The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Install glass before or after paint?

I've been known to do things in the wrong sequence so let me ask which works best. I have the windshield frames primed and was going to wait until after the color coat but now I'm wondering if that is best. This is for my '40. Operators standing by.

Dennis

I did my windshield after paint on the panel but I have a wide rubber gasket to help hide a mistake.

....is the 40 a two piece windshield? If so, I'd say paint and be verrrry careful from there on. Just my .02

I can't think of a single thing that you'd install before painting.
There's always an exception, but I can't see one here.

You might want to err on the side of caution, and wait. There's no harm in putting it in after paint... or is there?

Yes, the '40 is 2 piece. I am leaning to painting it first but curious what others have done.

Dennis

I would follow the factories' lead and install afterwards.
You can always tell a paint job that was done after the fact from the masking - no matter good - that reveals it was not original.
Even in modern assembly lines the glass is always installed after the paint.

Isn't the whole purpose of the paint is to act as a moisture barrier for the metal? So without paint between the rubber and metal won't that increase the odds of rust?

Paint and then the glass - no question about it.

I painted my 39 windshield frame back in 1977, then installed the glass. Still looks good. Did not use a rubber gasket to install. Did it the old way using black window tape material, that was how the original window was installed. No rust, no leaks after all these years.

Rick

OK, paint first it is. Thanks youz guyz

Dennis

I had frames painted first. Had a glass shop install glass using polyeurethane caulking. Exterior of frame has a Steeles Rubber gasket that slides into the perimeter slot to seal against body opening. Also purchased a new vertical stainless steel center bar complete with rubber gasket factory installed.