1968 Windshield Molding

[Joel K.]

A couple of questions:
(1) What are the differences between '68 and later upper corner molding pieces (the ones the soft top pins fit into)? I've noted several comments to the effect that the '68 pieces are different. I have an original very beat up set (p/n's 3935693-LH, 3935604-RH) and a repro set (p/n's 3966601R-LH, 3966603R-RH) and except for the slot for a screw on the outside edge of the piece and the slot on the inside (toward the center of the car) of the tab that fits under the header molding, I can't discern any other obvious differences.
(2) The tabs on the front of the header molding piece are pointed straight out, essentially parallel to the ground, when the piece is on the car. Is this the correct orientation or should they be bent more downward?
(3) Should there be some sort of sealant behind the reveal molding piece? None apparent on the one I'm looking at.
Thanks!

[Bryan M.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

Joel,
Here's the link to a post by Mr. Joe Lucia that goes into great detail about the 68 windshield trim. I have an early car 4888 that uses what I believe to be the first design of these pieces.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=3902&highlight=1968+windshield+trim

[Roald P.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

A couple of questions:
(1) What are the differences between '68 and later upper corner molding pieces (the ones the soft top pins fit into)?...

Don't know if this helps but on my original 68 (#13900) the section (of the upper corner molding) which the soft top pins fit in, is attached with 3 screws. Two of the screws can be seen on the picture below



My other 'not very original' 68 which have 1969+ 'one-piece' upper corner moldings, looks like this

[Joel K.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

Joel,
Here's the link to a post by Mr. Joe Lucia that goes into great detail about the 68 windshield trim. I have an early car 4888 that uses what I believe to be the first design of these pieces.
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...indshield+trim

Bryan,
Thanks for the link; I'd already read this and several other archive threads regarding windshield molding, and got a lot of information, but still had the questions I asked unresolved.

[Joel K.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

Roald,
Thanks for the reply, and especially for the photos. In your "original" '68 photo, it appears that the section of the upper corner molding with the receiver for the top pin is a separate piece from the other? That would explain the references I've seen to a two-piece molding. In the "not so original" '68, did you have any problems fitting everything together with the '69+ corner molding pieces? Any thoughts regarding my #2 & #3 questions?

[Roald P.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

Roald,
Thanks for the reply, and especially for the photos. In your "original" '68 photo, it appears that the section of the upper corner molding with the receiver for the top pin is a separate piece from the other? That would explain the references I've seen to a two-piece molding. In the "not so original" '68, did you have any problems fitting everything together with the '69+ corner molding pieces? Any thoughts regarding my #2 & #3 questions?

Yes it is a seperate piece on the original 68. BTW the window pillar trim is also different on the 68. I bought a set of replacements not long ago which did not fit very well.

Sorry I dont know if the 69+ piece can be fitted without problems because it was already done when I bought the car and my whole window frame/birdcage has also been changed at sometime

No idea about #2 & #3, Im still a beginner in corvettes

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

Roald,
Thanks for the reply, and especially for the photos. In your "original" '68 photo, it appears that the section of the upper corner molding with the receiver for the top pin is a separate piece from the other? That would explain the references I've seen to a two-piece molding. In the "not so original" '68, did you have any problems fitting everything together with the '69+ corner molding pieces? Any thoughts regarding my #2 & #3 questions?

Joel-----


As far as I know, the 3966601 and 3966602 moldings can be used to SERVICE 1968 applications. Both are GM discontinued but I think they are available in reproduction.

I don't think that any sealer was used in connection with the attachment of these moldings.

[Bryan M.]

Re: 1968 Windshield Molding

Yes it is a seperate piece on the original 68. BTW the window pillar trim is also different on the 68. I bought a set of replacements not long ago which did not fit very well.

Sorry I dont know if the 69+ piece can be fitted without problems because it was already done when I bought the car and my whole window frame/birdcage has also been changed at sometime

No idea about #2 & #3, Im still a beginner in corvettes

Roald,
I also replaced my sad original pillar post. My original 68 pillar post had the foam backing contoured to fit over the convertible top pin receiver and the bottom trim screw went through the pillar post trim. I removed the foam on the backside of replacements to match the originals. It made for a much better fit.