[stupesnova]

I Have been meaning to do this for some time now and today I had the opportunity to install a windshield in a 65 Nova SS. So here goes :



First here are the tools you will need hook tool (cotter pin puller), 1/4" or 3/8" rope (3/8" is prefered) and some type of byutl sealant ( tremco wb300 was used here)

Take the hook tool and pull down on the rubber gasket on the inside of the vehicle breaking it loose from the pinchweld. (spray soapy water on the back side of the lip makes removal easier)

With your hand GENTLY push out on the glass (You may need a helper to pull down on the rubber lip while pushing out on the glass. You did spray soapy water on the gasket didn't you?)

once the glass is removed from the car set the windshield on a stand (a large garbage can works in a pinch). Next remove the gasket from the glass being carefull NOT to remove the chrome. If the chrome comes out, don't worry set it aside out of the way and in a safe place. Now put the gasket on the new windshield and make sure it is seated on the glass. If the chrome came out of the gasket now is the time to put it in the gasket. It will go in only one way when it is in you will feel it "lock" onto the gasket. Be sure to get the top and bottom pieces UNDER the sides

Next insert the 3/8" rope in the INSIDE lip of the gasket. Start one end at the TOP in the MIDDLE. Make sure to leave around 12 inches hanging out.

Run the rope all the way around the gasket and OVERLAP the begining of the rope about 3-4 inches

Now you can apply the sealer to the gasket. Look CLOSELY at the picture for proper placement of the sealer. It MUST be applied all the way around the gasket for proper sealing. ( If you don't drive your car in the rain much this step can be skipped )

Next spray soapy water on the gasket surface. This will help to "SLIDE" the rope out and it helps the rubber "SLIDE" over the pinchweld. With a helper set the windshield in the opening of the car, make sure the rope stays on the inside of the car and the windshield is centered in the opening.

Now with a helper on the outside putting LIGHT pressure on the glass pull down on the rope.

Pull the rope across the top, down the side and just and inch around the bottom corner the STOP. Go back to the top and pull the rope the other way around to the bottom corner. Then grab both ends and pull towards the middle. You may have to stop pulling every now and again and SLAP the windshield with your hand

The next step is to seal the gasket to the glass. Insert the tip of the sealant between the glass and the gasket and pump the sealant all the way around the windshield. (It's a PITA but MOST leaks will come from here)

All that is left is to clean up the mess from the sealer.:beat: I have found wax and grease remover works best. Now go have a :beer: or 12 and cuss me out for telling you how to do this

 

[NovatoriusRex]

Great instrux!! Nicely done.

Was that a Steele brand gasket you used?

 

[stupesnova]

Great instrux!! Nicely done.

Was that a Steele brand gasket you used?

Thank you very much! NPHNP Nope that was the gasket the GENERAL sent the Nova out with! Also if ANYONE has any questions PM me and I will give you my cell number.

 

[Pragmatist]

My 67 HT windshield is so scratched I was thinking of getting a new one. Are they available? Any idea how much? Thanks for the install tips I was wondering how that worked.

 

[stupesnova]

My 67 HT windshield is so scratched I was thinking of getting a new one. Are they available? Any idea how much? Thanks for the install tips I was wondering how that worked.

They are available the part number is a DW 622 for the hard top and DW 621 for the sedans and wagons. Price wise I would recomend shopping around. $100-$200 if you install it or $160-up for the glass shops to do it. Just remember YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!! watch out for brands such as XYG the quality is not very good PPG, PILKINGTON/LOF are the BEST brands.

 

[Pragmatist]

Thanks again Stupesnova, One more piece of the nova puzzle solved.

 

[batman09]

Very Nice Write up!!Thank You!!bm

 

[Carl Stevenson]

Thanks very much. Great writeup, and pics to boot!

I did my front and back windows in 1990, and they both leak. Now I know why. I had no idea there is a butyl sealer in a tube available. I learned something new today

 

[THE_330]

very cool I should have waited a few weeks lol

 

[babydeuce]

I like this one, well done......I think I will make it sticky(no pun intended)

jack

 

[jaynova]

Glassman, very nice!!! Comprehensive and nice pics. Now do the backwindow so we can see. Is it the same procedure as the front? 63SS .

 

[acd65post]

Very well done. I would have never thought of using soap. Great idea.I will use this thread whenever it comes time to put the glass back in .

 

[NovatoriusRex]

Stupesnova,

Do you often find that the OEM gaskets can be reused successfully??

This is the only area of concern I have regarding replacing my windshield. Modern glass quality looks excellent (using the better manufacturers), but even the good replacement seals don't look great when installed.

When I get ready to replace my scratched windshield, I was planning on smashing the glass out hoping to save the OEM windshield seal. After 40 years, what are the chances it'll be reusable?

Thanks!

Brent

 

[stupesnova]

Stupesnova,

Do you often find that the OEM gaskets can be reused successfully??

This is the only area of concern I have regarding replacing my windshield. Modern glass quality looks excellent (using the better manufacturers), but even the good replacement seals don't look great when installed.

When I get ready to replace my scratched windshield, I was planning on smashing the glass out hoping to save the OEM windshield seal. After 40 years, what are the chances it'll be reusable?

Thanks!

Brent

MOST oe gaskets can be reused IF they are still pliable (soft) Try to heat the gasket a little with a heat gun to soften it up. I would NOT recomend smashing the glass as this will leave very small particles of glass in the gasket and these pieces can cause stress on the new glass...which means a stress crack Work slowly and get some help if you have never done this before it will make life easier with a helper.

 

[stupesnova]

Glassman, very nice!!! Comprehensive and nice pics. Now do the backwindow so we can see. Is it the same procedure as the front? 63SS .

The rear window install IS the same as the front on the 62-65.

 

[rods65post]

Were the heck where you about 16 months ago
I was a scared puppy doing that for the first time with no instructions. It was alot like doing some other things for the first time (ie riding a bike and changing my kids diaper) LOL Thanks for the tip. I think you hit it on the head too!!!!!!!!

 

[stupesnova]

Sorry I couldn't have helped you then...Hopefully it will help others who want to save some money or who want to attempt this themselves.

 

[stupesnova]

Oops!!!!! Forgot to mention the 2 & 4 door sedan and station wagons are the same install as the hard top.

 

[THE_330]

Dude you are so the man, thanks again:beer:

 

[buickjef]

Nice to know there is another brother of the glass here, I own and operate my own glass and trim shop and have over 18 years experience in autoglass, I've done glass work in everything from model T's to 2007's from the local dealerships. It's always a welcome change to do some glass on an older vintage vehicle, this week I had a nice 427 powered '67 Impala SS in for a replacement!