The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors '54 Chevy - Stainless Steel Windshield trim, tips?

I am planning on installing the deluxe stainless steel trim around the windshield of my '54 Chevy.

I have been told that the quality and fit of the rubber gasket, that holds the windshield in place, varies from vendor to vendor.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience on where or where not to purchase this gasket?

Thanks,

John

Be sure to ask your vendor if they carry Steele Rubber Products , excellent quality made in the USA!
http://166.82.96.3/homeframes.html

You beat me to it TooMany2count!

Thanks Joe,

I've been told that Steele Rubber is among the best. Their windshield gasket is more than twice the price of other vendors, but I guess you get what you pay for. Thanks for the advice...any others?

John

As far as the windshield seal goes, I've had good luck with LMC's. Anything you buy for the doors though is a roll of the dice.
Scott

48 big trucks -- Just read your story of the 54 2-ton, wow, great story !
Neat old trucks aren't they ??

MJD

I just had a windshield reset in my 54 last week. Had replaced the old fogged-up windshield with a new unit....the Glass tech from a major company used my new gasket, popped it in and snapped the SS trim in in less than 15 minutes. Didn't look bad but turned out to leak like no windshield at all.

Finally found a company with experience...took 3 hours to get it correctly installed and properly sealed. These old cabs are not all perfectly formed after 50 years of twisting and turning.
I'd opt for the best seal money could buy, an experienced installer, and BTW the SS trim goes into the gasket before the windshield is set in the cab.

If you're doing it yourself Good Luck....if you're having it professionally done, be ready to open up your wallet!!!

Dave

I ultimately went with the Steele Rubber windshield gasket for a '54 - '55 ($63.00) and had it installed at a local, independently owned, auto glass shop that works on late model vehicles as well as antiques, etc. It took over 3 hrs. and after a little bit (lots) of persuasion they finally got it in. The tech. said that the new gasket appeared to be slightly bigger than it should be. He charged me $110.00, which I think was reasonable. The SS windshield trim gives my truck a much brighter look. I'll probably wash the truck tomorrow and see it it leaks...my guess is it will

Hope your guess isn't correct. However, if you check the factory manual they casually mention using "sealer". My first installer didn't use any and my 2nd pro used it inside and out...let it set over night and leak tested it with the hose. No leaks.....hope you can get it sealed on the first pop!!!

Dave

I would definitely recommend applying a non-hardening w/shield sealer around the pinch weld and the glass. My 48 spent its entire life in AZ so rust in not a problem, BUT! I spent a considerable amount of time cleaning up the pinch weld area especially at the A pillars. Eliminate all the spot weld sharp edges and mismatched panels the best you can. Not much automation and zero robotics in 1948 produced a body that fits like socks on a rooster.