I'm working on my '54 windshield (one piece curved) this week. I've looked on all the forums I can find. Almost everyone talks about problems, even with auto-glass companies, sometimes taking weeks or months to resolve.
I'm lucky to have three old time truck suppliers within driving distance. If I get a part I don't like, I try a different supplier and take the other one back for a refund. I did that with this windshield weatherstrip. Two of them I tried and didn't like seemed to have shrunken after manufacture (yes I tried heating them, it didn’t help much). They both were manufactured in Thailand. I returned both of these after finding one I liked at a third source.
I’ve heard many have used Steele rubber, . The rubber I found at my third local supplier and like is sourced from CounterParts. It is large enough to fit around my glass with only moderate struggle. Using soapy water I worked the stainless into its groove (top and bottom first, then ends and clips) which is "L" shaped. That's why the stainless needs to go in before this assembly is installed in the truck. I have only mild puckering at the corners after lots of pushing and pulling of the rubber and stainless. I have two pieces of string tied around the assembly to hold it all together. I got my ¼” rope ready to go in the pinch-weld slot.
It’s too cold, 10 to 20 degrees, to work in my garage to put in the windshield assembly this week. I haven’t yet gotten my nerves back in control from wrestling with the weatherstrip and stainless anyway. I’m going to follow the directions in the Chevy Maintenance Manual, using plenty of help, soapy water and taking it slow.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
