62 Windshield Trim Issues

[bhc41051]

I was having my windshield and back glass installed today. I pushed the truck outside so the glass guy could do the job in my driveway while I was at work.. He calls around 4:00 and say's "The back glass is in, but your trim is tweaked or something it is too wide in the lower corners" I really couldn't see how these little strips of aluminum could keep you from installing the windshield.. Years ago I had trim and new gasket installed on my 66 The trim was pretty beat up and the made in Taiwan gasket barely fit the truck. They didn't have any trouble... So after work I pieced the trim together and I kinda see what he was talking about. The gasket is from Steele Rubber.. Has anyone had similiar problems??

[Brad54]

Had a gasket for the '61 Corvair station wagon windshield... it would NOT fit, no matter what we did. We worked for hours trying to stretch it into place--me, my wife and my son.
Called the local windshield shop all the hot rod shops use, talked to the guy to see what I was doing wrong, and he finally said "Well, from everything you said, you're doing it right, and I wouldn't have any better luck."
Then he tells me he had a '55 Chevy truck with the same problem a few years ago, called the company and got another gasket, and it fit.
So I called the company (I forget who's gasket it was), told them my problem, read them the part number on the packaging and on the gasket, measured all the critical dimensions with them on the phone (sides, top and bottom dimensions, and corner to corner), they said it was the right gasket with the right measurements, but they'd send out a new one.
The new one was the same part number, looked the same, etc., but it practically jumped out of the packaging and fit itself to the car. What was a very long, very frustrating 3-person job, was a short 2 person job, with the second person only helping lift the glass off the saw horse and place it in the opening.

-Brad

[markeb01]

I don’t really think you can determine if there’s a problem with the trim by looking at it set on the windshield opening as shown. It’s pretty flimsy and conforms to the gasket rather easily, unless it is truly bent and has a kink in it.

It sounds like you may have encountered a guy that just doesn’t have much experience with older vehicles, and specifically with these older GM trucks. For technicians familiar with changing glued in windshields in an hour or so, the 60-63 installation can be very challenging, even with a black gasket. The addition of stainless trim really complicates the installation.

The only way to know if the trim really fits well is to install the gasket correctly on the windshield, and then fit the trim in the gasket. If the gasket has been stretched enough to relax and stay on the glass, the trim will slip right in place. The process I went through is shown in my build thread starting around post #366 and running to roughly post 396.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...444502&page=15

The installation can’t be rushed, and many professionals end up using 2 or 3 guys, spending many hours, or coming back a second day to finish the job. If the gasket has been pre-installed and relaxed to where the trim fits easily and stays in place, the installation is actually relatively easy. It just requires a lot of lubricant and a hook tool as shown in my build thread. I used KY jelly which I would not recommend. I worked fine but resulted in a sloppy mess that took way too long to clean up. Dove dishwashing detergent is highly recommended by others, and would be much easier to clean up. You might need to find another tech that has more experience with 60-72 GM trucks.

[markeb01]

And here's another thread from member Corts60 explaining his entire windshield installation. You'll note he used adhesive on his:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d+installation

[bhc41051]

Thanks for the replies very much appreciated! I'm having another glass shop come out next week to give it a try.. We'll see how it goes.. I'll post some photos if they have any luck. The shop manual makes it sound so easy!

[bhc41051]

Plan "B" didn't work. had another company come out. They weren't too thrilled about the trim either. Was going in pretty well but the windshield snapped in the middle. I guess it's on to plan "C". Dropping the "Custom Cab" trim and building more of a work truck. But not a thing in the world wrong with a work truck.

[1963c-10]

That's too bad about the windshield. The trim is actually stainless steel, not aluminum. Odd that the Steele gasket didn't fit as they are one of the better ones on the market.

[62chevy302]

Originally Posted by bhc41051

Plan "B" didn't work. had another company come out. They weren't too thrilled about the trim either. Was going in pretty well but the windshield snapped in the middle. I guess it's on to plan "C". Dropping the "Custom Cab" trim and building more of a work truck. But not a thing in the world wrong with a work truck.

who owes for the windshield? were you helping?

[bhc41051]

Originally Posted by 62chevy302

who owes for the windshield? were you helping?

The windshield is on me, no guarantee if a customer provides the glass. I was helping hold one side of the glass, the other installer was holding the passenger side while the main guy was inside pulling the cord. They're ordering a new windshield for me. This part of my project is getting a little expensive $789.58 so far.

Used windshield $100
Used Trim $125
Precision gasket from Steele $96.20
New Windshield & Install $411
Precision gasket from Precision $57.38

[68JOHNDEERE]

It appears in the photo with the side mirror that the windshield is set over to the driver's side too far. These windows have to be centered the best they can to prevent breaking.

[bhc41051]

I finally have a windshield. Myself and the two installers made one last try to install the chrome molding. The gasket was very slippery from the silicone we applied from the last go round. Tape wouldn't stick, gasket kept slipping off the glass. The lead installer had cut himself a few days prior. While wrestling with the trim and the gasket his stitches came loose, so after first aid I pulled the plug on the chrome trim. Just not worth someone getting hurt. I can live with no trim and a painted grill. Instead of ordering the standard gasket from Steele I ordered It from Precision was $30 cheaper and fit like a glove. I understand Steele orders their gaskets from Precision. The new windshield really looks nice, fit well, was made by "Pilkington"

[1963c-10]

Who did you order the precision gasket from?

[bhc41051]

http://precisionrestorationparts.com/

I ordered direct from Precision, looked like they now have free shipping for orders over $50.. Story of my life, a day late and a dollar short....

[MitchFloyd]

Looks good! Firewall looks nice and clean too! I think your gonna have enough bling, you won't miss that trim. And if you do you can always go back to it later. Just put it in the attic for now. Also, that cab looks superb. Can't wait to see inside pics.

[1963c-10]

Thanks for the link. Let me know if you want to get rid of the gasket for the trim.

[markeb01]

I'd suggest take good care of that trim and hang on to it. It's only going to get harder to find and more expensive in the future, and you may find after a time you'd really like to have it installed.