Re-use Newer Rubber on Windshield

[LostMy65]

The previous owner had a company put in a new windshield on my 65.
The guy did a crappy job.

The rubber is still soft, so I'm thinking of taking the windshield out and then put it back using the same rubber, but do it right.

Anyone see a problem with my attempting this?
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[jsdoyle]

Good question. I'm sort of in the same boat. Newer rubber but I have an older windshield with a rock strike and scratches from an old wiper arm.

PO put the old windshield in. Rubber is in really good condition.

[sigshooter]

I recently put a brand new windshield in myy truck and used a GM rubber that I put in 20 years ago... No problems, mine was still soft and pliable
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[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by sigshooter

I recently put a brand new windshield in myy truck and used a GM rubber that I put in 20 years ago... No problems, mine was still soft and pliable
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Perfect!

I'll do it, then.

Thanks
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[markeb01]

Back in the 60's and 70's I never used a new gasket. Having a gasket in good condition was part of the selection process before pulling a junkyard windshield. Just make sure to get any chunks of sealer out of the gasket and off the glass and body flange before reinstalling. Using a previously fitted gasket also makes the installation easier, especially if the windshield has stainless trim.

[spacedebris]

This is just me...I'm all for saving money anywhere you can but in on some things it just doesnt make sense to me. A new windshield rubber is less than $30 and easy to get.

Now yes, I understand why replace when nothing is wrong with it. But, a small un-noticed nick or cut could cause more issues. Now I admit I'm biased in this. My first car when I was 16 was a VW bug, I had a leak that would short out my dash was driving me nuts. took me MONTHS to track it down and it turned out to be an almost undetectable split in the windshield gasket. Turns out the PO did exactly this, replaced the windshield but reused the rubber. Since then every time I replace the windshield in any car, I replace the rubber as well. I look at it as cheap insurance. But then that may be just my own issue.

[LostMy65]

^Great point.

My question wasn't so much motivated by wanting to save money,
but more so of the effort involved in getting the seal to form to the shape of the windshield.
I struggled some when I did my 66.
I was thinking the existing seal is already formed to the shape of the glass, making the install less troublesome.

But you make a great point of not wanting even the slightest leak.