1. We had already removed...
1. We had already removed the windshield with a utility knife in order to pull our dash for repairs when we discovered the weatherstrip locking bead was unavailable. We'll show you how we installed weatherstripping and trim from a '69 Dart to install a fresh windshield.
2. To install the clips,...
2. To install the clips, we drilled holes for the clip retaining screws in the windshield opening at the center point from the interior lip to the outside edge of the opening. We drilled in the center because the clips have a slotted groove and can be adjusted in or out for the trim to fit flush when finished.
3. (A) When we ordered our...
3. (A) When we ordered our weatherstripping from Layson's Restorations, we also ordered the clips. We didn't have a guide to goby for the distance between the clips, so we started in the middle on the top of the opening and placed the first two clips slightly out from the center.
3. (B) From these two clips...
3. (B) From these two clips we placed the rest about 10 inches apart.
The windshields in vintage Mopars are made of a thin sheet of plastic sandwiched between two pieces of glass, creating "safety glass." This construction prevents the glass from shattering. Instead, the plastic retains the glass fragments.
Over time, windshields sometimes "fog" or whiten around the edges--a result of the two pieces of glass separating and pulling on the plastic. This haze not only detracts from the looks of your Mopar, the separation eventually causes the glass to lose its safety properties.
The windshield in our Valiant had not only separated, but dirt and debris had begun to fill the void. In 1967, Chrysler used a one-piece weatherstrip that surrounded the glass and was retained by a locking strip that, when inserted into the rubber, would expand the rubber to effectively seal the glass-to-body mating surface. The problem is no one makes the locking strip anymore, and our locking strip was junk. Most of it was missing, and the rest was in little pieces.
Since Project Valiant Effort will not be treated to a concours resto, we decided to install weatherstripping and the stainless trim from a '69 Dart. The problems were the absence of clips to retain the trim and, well . . . where do you find a cheap windshield for a '67 Valiant? The weatherstrip and trim was acquired from Layson's Restorations. For the windshield, we found a tinted piece snagged from a '65 Valiant sedan at a salvage yard for $60. Since the rubber weatherstrip will not, by itself, seal the windshield, we bought a tube of windshield sealant from the local parts store to help plug the gaps.
4. Since our windshield is...
4. Since our windshield is recycled, the old sealer and dirt were removed. With a razor blade, we scraped off most of the old sealer, then worked it over with WD-40 to remove the rest of it. Finally, glass cleaner was used to remove any remaining residue and ensure proper adhesion to the sealant.
5. Before installing the...
5. Before installing the windshield, we cleaned the opening and repaired any rust. Our Valiant's opening was in good shape, so we cleaned the old sealer from the frame and used the air compressor to blow away any loose debris.
6. Place a bead of sealer...
6. Place a bead of sealer around the opening. The bottom of the seal does not have a lip like the sides and top do. Place a 1/4-inch bead as far to the inside of the opening as possible. On the sides and the top, place a small bead as close to the edge of the lip as you can. After applying the sealer, install the weatherstrip into the windshield. Be sure to check the sealer manufacturer's instructions regarding set time before installing the weatherstrip.
7. With the weatherstrip...
7. With the weatherstrip installed into the opening of the car, put a small bead of sealer into the groove that receives the windshield. Now place the windshield into the bottom portion of the groove in the weatherstrip. The groove in the weatherstrip has a locking lip that allows it to be opened to slide the glass into place.
7. (B) With the lip unlocked,...
7. (B) With the lip unlocked, we used a plastic roller made for screen-door repairs to pull the lip up over the windshield. Take your time. The job would be easier with the proper tool, but who has a windshield tool lying around?
8. The locking lip simply...
8. The locking lip simply folds under and holds the windshield in place.
9. For our stainless trim,...
9. For our stainless trim, we thought we'd have to scour the swap meets. Luckily, Layson's Restorations has a vast assortment of used trim pieces. We started at the bottom of the windshield and carefully pressed the trim over the clips. Do not use brute force to put the trim on because you could dent the trim or have to start over when you put your hand through the windshield.
10. Once the trim was on,...
10. Once the trim was on, all that was left was to give it a bath with a garden hose. This revealed any leaks before we hit the road.