Installing a New Windshield ... I’m Stuck

[novws]

I have an 80 Spider and pulled the windshield to install a windshield from a 78 Spider because mine had been damaged by hail.

I can’t get the windshield to confirm to the frame so that I can remount the windshield and frame to the car.

Any advice? I’m working by myself without a second pair of hands.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Just to make sure I understand: You are replacing just the glass windshield part on your '80 spider with the glass part from a '78, but you are using the original '80 windshield metal frame? How about the rubber gasket that goes between the glass and the metal frame, is that new or is it from the '78 or from your original '80?

The issue is that the '78 windshield glass won't fit into your '80 metal frame/rubber gasket, correct?

In looking at several vendors that sell glass windshields, they look all the same for all model years, but that doesn't mean that there aren't subtle differences in the rubber gasket. Or, more likely if you're using the original rubber gasket, the gasket has slightly changed shape over the years so that a different piece of glass doesn't fit with ease.

I have removed windshields, but it was the entire assembly all at once (glass+gasket+frame) without going any further, but perhaps someone with more experience can chime in here.

-Bryan

[spidernut]

I've swapped them as far apart as a 79 windshield in a 71 frame with an unknown year gasket. They have subtitle differences, but they don't affect fitment. The bigger difference on the gasket was 82 and newer but the frames are the same and they still interchange.

Doing the windshield alone is hard. It can be done though. Try this

1. Fit the gasket and glass into the frame. Make sure everything is straight and fit properly in the corners. If necessary, use some lubricant so the gasket and glass will slide into position.
2. From inside the car with the top down and the doors open, set the windshield into rough position.
3. Shut one door to support the windshield, get out of the car (supporting the window if necessary) and gently shut the other door making sure you don't shut it on the window frame. This will temporarily support the windshield.
4. From outside the car, make sure that the v shaped portion of the V channel on the gasket is in the metal V channel on the chassis (at the base of the windshield).
5. Make sure the flap in front of the V channel on the gasket is NOT in the metal part of the V channel. It sits in front of it to divert water away from the metal V channel and gasket.
6. At this point, you may have to shift the base of the rubber gasket around a little to get the V channel to sit properly.
7. Open the drivers side door and install one Allen bolt on the drivers side upper hole in the frame. Do not tighten it yet, just get it to thread in and snug gently. You will have to gently push down on the metal frame to align it. DO NOT PUSH TOO HARD because you dont want to break the glass. When done, close the door without hitting the window frame to support the windshield and put the to Allen bolt in the passenger side top opening. Again, you will have to push down lightly to compress the windshield gasket.
8. Now, you can adjust the angle of the windshield and snug up both lower allen bolts. Be careful not to twist the frame in the process as it will break the glass.
9. Once it is all aligned, you can tighten the bolts.

[wetminkey]

Cool,...I just purchased a new windshield and hope to do this soon. I'm only replacing, though,...'79 windshield, frame, and glass.
Hopefully it will go smoothly,...I've done a good bit of auto glass before, but not a windshield with removable frame! Another new adventure! Luckily, I know ALL about warm, soapy water for glass installation,...
I understand that I may be able to reuse my existing gasket, if is still flexible,...?
Best of luck with your's, novws! I'm usually working by myself, too,...I understand. I advise lots of soap in the water,...
Todd.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Todd, yes, you should be able to reuse your gasket, and as for the soap, I'm told that Dawn dish detergent works best. I kinda suspect any dish detergent would work, but there you have it. In general, working rubber parts into metal and glass parts and vice versa works much better if the rubber is warmed up a bit and also soapy.

Another question: I'm just in the process of putting my windshield+gasket+frame back into my '71 spider, and when I took it out, there was a line of what looked to be plumber's putty in the V-shaped channel that the gasket mates with. The putty was compressed in some places, and less so in others. Is this just to provide a better seal between the gasket and the V-shaped channel where needed? Or am I missing something? Should I just put a new bead of plumber's putty in there when reassembling, or would silicone exterior window caulk be a more modern solution?

-Bryan

[novws]

Wow! Bryan and John, this information and detail is extremely helpful. Thank you!

Yes, I’m trying to put a 78 windshield in an 80 frame that has already been removed. I have gaskets from both the 78 frame and my 80 frame.

I have a heavy workload this week, but will keep you apprised if my progress (or lack thereof).

-John W.

[toyfiats]

If you haven't already done so, removing the wiper cowl panel will help. Removing the dash would help even more (but isn't absolutely necessary), as you'll have a little more visibility and be able to ensure the seal is perfectly set in the proper groove. Otherwise it might look all good and aligned, but will leak like crazy in the rain (ask me how I know).

Yes, it's a tough job for one person. Even having an unskilled person to just help hold it in place while you fiddle around will make it easier. I recruited my wife the last time.