The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 1951 5 window glass

Getting close to needing all the glass for my '51 5 window ‘Rusto-Mod’ project. Not looking for cheap wavy crap. I do have the original clear rear corners in really good condition, and have heard the replacements are usually not a good fit. Any recommendations from companies that have had good results. Also the full glass gasket kit for deluxe stainless trim install, which I would think would be different with the groove.

So many ‘deals’ pop up while searching.

Been a rocky 7 year journey and shooting for a June completion.

Appreciate any info.

Chip

You've asked a few questions. First the glass...most of what you find today will be made in another country and the list of countries does not include China in my experience. Most is decent quality. Not perfect but the main difference will be today's glass will be 6mm thick. That means your setting tape won't fit as well as it would have years ago. Except for the windshield it will be tempered glass. I can tell you more about handling that, but that is another topic. Just know it scratches pretty easily and once you scratch it, there's not much in the way of magic wands for fixing it.

The stainless windshield molding is not too bad to install. People (maybe including me) have posted instructions here. Put it all together before you install and have a helper. The "chrome" lock strip used for the wraparound and back windows is also a matter for another conversation and I know I've posted instructions on how to install that correctly (so you don't ruin it). Takes time and patience. Do not do this on a hot humid day. Way too easy to lose your cool.

Don't scrimp on the rubber. SoftSeal or Steele is good. I've used both. Steele can be horribly and unreasonably expensive. And it may not be that much better.

Get or make a ball end tool. Get a helper, especially for the windshield. On the back center glass, place it carefully and have somebody help hold it with you. It can fall out and that is really not good. Use the stock corner wraparound glass pieces if you have them.

And finally be really careful about windshield sealer. Study it well. The absolute best (3M no longer makes it, but the number was 8509 in case you want to go on a hunt). You seriously want a sealer that will never dry between the rubber and the cab. Some people use CRL 7708. I've heard people say it is okay and others say it is not very good. You can use urethane (dries hard) between the glass and rubber, but if you install it all correctly you may not need any sealer there. If you use urethane mask everything well. That stuff in my experience can make a huge mess. Use no sealer for the wraparound and back glass pieces.

Hope that helps.

The flat pieces can be made by any decent local glass shop if you have the old ones for templates. They'll usually give you a choice of safety glass like original or tempered.

It's usually cheaper than ordering the ready made sets from the resto houses.

I have purchased glass and fuel tanks from Auto City Classic and have found their products to be of high quality at pretty reasonable prices.

Glass Frames & Channels, Gas Tanks, Power Windows Windshields, Side Glass, Back Glasses All Makes and models from 1930s to 1980s

Auto City Classic, Inc.
28433 Highway 65 NE
Isanti, MN 55040
Orders: (800) 828-2212
Inquiries: (763) 444-5880
http://www.autocityclassic.com/index.php

Other than salvaging a left and right corners from the cab I’m finishing, the remaining glass anywhere on 3 different cabs were destroyed. Was lucky to save the stainless trim. I’ve heard of not finding the good front sealant anymore. The door glass was also completely gone so I’ll have to source the bottom track. I definitely will check out autocity. Would rather deal with quality.

Thanks. Chip

I have a 1950 regular cab 3100. I replaced the windshield gasket with a Steele rubber gasket. We broke the right side getting it out. 30 years ago, I had new tinted glass installed using the original gasket. The gasket had shrunk over time. Had a new right side tinted glass cut ($45.00) and used the left side tinted glass from 30 years ago. Original glass was clear and was delaminating around the edges. I could not find anyone to install the new glass and gasket, one glass guy gave me I don't want to do it price of $350.00 and did not guarantee it not to break or leak. Watched YouTube video and did it myself with a helper. Less than an hour to put gasket on the 2 glass pieces and rope it in. Went in very easy.

This looks like the good stuff, unless it’s a total knockoff. Glass from Auto City is on its way.

Thanks for your advice. Chip

Be careful. I ordered a tube of 3M 8509 that was advertised on the web. It turned out to be a scam and I needed to cancel my credit card as weird charges started showing up.

Well this one is not in stock, so I’ll look at the CRL.

And I would rather pay a little more at a seller that uses PayPal. Secure and easy to dispute.

Chip O, PayPal is great until it isn't. It took me almost a year to get my money back, and I had to involve my Minister of Parliament to get PayPal to admit to their actions. It turns out they are not a financial institution and not subject to the same regulations as banks, credit unions and financial institutions. I know it can be hard, but I shop local as much as possible.

Half year I live in Wa. I’m tired of paying the high taxes to that communist government. The other half is in Mt. No sales tax, but very limited on product availability. So the internet purchases flourish. The small town in Mt has one auto parts store, one service station( full service with fluid check and window washing) with mechanics, a convenience store with fuel, 2 grocery stores, one pizza shop, a newly opened Ace hardware and 5 bars.

At least some priorities are met.

And I have had issues with sellers that Paypal resolved very quickly.

And I took Otto’s advice and went to Auto City glass for glass and seals. Have the windshield in but the rest will have to wait til I’m back in Wa. Enjoying the quiet peace in Mt now.