Reaching out as I have seemed to have no luck on my own. Does anyone know of a place or places in NJ that can cut and install my windshield on my 54 Chevy. The chop was started by what I consider a Great NJ custom car guy several years ago. I finally got around to finishing and unfortunately my friend passed away. Thanks Dave
Is that one of Ed's chop? In any case, that shouldn't be a hard one to do. I might be able to help. PM me.
The problem with cutting curved windshield & rear glass is it's unpredictable, I watched a local glass guy cut a 55 Chevy windshield and when he tried to snap the line a crack ran through it ruining the glass, he told the owner of the car up front there are no guarantees. Be prepared to buy additional windshields, with Dennis it took 3 windshields before it came out perfect, it got kinda expensive for the owner but he eventually got what he wanted. Flat glass is not a problem. HRP
I debated chopping my '54 Dodge pickup. The glass man told me that I probably need 3 windshields on hand. These windshields were only used in the '54's and early 55's so they are fairly rare. I'm told they are available new but are terribly expensive. As it turns out the standard roof line is fine with me and my checkbook.
Thanks everyone.... hopefully I can get this done. This project has been dragging on for a long time.
There is a guy @Jim Stabe who is a member here. He was installing Corvette running gear in a widened OT MGB. He posted a pretty complete thread about cutting the windshield. I think the thread was deleted since it was OT but you might try to contact him about how he did it. I checked and he hasn't signed in since May but hopefully he is still checking in.
If Nitti cut the roof, then yes, I would agree that the project has dragged for a long time. But agreed, Nitti was custom royalty in NJ. I'm sure Mark or someone will be able to help you
I remember seeing that thread and have thought about attempting it myself. I am unsure of how much play to leave in the windshield. Do I cut it so It sits on the pinch weld surround ?
Hey stinky, throw the rubber in the car and get ya a big piece of cardboard, trim it til it fits, then lay it on the glass and mark it. The trick is taking your time and going in small increments, at least that's how i do it. I've done a bunch, broke a few, and i figured out that i was taking too big of a bite. I go in 1" increments. Yeah it takes longer, but it's went smooth ever since. Grab a junk windshield and practice. Nobody was born doing anything, we all had to learn invest $15 in a pair of glass pliers and another $15 in a good glass cutter. Hobby lobby has the best cutter with a replaceable wheel. I use a craftsman belt sander with 80 and 150 grit belts for finishing, and a big ol spray bottle full of water. Lots of water! don't hesitate to ask if i can help
Can't help you on that. Others may have an answer or you might be able to get in touch with Jim either through the HAMB or maybe he is on an MG forum somewhere. All I know is that he did incredible work and his postings about cutting the windshield were very thorough.
I found his thread. He used diamond router bit from cr Laurence with a lot of coolant. I still might just prefer leaving this one to an someone that has done it before. I usually try everything ,but if I happen to make good on the cuts I still need it installed. I usually work alone and it’s tough getting anyone with any kind of mechanical ability to help. Most of my friends are desk jockeys and don’t like to get dirty. The ones willing to help are unfortunately not much help. Lol
I figured I would update this thread. The car went on the back burner again for the winter. I finally got back at it and decided to attempt it myself. I made a fiberglass template of the inside of the windshield and started trimming it. I actually think I made the template to tight which made my windshield to tight which made me brake it when trying to install it.
I have been learning to cut glass on my 54 Chevy. It has a 6 inch wraparound plus it curves across the top. I heard people talk about wet saws. I have a table top wet saw for cutting tile so I tried it. It works really great. Sharp diamond blade keeps glass cool with the water. Smooth cuts. Taking it real slow only takes a few minutes to do. The slower you cut the less chipping.
I used the diamond router bit with a lot of water. It took me about an hour to cut the windshield. I forget what grit bit I used , but I think it was 80 or 100. I was thinking of trying a new diamond blade on a grinder with lots of water. I now have this one to destroy more. I’m also thinking of waiting and just paying to get it done
Short video. I recommend taping both sides, go slower and use a new blade. With it set so just the blade clears the glass you can turn it any way you want to.
That is slick Fastcar. Are you using just one of those cheap tile cutters? I have one of those that the blade just runs in the water bath.
Yes , it looks to be a table top unit with a platform on top to raise the deck to minimize the exposed blade. Im gonna try that.
It is a table top model , set with blade just coming thru glass. you can really turn the glass any direction. cutting slow is still fast and smooth. practice on old glass first. it's a lot of fun.
I bought the new blade for my tile saw and am hoping to give it a go soon. Some impressive results from the saw . I played around with mine with an old blade and some pieces from the last one I cut. it went well. I was told to make sure I polish the cut edge or it could cause a break when something hits it or push hard on it when installing.
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