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New Windshield thickness
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68264		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Wed Jun 25, 2025 3:29 am ]
Post subject:  New Windshield thickness
Does anyone know if the new windshields for our old cars (65 Valiant) are thinner than the originals. My body guy said a lot of them are and if you don't install a brand new seal they have trouble getting them sealed up.
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Wed Jun 25, 2025 4:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
If no one else has the answer, I have a new (about 5 years old) "replacement" windshield in storage, and a (I think) original windshield that I could measure for thickness. Might be a day or so.
To be honest I wouldn't use an old gasket if new is available. They were last I looked.
Author:  mcnoople [ Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
My 65 valiant has the windshield out at the moment. While in storage it had some leakage which turned into some rustage which turns into some painage for me. I have decided to convert to a glue in windshield style. I have to replace metal anyways so adding some is just another step. There are threads on the internet of people doing these mods to chevy products. Just something to think about if you are in the same situation as me with rust damage.

Do you plan on getting clear glass or that nice funky green tint?
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Wed Jun 25, 2025 1:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Quote:
convert to a glue in windshield style.
That sounds like a lot of work? WHat do they use for trim?

I will probably go with the plain glass.

Also my car had a new rubber installed when I did the paint job. Yes it is 13 years old, but remember it never sits out in the sun or weather unless I am at a race. My rubber is still nice and pliable, and I did not use any sealer or glue when I installed it. So if the windshields were the same thickness I would likely reuse it. But if it is as Robbie says, that most of the new ones he sees are thinner, then the new windshield would likely be loose in the old rubber channel. If that is the case then I'll go with a new one.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Jun 25, 2025 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Maybe it's a failure of my imagination, but I have no luck picturing a glued-in-windshield conversion which is technically successful, safe, and looks good, even with a great deal of money spent.

I have a much easier time with the idea of new glass glued into new gasket and new gasket glued into car with the appropriate material (windshield urethane).
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Wed Jun 25, 2025 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
It is interesting that when I restored my truck, maybe 10 years ago, that I had a new windshield and gasket installed. When the glass company came to install it he said with new paint (Truck was just painted) and with a new gasket that he would not install any sealer anywhere. When I questioned him about that, he said he would guarantee it. If it leaked just call him and he would come to my house and seal it for free. I think I waited about one week and I took it to the car wash where the rotating spray wheels blasted the entire truck. I had a couple trickles at the wing glasses, but the windshield never leaked a drop. 10 years later it is still dry. :D :D
Author:  mcnoople [ Thu Jun 26, 2025 8:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Quote:
Quote:
convert to a glue in windshield style.
That sounds like a lot of work? WHat do they use for trim?

I will probably go with the plain glass.

Also my car had a new rubber installed when I did the paint job. Yes it is 13 years old, but remember it never sits out in the sun or weather unless I am at a race. My rubber is still nice and pliable, and I did not use any sealer or glue when I installed it. So if the windshields were the same thickness I would likely reuse it. But if it is as Robbie says, that most of the new ones he sees are thinner, then the new windshield would likely be loose in the old rubber channel. If that is the case then I'll go with a new one.
If you do it right the gap between the glass and the now wider A-pillar/roofline is roughly 3/8" and you fill the gap using standard modern windshield trim. It is a flexible quasi universal product used in many vehicles and comes on a cut to fit roll.

The basic very shortened version of how it is done you have to make a new lip that lines up with where the original gasket made contact with the glass spaced away from the glass approx 1/4". Then you widen the pillars/roofline to bring the gaps together. When finished most of the width of the original gasket is replaced with painted metal.

My understanding is that glass companies don't use adhesive with the gasket windshields because it will trap moisture and make removal a bad situation. I recall the factory using a gummy putty under the gaskets.

Dan, I completely understand your hesitancy about the concept. It is not for the faint of heart or purists. If I can find one of the old threads about it I will throw a link in later. I also would never even consider suggesting it for a car with no rust damage. I have had discussion about it with our local windshield installer who also happens to be an old car nut. He points out that you would have to etch the inside edge of the glass carefully to allow the black primer to stick and that would hide the glue surface on the inside of the glass.
Author:  mcnoople [ Thu Jun 26, 2025 9:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzwOFyuLffG/

Found an example. Don't know what original was, but assumed to be gasketed. I have been having not much luck finding them, but I read up on the process 15 years ago so likely the internet has forgotten the process due to websites/forums dying.

I suspect that the truck in the video was not modified and that the glass was special made for the model, but I shared the link for the visuals.

Finally found a forum thread of some that went the flush route that retains factory glass instead of high dollar custom glass. I knew I could find an old thread eventually since I know I read in a few different places about it when I worked at a Yota store and that was at least 12 years ago.

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/flush- ... eld.12344/

Sadly can't blow up the pics in the thread without being a member, so pinch and zoom if you want it bigger.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Thu Jun 26, 2025 3:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Yeek. You do you and they do them, but definitely not my style.
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Thu Jun 26, 2025 5:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Back to the question?? Dan or anyone, Do you have any info on the new glass thickness?
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Thu Jun 26, 2025 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
I should be able to get those measurements Fri or Sat. Had some issues with Peg, today, and was unable to get to where the glass is stored.
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Fri Jun 27, 2025 3:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Thanks Charlie! You take care of Family first!
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Fri Jun 27, 2025 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Rick, only have 1/2 answer for you. I guess I threw out the old windshield, sinse new is available. The new windshield measures .248-.250 thick with a caliper.
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Fri Jun 27, 2025 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
Thanks Charlie!
Author:  mcnoople [ Fri Jun 27, 2025 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New Windshield thickness
I just measured my green tinted cracked old unit.... 0.250 at on point 0.270 at another. I don't have a deep throat mic to measure anywhere away from the edge.

The glass is starting to bubble and delaminate, it may or may not be factory original. The markings on the glass had faded to illegibility. I got this windshield from the "texas acres" junkyard in 1999 so I that is all I know on its origin.
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