i'm going to be installing a new/used windshield in my '56 pretty soon and was wondering if any of you had some hints. i've already done the rear and i've done a few windows on my bugs but never a front windshield. i really only needed to replace the seals but i cracked the old window trying to get it back in. i don't want to crack this new one. the new one is only 5 years old, from kgpr, and out of a show car. so, it shouldn't be too old or brittle, right? any help would definately be appreciated.
paul
p.s. am i correct in assuming that with cal-look seals you can only use a later, 17" tall windshield? i tried to install an early windshield, 17 1/4" tall, and it seems to be way too snug.
windshield install
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cruizr
Let the window rubber sit in the sun for a couple of hours to become pliable. You'll also need a helper. A length of clothesline cord (about 1/4" in diameter) the will wrap around the perimeter of the windshield and about 1 foot longer.
Once the rubber is nice and soft, use 3M weatherstrip glue to glue it in place to the body. Line the lip where the windshield goes with the clothesline cord. Start from the upper part on the driver's side, travel down, across the bottom, up, and then back from whence you came. Have your helper place the windshield into the rubber gently pushing the bottom. When it's in place, slowly remove the chord opposite of how you installed it. You'll be going to the passenger side, down, over, and back up again. Go very slowly so your helper can hold the windshield in place and shift it as needed. Sometimes it's recommended to use soapy water to coat the inside of the rubber lip. If you don't get it on the first shot, big deal! Start over. That beats paying big $$$ to KGP&R again.
Also, get the Big Blue Bently manual for 1961 - 1965 Volkswagens. The procedure is covered there very clearly.
Once the rubber is nice and soft, use 3M weatherstrip glue to glue it in place to the body. Line the lip where the windshield goes with the clothesline cord. Start from the upper part on the driver's side, travel down, across the bottom, up, and then back from whence you came. Have your helper place the windshield into the rubber gently pushing the bottom. When it's in place, slowly remove the chord opposite of how you installed it. You'll be going to the passenger side, down, over, and back up again. Go very slowly so your helper can hold the windshield in place and shift it as needed. Sometimes it's recommended to use soapy water to coat the inside of the rubber lip. If you don't get it on the first shot, big deal! Start over. That beats paying big $$$ to KGP&R again.
Also, get the Big Blue Bently manual for 1961 - 1965 Volkswagens. The procedure is covered there very clearly.