1952-59 Ford Hi Guys....Windshield question

Hi guys. I haven't been on in a while with any updates but that's because I've been beyond busy (unfortunately not on my 53, but on my 61 Chevy).

Anyway, I'll get some progress pics up from what I've done on the 53 shortly. My question is...how do I safely take the front and rear windshields out? I tried wedging a plastic pry tool between the a pillar and the molding and pushing on the gl*** but I'm afraid to break it.

Also, how do I get the lower stainless trim off of the bottom of the windshield? I'm ***uming the stainless around the rest of the windshield just holds on the rubber gasket and it will come off when I remove the windshield (correct me if I'm wrong because it's in super nice shape and I don't want to bend it).

Thanks

 

When I replaced my windshield.... I got a pro to come to the house and do a r&r with all new rubber on site. Saved me a lot of fear of breaking something. He knew what to do... I didn't. Sure made it look easy but I still wouldn't do it.

 

According to the Ford Service Manual, apply pressure with a hand or foot starting in the corner and working across.

In my experience, the foot worked great on the back window and I was able to extract it without any issues. The front was another story ... CRACK! Finished the rest with a sledge and a tarp!

 

I cut mine out and then pushed out the front and rear. Because the old molding was old. I bought new molding. the lower chrome peice is held into place with two screws, one on each side, if you open the doors you will notice the screw. I had to drill those out cause the heads on them were striped. that lower chrome piece is pinched between the gasket, then the window and the frame of the car. my dad and I installed the front window that took about 4 hours. the rear window I paid to have that installed 150 bones later.

 

THe lower stainless trim comes off after the windshield is out. In fact, I think all the stainless comes off that way. I think the only way to remove the windshield with the rubber intact is from the inside. Pry up the weatherstrip over the metal lip on the body. Start in one spot and then go around. If the rubber is stiff and old, the best way is to cut it and replace it.

 

If the '53 is anything like a '56 and if the seal's bad, best way is to cut the seal and remove the moldings, then the gl***. I destroyed one lower molding by trying to get it out without cutting the seal first. So on my parts car I ran a utility knife between the gl*** and seal, cutting it down to the molding lip that squeezes into the seal. It was hard and badly cracked but once I removed it the molding came out easier. Unfortunately the molding was as bad as my first one, sprung and badly kinked from an earlier windshield repalacement years ago.

Ron

 

I'm definitely going to replace it, so I will cut the gasket as you guys have all suggested.

Wish me luck!