Windshield Replacement Input Wanted

[Detroit Iron]

1964 Dodge Polara 500... I've decided to replace my own windshield. I'm sure the process has been documented here at some point. If anyone has the url to a good thread, please provide.

Tools... I could buy any windshield and trim tools online, but before I do this blindly, I would like recommendations.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[493 Mike]

After exploding the rear window on my 65 Belvedere I hired the rear window removal and replacement to tackle a little rust repair on my 65 Coronet. That said the front will not explode as it is safety glass. Are you replacing the gasket? If so you can cut the old one out, saving some hassle. Use lots of lube, I believe dish soap works well. Check on the need for butyl rubber calking also.
Mike

 

[Aarons Air]

Idk what is available for your car, but i've had a local company come out and replace the windshield in my work van, and in 2 trucks i've restored. They will provide and install a windshield in my 68 net, cheaper than i can buy the glass.

 

[R413]

Please! Don’t cut the original gasket.

Depending on condition they can fit and seal better than a replacement.

once the trim is off it has a lock strip. You unlock the two sides and fold out the rubber to make it so the glass comes out. A warm sunny day helps out this entire job admit make the rubber flexible and helps the glass come out and go in.

 

[Durandal25]

Please! Don’t cut the original gasket.

Depending on condition they can fit and seal better than a replacement.

I’ve heard this also.....trying hard not to cut mine ... it seems to be in good shape

 

[aeon280]

Idk what is available for your car, but i've had a local company come out and replace the windshield in my work van, and in 2 trucks i've restored. They will provide and install a windshield in my 68 net, cheaper than i can buy the glass.

I second this option. I purchased the AMD glass and come to find out I could have got the glass + install cheaper if I would have gone with a local glass installer.

 

[Durandal25]

I second this option. I purchased the AMD glass and come to find out I could have got the glass + install cheaper if I would have gone with a local glass installer.

I'm in your area......was wondering the same thing....

 

[aeon280]

I'm in your area......was wondering the same thing....

I called these guys I saw on Fast and Loud and their quote for my 67 Coronet was around 300 including the glass. https://www.xtremeautoglasspros.com/

 

[vtadmax]

Nice Polara! Following.

 

[Outsider]

Not impossible to do it yourself. Did my '65 several times, (and the back window that popped out a few times on the launch before we put a full frame in the car), and few others. It takes two people to my knowledge, I used to have the wife help me. We also did conv tops together. I'm not an upholsterer, I'm actually a machinist by trade.

The gasket must be pliable and un-damaged. About the only tools you need are something like the Lisle handle with with a curved end and a small ball end and and long piece of 3/16" dia cord big enough to go around the the windshield.

Get a bucket of warm soapy water, (dish soap and water), soap the around the edges, release the interlock in the gasket, (I think this one has one, but it's been some time), and start pushing from the the inside, moving around and soaping more as you go. Get the old windshield out, if it cracks, who cares, most important is to not damage the gasket.

After it's out, carefully pull the gasket off the fence. Clean the gasket and inspect for damage, it must be intact to re-use and not have leaks. Inspect the fence, (the body edge the gasket seats on), the fence should be rust free and have no significant sharp edges. Soap up the gasket and place back on the fence. install the soap wetted cord in the gasket groove with a couple of feet tail sticking out on both ends. Place windshield on top gasket with the bottom edge center part way in the gasket groove, take your time and start gently pressing the windshield into the gasket while pulling the cord out at the same time.
Wishing the best of luck, John

 

[EngineerDoug]

DetroitIron,

I set about replacing the windshield in my '68 B body as well. I had the new windshield and gasket, tried to install it myself and stepped back after an hour of struggle. I was set on doing it myself, as I had done everything else on my restoration (from a total rust bucket). Not to discourage you, but I was really hesitant to botch or break a windshield that cost me over $500 delivered.

Luckily I found a local glass shop that knew how to install a gasketed windshield, and did mobile work. They are based in San Jose, and they came all the way up to my property in the hills of Los Gatos to do the install. It only cost me $200, and they knew exactly what sealer to use and did a perfect job. For me, it was money well spent. Here is who I used:

Classic Auto Glass
(408) 947-1536

I don't know where in the Bay Area you are, but I hope this helps.

 

[bearman]

Detroit iron, if you have never done it be careful. Clean the track were the glass sets in also check for tears inside the track to make sure the trim holders are not rubbing thru use lots of dish soap and a whale bone ( window tool). Set glass in the bottom and work up both sides together. Once you get to the top edge you will roll the top corner in then go across the top to the other corner. This is when it can get tricky if you put to much pressure on it might break. Work the edge to the corner from side and top you may also have to pat on the glass to settle in. Good luck but if you can get glass installed cheaper do it and save yourself the headache.

 

[Detroit Iron]

DetroitIron,

I set about replacing the windshield in my '68 B body as well. I had the new windshield and gasket, tried to install it myself and stepped back after an hour of struggle. I was set on doing it myself, as I had done everything else on my restoration (from a total rust bucket). Not to discourage you, but I was really hesitant to botch or break a windshield that cost me over $500 delivered.

Luckily I found a local glass shop that knew how to install a gasketed windshield, and did mobile work. They are based in San Jose, and they came all the way up to my property in the hills of Los Gatos to do the install. It only cost me $200, and they knew exactly what sealer to use and did a perfect job. For me, it was money well spent. Here is who I used:

Classic Auto Glass
(408) 947-1536

I don't know where in the Bay Area you are, but I hope this helps.

Thanks for the input. I'm actually in Los Gatos too and may go this route.

 

[EngineerDoug]

Perfect! Glad I could help.

 

[Moparfiend]

DetroitIron,

I set about replacing the windshield in my '68 B body as well. I had the new windshield and gasket, tried to install it myself and stepped back after an hour of struggle. I was set on doing it myself, as I had done everything else on my restoration (from a total rust bucket). Not to discourage you, but I was really hesitant to botch or break a windshield that cost me over $500 delivered.

Luckily I found a local glass shop that knew how to install a gasketed windshield, and did mobile work. They are based in San Jose, and they came all the way up to my property in the hills of Los Gatos to do the install. It only cost me $200, and they knew exactly what sealer to use and did a perfect job. For me, it was money well spent. Here is who I used:

Classic Auto Glass
(408) 947-1536

I don't know where in the Bay Area you are, but I hope this helps.
View attachment 937996

Hey Doug great looking car! What color is that?

 

[Sixpaksteve]

I have a question relative to the OP's initial post.... Looking at AMD's website [for example] they list 2 different windshields that are available for the '64 Polara. They're the same price [$300.00] but one is clear glass and the other has a green tint. Why the 2 types of glass?

- Would the green tint be OEM correct for a car with air conditioning?

- I'm restoring a 64 Polara convertible, non AC car. What glass would be OEM for a Verte?

Thanks!

 

[Detroit Iron]

I have a question relative to the OP's initial post.... Looking at AMD's website [for example] they list 2 different windshields that are available for the '64 Polara. They're the same price [$300.00] but one is clear glass and the other has a green tint. Why the 2 types of glass?

- Would the green tint be OEM correct for a car with air conditioning?

- I'm restoring a 64 Polara convertible, non AC car. What glass would be OEM for a Verte?

Thanks!

I think a non AC car would have clear glass. That's what my car has now, and that's what I intend to replace it with. I think it's a little more expensive than the tinted glass. What I don't like about the modern green glass that's being produced now, is the tint band across the top. It doesn't look correct for the era of the car.

 

[Sixpaksteve]

Thanks for your feedback Mr. Detroit. I agree with your thoughts that a non AC car would have the clear glass. My clear windshield cracked when we pulled it to start the restoration. I think it was original but any identifying marks were very hard to see by that point. Check out AMD's website and you'll see that both new windshields are the same price though another vendor might have it for less.