The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop New windshield and back glass or not?

I'm interested in opinions/experience on this. I've pretty much completed sanding and finished the metal work in the cab interior on my 1957 Task Force. I'm about ready to apply the sealer. I have new vent windows and side glass (tinted), now I'm wondering if I will regret not replacing the windshield and back glass (big window). Both windshield and back glass are serviceable, but do look their age, although reasonably so. I've put a lot of work and expense in this truck, e.g., NAPCO 4wd with 3.38 gears, 283 engine, sheet metal replacements, OD trans with split shift, dual master cylinder, new box, etc. This would be my last major expense (I hope) before painting the exterior. I would be interested in any opinions or experience others may have had with this, to replace or not. Thanks.
Don

I didn't have the option of retaining the glass in mine,it was full of bullet holes!
I realise to replace your windshield and large rear glass is a somewhat more expensive option than the older flat glass models,but personally I would fit your old glass,with new seals to git 'er done,then save up the $$$ and replace them as and when funds allow.New glass really does make a difference to the overall look.
Replacing them later should have no ill effect on your finished paint job or new seals,if that's your concern.
Unless your planning to show your truck,I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I see a lot of articles now about kits for cleaning up the surface of old glass. Any opinions on these kits?

The polishing kits are fairly labour intensive,and can be messy!
They work quite well on the fine 'swirl' marks that old glass can have,but deeper stuff(ones you can feel with your finger nail) can be a bit trickier.
On really old laminated glass you may also have yellowing and/or de-lamination to contend with.
That cannot be removed.
To get any deeper scratches to a satisfactory level,you can actually end up removing so much glass that you then get distortion/refraction.
The kits work better with laminated glass compared to tempered ,due to the surface hardness.
It all boils down to cost and how much you value your own labour.
They're certainly worth a try.
Personally though,I'd bite the bullet and get new glass where possible.JMO.

I get new windshields for our trucks for 170's at the local glass shop. the big back glass is harded to get, but I see there's a place on e-bay selling them now.

My plan when I get to that point is to keep the old glass and put new seals in place on my 5 window. I know the old stuff can show it's age, but that is part of the character of these trucks to me. If you are going the show route, then new glass is prolly the best option. My.02 and the best of luck which ever direction you choose.
Hank