question
The windshield can take a warp if stored incorrectly this would hinder installing of the glass and also keep it from seating properly