GLASS advice

[douglasmthom]

I've read several postings and would like to replace both panes in my 42GPW. It appears as some folks head to their local glass store, vs. ordering from a "jeep" purveyor. It also seems like there are some issues with fit depending on the provenance of the frame. And finally there seem to be various trains of thought on the installation of the glass into the rubber seal/frame. Can anyone offer up some sound advice and success in this territory. I also am assuming that original glass was clear and not tinted like the glass I removed from my frame.

[Schultzd]

Glass was always clear. Etched with either the Willys style etching or GPW style. As far how you decide to purchase your glass, that's up to you. I do know that when I purchased my glass locally from a professional glass company, it was at least 70% cheaper than the Jeep Suppliers were offering, that includes the installation! As far as safety, as long as the specified glass is windshield safety glass, you should be good. There is a very recent post that talks about the glass and it's installation in pretty good depth. There are also several postings regarding the etching of the glass, just do a search.

Dan

[Radioman_1943]

I replaced my glass myself using the same process shown in the link below, with the exception that I had my local auto glass shop cut new panes for me instead of buying from a supplier. As far as etching, I did that myself using one of Ron's excellent stencil kits and some glass etchant bought at the local Michael's store. The key to all of this is don't get in a hurry. That how you break things...

http://www.1944mb.com/c-23-G503_WWII_Je ... ation.aspx

[douglasmthom]

Is there a standard set of dimensions size of the glass panes, including thickness?

[Steerman]

I would like to know the dimensions myself since I am at the stage of rebuilding the windshield where I need to have the glass cut (I already have the stencil kit from Ron).

[douglasmthom]

Searching on other terms I found the following thread which calls out the glass dimensions: 23 1/8" X 12 5/8" The original was 1/4" thick. This is 1/8" taller and 1/8" wider than the AAW dimensions from Vol I page 129. I'm wondering also if the available material between the glass and the metal frame may also be a factor. There is the possibility that an original frame and a repro frame may be slightly different.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=62576&start=0

I called a good local glass store in San Carlos, CA who quoted both laminated windshield panes for a total of $96.00, delivery in 3 days.

[Steerman]

I understand that most glass companies will also mount the glass in the inner frame. Thanks for the dimensions. I'm only 20 miles from San Carlos and lived there for 6 years when I was growing up. I bought an inner windshield rebuild kit from Peter and it's just 2 tools of foam tape with 2 "L" cast pieces & screws. It appears that it would compress easily so a fairly close tolerance on the glass dimensions is probably a good thing. I am using an original frame.

[thidisbogus]

Let us know how it goes...

[pjorgensen]

I'm at this same point on my jeep and have the following question on glass installation, how is the rubber seal installed between the glass and interframe? Specifically at the corners does the rubber get cut bevel or is there an over lap?

[douglasmthom]

Rodney-

This is the best set of instructions I've found:http://www.1945gpw.com/c-23-G503_WWII_Jeep_Windshield_Frame_Glass_Installation.aspx
I don't see any mitre work at the corners, but its somewhat vague. Please pass on anything you learn.

[hell-fire]

I am confused with all these different meassurements, a guy is selling panes here

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=202881

which fit original inners but these measurements don't get with those posted here, so can anyone confirm what they are please.

[Michael Browne]

Hi,

I'm at this same point on my jeep and have the following question on glass installation, how is the rubber seal installed between the glass and interframe? Specifically at the corners does the rubber get cut bevel or is there an over lap?

The correct rubber is available from old auto rubber suppliers. It softens with kero I think ( check this) and it can be moulded to the shape around the corner of the glass in the frame. The rubber is almost like soft putty when the kero is applied, use a small, thin putty blade and when dried it stays in the shape formed.

Good luck

[douglasmthom]

In discussions with Ron F. & company about glass sizes - they recommend measuring your actual inner window frame to understand what the width and height of your original or reproduction hardware is. From those dimensions have glass cut 3/16" -1/4" smaller in width and height to allow for the mounting tape (roughly 1/16" thick) on all sides and a little room for thermal expansion. They also recommend having the glass supplier sand (not polish) the edges of the glass to eliminate sharp edges and corners to minimize any changes of stressing the glass leading to a crack.

I waiting for my frame to arrive which is due in late May, so I am just passing along these recommendations without actually having tried them.

[Schultzd]

As Doug presents, this is exactly what I had my glass company do, as per Ron F's suggestions when I bought one of his great, USA reproduction, inside frames. All has worked very well and I am completely satisfied. BTW, I applied my own glass etching using one of Ron's custom kits, that worked perfectly as well.

Dan

[bazza46]

Further to Michael's comment; I bought a new (original) winscreen inner frame for my first jeep in 1963. It came with stuff the guy called "uncured rubber". It was a thin (1, maybe 1 1/2mm) strip, and it was stretchy, but it wouldn't return to length after stretching. It could be deformed fairly easily. That's what they used then. Anywhere it was tight, it just squashed, so the glass went in easily. Over the years, it went hard and brittle. I haven't seen it lately.