FL-356C

My front and rear glass weather stripping is cracked / separated and looks horrible (not leaking though). I am assuming to replace, the glass has to be removed? That REALLY makes me nervous. What is the success rate of doing this and not breaking the glass? Would a reputable windsheild repair place be ok?

Thanks guys

jcnesq

Haven't done it but I've heard it can be tricky and if you're not careful, you can crack a windshield (going price for new ones is about $500+). I guess is a good windshield repair place is willing to take the job, they should be responsible if they break the windshield. Check the Registry Technical section - I think there may be an article there re changing windshields - there are some special techniques.

OK, I checked for you, check this article: http://www.356registry.org/Tech/windshield.html

ked

Yes, the glass has to come out. I'd seek a 356 restoration shop that has plenty of experience installing glass - I suspect there are a number of them in FL. I have read that even new gaskets will develop cracks at the corners fairly soon after installation, so be prepared for that. in my case, as long as I've got no leaks, I'm not screwing w/ them (it won't be seen on the lawn at Amelia Isl anytime soon, though). & as we all know, as soon as you replace a ws you get stuck behind an uncovered gravel truck... good luck!

FL-356C

Yes, that is my delima. It is cosmetic only, but it bugs the **** out of me... As you know, us east coasters are at a loss when it comes to 356 shops. I guess I will live with it for a while.

RJT

Really........... don't replace it unless you have to. We replaced one on our '65 and within a year, the new one was cracked in the exact same corner. That was the end of that car's Concours life. We weren't about to take another chance and have the windshield (original to the car) break just to have the car look 'better' for a bunch of judges......

FL-356C

Ok, you talked me out of it. I feel better though knowing that I am not the only one running with cracked stripping. My girl is a survivor not a show car anyway. Had a "spirited" drive this morning and my 356 juices are flowing! I will focus my $ towards something a bit safer....

rmally

If you do decide later, the glass should be fine however remember that you may have to replace the window trim.

When I did mine...(or the shop for that matter) they bent the trim on both front and rear, so off to Stoddard.

FYI on prices:

Front rubber $61.50
Rear rubber $70.75
Trim front $44.50 and 45.90
Trim rear $44.45 x 2
Connecting piece $4.25 x4