1969 Windshield Install

[Mark A.]

I am going to attempt to install a new front windshield in my 69 coupe. This will be my maiden voyage at this. I searched the archives for info on installation techniques. I think I have a pretty good idea how it's done. I would like to know where to get the rubber spacers that they talk about to shim the windshield. Also there appears to have been a dam of some sort installed on the original? How is this installed, and where can one find one? I know the original adhesive used was a brownish color. Is it still available somewhere, or is the black urethane the only option now? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Mark

[Michael B.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Install

I wasn't able to find the spacers when I replaced mine a couple years ago. They are there so that you don't press the glass too deep. And that is exactly what I did wrong. The upper windshield molding sits a little off the glass because I set mine too deep at the top.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Install

Mark and Mike,
I am in the same position and will be installing the windshield on a 72 coupe. When I removed the windshield it was held in with a foam type tape strip all the way around. The thickness was about 3/16" thick and guessing about 3/8" wide. So what I was going to try is to glue in 1/2" long hard rubber spacers spaced out every 6" all around the frame. The glass shop gave me a black urethane adhesive to use. My thought is the spacers will maintain the glass at the correct level off the frame so the trim will sit correctly. Make sure ya have the upper dash pad installed before installing the windshield.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Install

Hi Mark,
Not too many people seem to be aware of the damming strip.
I searched for several years and couldn't find anything that was close to the strip that remained on the glass when I took the windshield out of my 71.
I ended up using a strip from a Toyota that was the right color and size but not quite the right shape.
When you look through the glass from the exterior you can see the strip and yellowed adhesive on the A pillars. The yellowed adhesive is what held the strip to the glass. It's especially noticeable at the VIN plate location because of the way the interior A-pillar trim is cut for the plate.
Regards,
Alan