Windshield info

M

mark1

New member
Apr 19, 2009
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Hi, all... Well, it's finally (!) about time to get my perennially cracked driver's side windshield replaced. The crack(s) have grown and are
banding together to make this a necessity!

I was considering the fall GMC rally, but it's in SD (loooong way from AZ) and it might be taking a chance driving a windshield THIS cracked that far.
Plus, it's hard to know whether the rally will come off or not, given the current situations (the link shows it's already canceled, but I think it's
just not changed from 2020... either way, not a good sign or confidence building) ;).

RV Glass Solutions has a Phoenix location, and has quoted doing the left side windshield at $1200.

I don't know that there's a better solution, but would be willing to be creative.

--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
The latest issue of GMCMI Monthly E-News just arrived and one of the things mentioned in it is Windshield Clinic at GMCMI Fall Convention. Below is a
copy/paste of that announcement. Hope this works out for you.

Windshield Clinic at GMCMI Fall Convention

A Message from Ken Burton

The GMCMI rally in Chippewa Falls WI is fast approaching at the end of September.

We will again be offering the Windshield Clinic as we have done in now 9 previous rallies. We have the same company and guys supplying the windshields
and doing the work. They will be there on Saturday and Sunday Sept 25 and 26. I as an unpaid volunteer will be coordinating the pre-order of the
windshields and scheduling of the installation times. Only windshields that are pre-ordered will be shipped to the site. I have not got a firm order
cut off date yet but it will probably be sometime in the first week of September. The warehouse(s) need time to build the shipping crate(s) and ship
them to Wisconsin.

All pre-orders and communications (questions, etc.) will be taken and processed by me at mailto:gmcwindshield If there is some reason you
can not do email, then contact Kim Weeks at GMCMI for my unlisted home phone number. I am hearing impaired but can easily talk on the phone with a
special phone I have at home.

Since this is a clinic you are welcome and invited to stop and watch them work and ask occasional questions. They have done so many of these that they
can work and talk about what they are doing at the same time and they do not mind the audience.

In the past I have had requests for someone to video tape this process and later edit the recording. I do not have time or equipment to do this but if
there is a volunteer out there who would like to tackle this, please contact me at gmcwindshield GMCMI will post the video at
www.gmcmi.com.

So if you are seriously interested contact me and I will send you a 2 page document with more details or take your order .
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
I should also mention a couple of things. If you plan to do new windshields, while the windshields are out is the perfect time to remove the screws
holding the dashboard to the body. There are about 8-10 screws right where the windshield meets the dashboard. These are VERY difficult to remove
with the windshield in place. Right now, you may never need to remove the dashboard, but...ya never know what you may need to do in the future up
there. With the windshields out, using a Philips screwdriver, remove each screw, clean them up and coat them with a lite coating of white lube. put
them back in and tighten snug only. Some day if you need to take the dash out, you will thank yourself. Second, If the time is available, and the
specialists will allow it, find a way to seal the windshield edges. Windshield edges on old windshields, when not sealed will contribute to premature
fogging. Sealing the edges will delay that significantly. Hope you can make the GMCMI convention in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin. It's gonna be FUN!!
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
At the last convention, they were sealing the edges of the new windshields =
with a black glass primer for that reason. -Dave 1978 Transmode ne=
ar Pittsburgh -----Original Message----- From: Larry Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2021 6:24 PM To: gmclist=
g Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Windshield info I should also mention a coup=
le of things. If you plan to do new windshields, while the windshields are =
out is the perfect time to remove the screws holding the dashboard to the b=
ody. There are about 8-10 screws right where the windshield meets the dash=
board. These are VERY difficult to remove with the windshield in place. Rig=
ht now, you may never need to remove the dashboard, but...ya never know wha=
t you may need to do in the future up there. With the windshields out, usin=
g a Philips screwdriver, remove each screw, clean them up and coat them wit=
h a lite coating of white lube. put them back in and tighten snug only. Som=
e day if you need to take the dash out, you will thank yourself. Second, I=
f the time is available, and the specialists will allow it, find a way to s=
eal the windshield edges. Windshield edges on old windshields, when not sea=
led will contribute to premature fogging. Sealing the edges will delay tha=
t significantly. Hope you can make the GMCMI convention in Chippewa Falls W=
isconsin. It's gonna be FUN!! -- Larry 78 Royale w/500 Caddy Menom=
onie, WI. _______________________________________________ GMCnet mailin=
g list Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
 
My notes say it was DOW Betaprime 5504G. -----Original Message----- =
From: Dave Stragand Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2021 6=
:30 PM To: gmclist Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Windshield inf=
o At the last convention, they were sealing the edges of the new winds=
hields with a black glass primer for that reason. -Dave 1978 Trans=
mode near Pittsburgh -----Original Message----- From: Larry Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2021 6:24 PM To: gmclist=
net.org Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Windshield info I should also mention =
a couple of things. If you plan to do new windshields, while the windshield=
s are out is the perfect time to remove the screws holding the dashboard to=
the body. There are about 8-10 screws right where the windshield meets th=
e dashboard. These are VERY difficult to remove with the windshield in plac=
e. Right now, you may never need to remove the dashboard, but...ya never kn=
ow what you may need to do in the future up there. With the windshields out=
, using a Philips screwdriver, remove each screw, clean them up and coat th=
em with a lite coating of white lube. put them back in and tighten snug onl=
y. Some day if you need to take the dash out, you will thank yourself. Sec=
ond, If the time is available, and the specialists will allow it, find a wa=
y to seal the windshield edges. Windshield edges on old windshields, when n=
ot sealed will contribute to premature fogging. Sealing the edges will del=
ay that significantly. Hope you can make the GMCMI convention in Chippewa F=
a lls Wisconsin. It's gonna be FUN!! -- Larry 78 Royale w/500 Caddy=
Menomonie, WI. _______________________________________________ GMCne=
t mailing list Unsubscribe or Change List Options: ____________________=
___________________________ GMCnet mailing list Unsubscribe or Change L=
ist Options:
 
> At the last convention, they were sealing the edges of the new windshields with a black glass primer for that reason.
>
> -Dave
> 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

Didn't know that. Good to hear. Thanks for that information.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
My right side windshield cracked a number of years back and I contacted RV Glass Solutions to have it replaced. They sent out a local installer and
they did a great job. I have, or had at the time, full glass coverage, and it didn't cost me anything out of pocket.

I don't know how much they are charging at the GMCMI conventions, but considering the cost of the glass these days, $1200.00 doesn't seem
unreasonable.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
A (slight) update.

Looks like since RV Glass Solutions has a major facility in Phoenix, I can dodge $300 in crating and shipping!

Sounds like $900(ish) local trumps driving to a rally (as much as I'd like to do that anyway).

It would still be helpful to see what the price of a new windshield installed at the rally would be (for future reference for others seeking options,
if nothing else).

--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
Well guys, you beat me to announcing this. I was waiting until Kim announced this in the GMCMI news letter before posting it here. The announcement
you saw there is something I typed up for her to put in the news letter. So now read the announcement already posted here and contact me at the email
listed if you are interested. I will respond with a form letter that should answer most of your questions. Pricing will also be in that form letter.


If someone knows the size and length of the screws used around the windshield maybe I can get a box of them in stainless with colored heads. The
problems is the dash comes in different colors so I do not know what color to get. The screw stick in place due to bi-metal corrosion or oxidation
and 40 years time. While Larry suggests white lube, I suggest using anti-sieze though any lube is better than nothing.

One other comment on the sealant used on the glass edges. The sealant is for sealing the edges to reduce the migration of air and moisture into the
space between the panes and plastic center. Doing this reduces the possibility of the glass fogging. The other thing they do is to install I believe
it is polyurethane between the glass and the gasket and the gasket and the body.

Neither of the above will help you with the dash screws.

I suggest you need to come to the rally for more that just windshields. Get the windshields installed and use some of the money you saved to buy
gasoline to get there. Then enjoy the rest of the rally.

Ken Burton
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
I'd like to have a basis for comparison, but apparently the pricing at the rally is a state secret... ;)
--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
> I'd like to have a basis for comparison, but apparently the pricing at the rally is a state secret... ;)

Mikey,

It is not hardly any kind of secret. Ken won't know it until he has a tentative list and can talk to the glass people.

But, you can contact Ken as ask him to tell you when he has a price. This is a community of helping and supportive people.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
My comment was really just tongue in cheek - I'm guessing that the price of the windshields will be better, but the fact I'd have to drive a LONG way
to get there (rally to enjoy as well, or not) with a pretty sketchy windshield really does cinch the deal. I will have to attend one of the big
rallies though. Just not in the cards for this fall.
--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
> Hi, all... Well, it's finally (!) about time to get my perennially cracked driver's side windshield replaced. The crack(s) have grown and are
> banding together to make this a necessity!
>
> I was considering the fall GMC rally, but it's in SD (loooong way from AZ) and it might be taking a chance driving a windshield THIS cracked that
> far. Plus, it's hard to know whether the rally will come off or not, given the current situations (the link shows it's already canceled, but I
> think it's just not changed from 2020... either way, not a good sign or confidence building) ;).
>
> RV Glass Solutions has a Phoenix location, and has quoted doing the left side windshield at $1200.
>
> I don't know that there's a better solution, but would be willing to be creative.

Mark,

Try this link: http://https://www.gmcmi.com/upcoming-events/

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Guys,

I do not like to have to defend myself here but...

We have done this for many years and have had to make only slight changes to the process and procedures as issues came up. I am an unpaid volunteer
here just trying to help GMC rally attendees and GMCers in general. In the process, I learned have a lot about the glass business and especially GMC
glass.

In the spirit of GMCnet being noncommercial and trying to not cause any problems to other GMC vendors and non-GMC vendors alike, I only announce the
availability of the service on GMCnet and refer almost all questions, details, and pricing off net to the a special email address
mailto:gmcwindshied . I do not do facebook at all.

Originally all customer contact was handled by the vendor (Preferred Glass). We had every one contact them directly. It became very cumbersome and
time consuming for them and interfered with their normal glass business. They spent a lot of time sorting out what customers needed to be done with
all of the exceptions, tire kickers, insurance companies, and call backs. So after a few rallys they declined to do any more.

So I struck a deal with them, I volunteered to take over the client interface, the data collection, scheduling, and to answer most of the questions
from the interested GMCers. I can handle most of the questions with only the exceptions having to be referred on to the installers. I handle no
money and only compile and relay the information. I do the scheduling. In the deal we also made some other changes, eliminating direct insurance
billing, credit cards, and personal checks after a couple and one credit card bounced.

In return I also got them to agree to expand how far they would travel to do a rally, hence Chippewa Falls which is 400 miles one way for them. Maybe
they will go even farther in the future. We have talked about it but Covid got in the way.

This has worked well for the last few rallys and so we will stick with it this way. It is a lot of work for me up front, but I feel I am helping
GMCers and GMCMI.

Ken B.


--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Ken,

You and your guys provide a terrific opportunity for the GMC community to:
- have windshield(s) replaced
- have it done by very experienced pros
- have it done right with the best materials and no corners cut
- have it done quickly and without fuss
- have it done while you watch

The 2 brothers and 1 nephew(?) must've done well over a hundred GMC windshields. They're very focused and talk very little while working because they
all know what they're supposed to be doing and do it. It's an education watching them work and I usually check in to watch installations multiple
times during the rally.

Ken, please keep doing what you're doing!

Richard
--
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemonte waiting its turn
 
Ken Burton, you have contributed many things to the GMC community, but surely near the top of the list is your volunteer work relating to windshield
replacement at the rallies. I have contacted installers near me and they've told me "It'll crack within 100 miles, can't be done". I don't argue with
them, because I know who can do it right.

Thanks for your work making this possible at the rallies.
--
Norman, OK / August 1977 Kingsley / 403 / 3.55 / 16" / Quadrajet
 
Ken, you do a great job with the windshield program. Please keep it up as
long as you are able to. It is a great benefit to the GMC community. As is
your warm hospitality at the Valparaiso Hangar.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Aug 5, 2021, 8:52 AM Ty Hardiman via Gmclist <

> Ken Burton, you have contributed many things to the GMC community, but
> surely near the top of the list is your volunteer work relating to
> windshield
> replacement at the rallies. I have contacted installers near me and
> they've told me "It'll crack within 100 miles, can't be done". I don't
> argue with
> them, because I know who can do it right.
>
> Thanks for your work making this possible at the rallies.
> --
> Norman, OK / August 1977 Kingsley / 403 / 3.55 / 16" / Quadrajet
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
 
Thank you for administering such a great and helpful program, Ken. I have not been in a position to take advantage of this (yet) but will certainly
keep it in mind if I find myself able to attend an upcoming rally. My left side windshield is original (I think) and has minor fogging on the edges.
IF I decide to have it replaced, I think this is the best option, especially since it is not cracked.

I'm sure Mark is aware that prices fluctuate from year to year, he's just trying to get an approximation of what it costs/has cost/might cost to have
a windshield replaced at a rally. That seems a reasonable request. I understand why Ken is reluctant to quote a preliminary price due to the fact
that it might change, but maybe a little price history might be in order.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
Ty,

Installers who say it will crack within 100 miles or it can’t be done
should be avoided.

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Thu, Aug 5, 2021 at 8:52 AM Ty Hardiman via Gmclist <

> Ken Burton, you have contributed many things to the GMC community, but
> surely near the top of the list is your volunteer work relating to
> windshield
> replacement at the rallies. I have contacted installers near me and
> they've told me "It'll crack within 100 miles, can't be done". I don't
> argue with
> them, because I know who can do it right.
>
> Thanks for your work making this possible at the rallies.
> --
> Norman, OK / August 1977 Kingsley / 403 / 3.55 / 16" / Quadrajet
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
 
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