1960 Lark windshield and what it should look like

[oregonroses]

All-

Recently I found a used windshield to replace the cracked one I had as well as the chrome trim which mine did not have. After purchasing the gasket, I took everything to have it installed and am wondering - is the chrome trim supposed to be flush with the body? Mine has 1/4 - 1/2 gap all the way around, and the gasket appears to not be flush in the corners on both sides. I've attached a couple pics to hopefully show what I mean.

[52hawk]

That's not correct at all.The rubber should be TIGHT against the body.Looks like they got it half way in and gave up. I'd also guess that they tried to install the stainless trim after installing the glass in the car.The rubber goes on the glass,then the stainless is put into the rubber,then the complete 'glass-rubber-stainless-assembly' is put in the hole!

[Scott]

Wow, that's bad.

[studegary]

Most modern glass shops do not know how to handle these. Modern windshields are simply glued in place.
You have to "walk" them through it, or better yet, do it yourself.
As has been stated, the trim goes in the gasket and the gasket goes on the glass before the assembly gets near the car.

[2R5]

If you look in most shop manuals they give a very good exclamation of how it's done

[oregonroses]

Ok - I talked over the phone with the guy that put it in and he states "We massaged it in as well as it's going to fit! Because this was a used windshield, it probably lost it's shape and doesn't fit real well!"

Does that sound right guys? The guy I bought it from pulled it from a used Lark, I stored it vertical (like it was in the car, not on end) for about 6 months. I think I'm getting jacked around here......Thoughts?

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Ok - I talked over the phone with the guy that put it in and he states "We massaged it in as well as it's going to fit! Because this was a used windshield, it probably lost it's shape and doesn't fit real well!"

Does that sound right guys? The guy I bought it from pulled it from a used Lark, I stored it vertical (like it was in the car, not on end) for about 6 months. I think I'm getting jacked around here......Thoughts?

Yes, you are getting jacked around. They obviously didn't install it per the Studebaker Shop Manual but don't want to admit it.

[StudeRich]

We had a '59 Lark that fit like that and found out that a "Butyl Sealer Kit" was used on the body and WAY TOO much was applied to the body for the glass to ever fit. I wonder if they used the proper glass setting clay that must be used, and is available?

It is always good to go to a Glass Shop that regularly does classic cars and is known for that, I am afraid these guys never saw one.

Most Shops Warrantee their work for at least 30-60 Days to not leak, I don't see how this one could NOT leak. Just take it back because it leaks and get a proper re-do.

[RadioRoy]

If you look in most shop manuals they give a very good exclamation of how it's done

And the installer will almost never look at the manual. Sometimes they are even insulted that you had the audacity to tell them how to do their job - even when they didn't know.

[wittsend]

"...the trim goes in the gasket and the gasket goes on the glass before the assembly gets near the car."

Maybe the '60 Studebaker was different, but this tutorial ('64 Studebaker) has the gasket going on the glass first, THEN trim installed, then the installation in the car. That is how I did it when I did mine.

https://dicksteinkamp.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/wagonaire-installing-the-windshield/

[StudeRich]

Post #10 is probably more correct, but I don't think it's too big a Deal, what IS important is that the Stainless Steel Mouldings go into the Rubber BEFORE the Assy. goes into the opening.

[52hawk]

The glass for my Hawk was stored across a couple rafters over a garage for 10 years,then when I bought the car I stored it standing up for another 5 or 6 years,then installed it.Fits fine.