The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Go with a new Windshield now or wait?

All, I am trying to keep my cost down and thinking about using my old windshield in my 64.... well it is sort of old, scratched..etc.. not cracked though...

In your opinions, would it be best to get a new one or just use my old for a while, with the thought, I could get the old one back out and save my rubber? Can you even get it back out saving the rubber? I usually use a razor and cut the old rubbers into. I have never tried to save the rubber.

You could think of a windshield as a safety item. Those scratches add to glare and visibility. After replacing the windshield on my truck years ago and seeing how clear the new windshield was, I decided that I wouldn't hesitate for a new windshield again.

I would also not try to save the old rubber.

If you decide to use the old windshield and should you want to replace the glass at a later date as and when funds allow....it's possible to remove the old glass without wrecking the rubber.
I assume you are planning on fitting your old glass with a new rubber meantime? To get your old windshield back out you will probably have to 'sacrifice' the glass. The way I usually do it is to sit in the seat and apply pressure with a well placed foot,starting at a top corner push the glass and at the same time 'flick' the rubber lip with a plastic glazing stick.(A blunted flat screwdriver with the end taped up would suffice)So as not to wreck your paint. It should then start to unlip.Don't push so hard that the glass pops out on to your hood! Apply steady and even pressure as you go and it should slowly work itself out. Warning...The glass may crack so wear goggles and sheet up your hood to protect your paint etc.Also tape over your demister vents.
Builders right though. Try and fit a new glass you'll be amazed at the difference! Good luck! Jock.

Wear stout gloves too!!

Hey Michael,I just checked out your '64' in your pics!
Ya gotta stick a new glass in!
Don't spoil a good ship for a ha'pennys worth of tar!
I'm not too familiar with that year of 'bolt' but it looks like it should have 'chromes' in the rubber too. Maybe someone else will chime in with some advice!
Regards Jock.
Nice father and son project!

I have to agree with everyone above!..here is a case in point I have a 95 Jeep Wrangler I fixed up for my then 16 yr old ...the glass wasnt bad or cracked but scratched from the yrs...after paint I had a peeling issue on the windshield frame of the paint ...the best way to fix it was to pull the glass and gaket and reshoot the frame ...so bein that far in it I painted the frame an called a glass shop to install a new pc a glass and gasket ...OMG what a difference especially in the mornin GLARE of the sun that i was so used to with teh scratched glass...the new pane of glass IS THE BEST ITEM I put on that rig for my son!..it was a night and day type thing of bein able to see safetly.

You shouldn't bother trying to salvage the rubber, even if you decide to reuse the glass. It will have hardened or even cracked since it was installed and will make installing the glass really difficult. It will also not bed down or seal well. Get new rubber, its worth it.

Thanks all, I think I will just bite the bullet and get a new glass.... Got any places that you guys would say is the best place to get a new one? I heard someone say LMC was good about getting you a good glass and was good about returns on the glass?

Have you guys had any good or bad experiencing with someone? Thanks again, you guys are super...

Hi Michael, Glad you've decide to go for it. Any good Auto Glass shop should be able to obtain a windshield for you. Try locally and you'll avoid shipping/crate charges.
I'd offer to get one and fit it for you,but I don't think you would like my "Call out" charge!! I can get a glass even over here! A green tint with a blue top tint would be nice.
Good Luck and you'll "clearly" see a difference!
Regards Jock.

My bus windshield was cracked into a near perfect spider web. Bought a truck and the old owner left a rubber black widow spider in there. Now my new friend has a home on my bus windshield,....voila !....lol.