Windshield Installation Issues

[ckpetrullo]

We have a replacement windshield for our '56 Mark II that does not seem to fit. The company where the windshield was purchased assures us that they have sent out at least 9 other windshields for our model and never had a problem with the fit.

Was there any variance in windshields in that model year (more than one type?) Is there anything we may be overlooking when trying to install it.

We have a professional working on it and he has removed the dash and the old windshield but is having problems getting the new one to fit.

Any thoughts are gratefully appreciated

[Chuck Lutz]

Be very careful. Windshields for these cars are very hard to find. At my last search the only ones that I understood were available would be those coming out of other cars and not new. I was told that there were some being made in Mexico in the 70's as replicas but I was told that they varied in size and just enough too large not to fit and quite likely would break durning installation. I would be very interested in your supplier. If, in fact, the glass is marginally too large in a localized area a good glass shop can grind the edges to reduce the size. There is some "heat strengthening" of the glass in the autoclave but even so the edges would be the most soft and could be carefully re-shaped. You, of course take all the risk of success or failure. Good luck.

[Barry Wolk]

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg18/barry2952/ttiwwop-1.gif

[Roger Zimmermann]

Was there any variance in windshields in that model year (more than one type?) Is there anything we may be overlooking when trying to install it.


It's very difficult to compare 2 pieces of glas, but it can be done. When you put the new windshield in the aperture (without the weatherstrip), does it give the impression that it is larger as the original one?

Another detail: what kind of weatherstrip are you using? a repro one? Sometimes they are not as good as the original ones and can create difficulties during assembly.

[ckpetrullo]

We will be getting images of this issue on Monday - I know that should help. Thanks for the thoughts up to this point. I am actually helping the family that is restoring this vehicle to get information (they don't have a computer). I will also find out the name of the windshield supplier - I know that he is out of Minnesota. More on Monday (with several photos)

[depmike38]

:)One thing that may be causing a problem is if they've been stored lying flat and not racked on their edges. A windshield with a pronounced curve like a MK II will actually lose it's proper arc (side to side) if lying flat and unsupported.

[Barry Wolk]

Glass is an amorphous liquid so it will move over time. Stained glass in Medieval windows is thicker at the bottom than the top of each piece, as glass settles over time.

Windshield glass isn't tempered, so the edges should be easily ground with diamond tools. Windshield glass has two thin layers of glass sandwiching a layer of plastic. Not a lot of structural strength.

You could probably pull it into place over time as it will want to return to its molded shape.

I wouldn't think you would have to do that with a new windshield, though.

Anyone know the trick to cutting window glass with scissors?

[ckpetrullo]

Here are some images of the issues we are having when trying to install our windshield. We have heard some different ideas on problems that may have caused this but we are wondering if anybody has had the same issue. The images show the gap on the driver's side vs. the passenger side.

We would welcome any thoughts you may have.
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[Barry Wolk]

What does the manufacturer have to say about it? If you're not in a hurry I'd have them send another. If you are in a hurry you should document the problem and give it a try.

This is what I would do. I would take some 12-gauge THHN wire and wrap it around the windshield and "A" pillar in 3 places. Put a piece of 1 x 2 vertically on each outer edge of the windshield. Tape the 12-gauge wire to the windshield with lots of duct tape. Using a piece of dowel I would make a tourniquet-like twist in each wire. That should pull in the sides in while keeping the center of the windshield pressed up against the frame.

Windshields are somewhat flexible and should draw in if you do it slowly.

[lincoln mark]

Hi, New at this, but maybe I can help. I have 4 Mark ll,s. Two are done, and half way thru the 3rd, the 4th will be stated on the winter of 2010. For the record I do everything myself, bodywork, paint, engine rebuild, leather, everything but the transmissions. I use to install auto glass as a young man. I had the same problem with a new windshield. I think they are made in South America, about 10 a batch. Now for your problem. Bad fit right to left, center glass, slide windshield in at the top, and carefully hook in from the BOTTOM, use butyl tape and a small coating of sealer on the open sides. The side chrome time will cover up the bad fitting windshield. Top to bottom. You can wet wheel sand the glass down a little, but one mistake can cost you about $660, thats what I paid for my last 2 windshields, plus shipping. WHAT I DID, was grind of a little of off each pinch weld, top and bottom. The bottom trim and the wiper bezels will stop the glass from shifting around. I had both problems. I hope that helps. Mark.

[depmike38]

I did a little checking and the glass company on the sticker is headquartered in Columbia, So America. I checked with my glass man and the part number on the sticker is correct for a MK II and in fact matches the number on a 25 year old invoice I have for my car. Does the windshield have a watermark on it anywhere else that might show another number. 56-57 Premiere windshields were similarly shaped and it may just be the wrong glass.