Windshield frame replacement - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lawricker · 07-18-2006, 08:25 AM

I am not close to finishing up my 71, but I have a 72 that has some rust issues around the windshield top rail. The 69 I have for parts is good.. How bad is the change and where do I cut? anyone ever done this (I am sure they have) but just was thinking about it and thought I'd ask.

**raggedjim** · 07-18-2006, 09:32 AM

VTBLAZER has done this. Here's a link to some of the pics of his work. I'm sure he'll get in on this and will have some good advice.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=156022&page=2
Rg

LUV2XCLR8 · 07-18-2006, 05:37 PM

28buick · 07-19-2006, 01:02 PM

I replaced my 72 frame several years ago and made the splice about 2 inches up from the cowl. Generally if the top is gone you have issues internally in the sides of the frame. There is a stiffening element inside the windshield frame at the cowl that you can use to help align the new frame. Additionally this provides a location for plug welds in addition to the butt welds on the frame. Make a good templet of the windshield area for locating your replacement frame. The frames have a tendency to twist once you cut them so you may need to convince the replacement frame to fit. If you remove the replacement frame as close to the cowl as possible you will see this stiffner I am talking about. Its easy to cut the frame shorter but tough to make it longer once cut. Good luck

*72CSTC5* · 07-19-2006, 07:20 PM

Measure 10 times and cut once. Good luck but if you post pics of your Blazer maybe I can help you that way and give you safe advice on sectioning procedures as I am a GM Certified Collision Repair Technician, ASE master certified and GM and I-CAR certififed welder. You may also need to reinforce your frame before you cut the section off of the 69. Weld a crossbrace from side to side to eliminate any twist and a piece from the top of the windshield opening to the crossbar to keep everything straight and then sleeve the section or like the last guy said to section in the reinforcement area. Good luck.

Ochre · 07-19-2006, 09:13 PM

So I was thinking about this process the other day...got a nice frame off of ebay a few weeks ago and I don't want to screw it up, so - would it be better to leave the windshield in place on the tub while swapping over to keep the frame straight while welding the new one in?

My K5 has a pretty lousy windshield, couple star chips and some snow on the bottom so when the frame replacement gets done it's getting a new windshield either way...any thoughts on this?

pound41 · 07-20-2006, 09:17 AM

Whats the difference between a truck and blazer winshield frame if any

lawricker · 07-20-2006, 09:35 AM

You gotta love this place.. I sure appreciate all the great input I have recieved on questions. I will keep in mind the bracing. that never crossed my mind. I hope to start this project when it is cooler. I finished spraying the undercarriage of the body and the frame yesterday (used bedliner) and after I install a 4" lift gonna start the putting it together process. thanks again, you guys are great.

krue · 07-20-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pound41

Whats the difference between a truck and blazer winshield frame if any

Obviously at the top of the frame where the top bolts to the frame is totally different on a blazer, and maybe the supports mentioned above.

07-18-2006, 08:25 AM	#1
lawricker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: texas Posts: 56	Windshield frame replacement I am not close to finishing up my 71, but I have a 72 that has some rust issues around the windshield top rail. The 69 I have for parts is good.. How bad is the change and where do I cut? anyone ever done this (I am sure they have) but just was thinking about it and thought I'd ask. __________________ Retired and working my tail off..

07-18-2006, 09:32 AM	#2
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,478	Re: Windshield frame replacement VTBLAZER has done this. Here's a link to some of the pics of his work. I'm sure he'll get in on this and will have some good advice. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=156022&page=2 Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 Ideas - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851743

07-18-2006, 05:37 PM	#3
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Windshield frame replacement __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

07-19-2006, 01:02 PM	#4
28buick Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: east hanpton ct Posts: 26	Re: Windshield frame replacement I replaced my 72 frame several years ago and made the splice about 2 inches up from the cowl. Generally if the top is gone you have issues internally in the sides of the frame. There is a stiffening element inside the windshield frame at the cowl that you can use to help align the new frame. Additionally this provides a location for plug welds in addition to the butt welds on the frame. Make a good templet of the windshield area for locating your replacement frame. The frames have a tendency to twist once you cut them so you may need to convince the replacement frame to fit. If you remove the replacement frame as close to the cowl as possible you will see this stiffner I am talking about. Its easy to cut the frame shorter but tough to make it longer once cut. Good luck

07-19-2006, 07:20 PM	#5
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Re: Windshield frame replacement Measure 10 times and cut once. Good luck but if you post pics of your Blazer maybe I can help you that way and give you safe advice on sectioning procedures as I am a GM Certified Collision Repair Technician, ASE master certified and GM and I-CAR certififed welder. You may also need to reinforce your frame before you cut the section off of the 69. Weld a crossbrace from side to side to eliminate any twist and a piece from the top of the windshield opening to the crossbar to keep everything straight and then sleeve the section or like the last guy said to section in the reinforcement area. Good luck.

07-19-2006, 09:13 PM	#6
Ochre Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 78	Re: Windshield frame replacement So I was thinking about this process the other day...got a nice frame off of ebay a few weeks ago and I don't want to screw it up, so - would it be better to leave the windshield in place on the tub while swapping over to keep the frame straight while welding the new one in? My K5 has a pretty lousy windshield, couple star chips and some snow on the bottom so when the frame replacement gets done it's getting a new windshield either way...any thoughts on this?

07-20-2006, 09:17 AM	#7
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,268	Re: Windshield frame replacement Whats the difference between a truck and blazer winshield frame if any

07-20-2006, 09:35 AM	#8
lawricker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: texas Posts: 56	Re: Windshield frame replacement You gotta love this place.. I sure appreciate all the great input I have recieved on questions. I will keep in mind the bracing. that never crossed my mind. I hope to start this project when it is cooler. I finished spraying the undercarriage of the body and the frame yesterday (used bedliner) and after I install a 4" lift gonna start the putting it together process. thanks again, you guys are great. __________________ Retired and working my tail off..



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