Classic Car Windshield Installation - How to do it - Datsun 240Z

My 1973 Datsun 240Z project gets a new windshield installed in this video. The technique is the same for most vintage / classic cars and trucks. You will also see that this can be done by only one person.

[@MindDezign]

Well I think after all these years, your the first person on KZbin to detail this procedure. Well done. The two sharp corners.." I was holding my breath ! So... riveting ,content !"

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks Dick I put a lot of VW glass in. back in the 70s-80s fun to go down memory lane on this . That's a 2 person job for some of that but you got it done like a boss.

[@buttguy]

Not only a good video explaining the process, but now I'm confident I can do this myself. Finally will have good glass in my '77 Toyota pickup after all these years.

[@DickShaw]

Thanks, I hope it goes well for you!

[@buttguy]

@@DickShaw it went great. Even easier than I expected. Would happily do it again, next is probably one of my Datsun 510s. Thanks for posting up this video!

[@johanvanwyk9780]

This Uncle is a pro. Most Automotive Auto Glass shops use two and more people to do it, but he is alone. Now I now that if he can do it I can do it...

[@notrut]

5:18 POW ... I love the colour of the paintwork ... Good job Dick!

[@jaimea6012]

Thank you so very much, I really needed this knowledge!

[@DickShaw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tthams73]

This was excellent!!!! I was considering having Z’s windshield installed by a professional. But after watching your video; I think I’ll give it a go! Thank you!!

[@DickShaw]

Take your time and it should go well for you. I wish you the best. Thanks for watching.

[@Mr_Spegru]

Interesting demo, Having recently put the front and rear glass in my '71 Gilbern invader, I did not consider fitting the rubber on the glass first. Maybe that's easier if you have a rubber without a join in it. Job done but it took alot longer than an hour. Great colour by the way

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Nice one, the old glass are usually full of scratches, which could be smoothed out by polishing but still nothing good as new glass. One of the most difficult glass installation is on the Mercedes-Benz W116. The bottom side and the bottom corners are a nightmare and lots of patience and deft fingers are needed.

[@southamrcn]

It's best to use a thicker cord and if you feed the cord through a nozzle from a silicone gun it will make it a lot easier to feed it in the rubber channel as a guide plus by using a thicker cord it will make the rubber lip open more so that it will fold over the car window frame better. One more tip it's better to have two people doing this so that someone from the outside puts a little bit of pressure on the areas your pulling the cord.

[@DickShaw]

Very good tips! I know for sure an extra person helping to push from the outside would make it a lot easier and faster.

[@michaltrcalek2876]

Thanks for showing this! I always thought the trim gets installed after the windshield is in! Do I spy another Z in the background? Have been following your restoration and it has given me a lot of ideas on my 240z resto, thank you!

[@dans5595]

thank you, thank you, thank you. i'm a long way from this step, but now i'll know what to do when i get there. question: is that an aftermarket, or oem gasket? if aftermarket, which manufacturer? i'm 62, and i'm just getting started. forgive me for saying, but you appear to be a good deal older, and still active in the garage. helps me to believe i'll be able to finish the project.

[@DickShaw]

It is an aftermarket gasket by "Precision Rubber". I just turned 73 and am still going strong :)

[@cdcorrigan]

Thanks for the video. I have to install a windshield on my 1981 Toyota pickup except it doesn't take the Chrome strip I got the rubber gasket that doesn't require Chrome but everything else looks about the same. Just wondering though if it would be a good idea to use some sealant before installing the windshield? I too have to work alone and it's my first windshield installation so I'm a little bit nervous about it

[@DickShaw]

Sealant would be good to insure no leaks but it can be very messy. I usually try it without sealant and if there is a leak, I pull the rubber back and squirt some sealant in the area of the leak. thanks for watching!

[@TheSaturnV]

New subscriber. Dick, did you go back and apply some kind of sealant under the rubber seal after you completed this part?

[@DickShaw]

Not yet. If it does not leak, I probably will not. Thanks for watching.

[@belrays06]

How come no one uses a Mastic compound around the rubbers and to the body ? good video anyway

[@SamTuckett]

I've questioned the same on other peoples (Datsun specific builds) apparently only todays cars use adhesive molding whereas old cars like these didn't need them as the weather stripping was "good enough".

[@indigojewsnap7307]

Hi Dick, I am rebuilding a Z and watch all your vids. Where I live it is impossible to get parts and have to try and find suppliers in the States. Could you post links to the items you purchase in future vids. such as the windshield and the rubber. Thank You.

[@DickShaw]

Hello, thanks for watching. I got the rubber from zcardepot.com . I have bought quite a bit from them as they have a good selection and a fair price. I have also bought from www.rockauto.com . RockAuto has a lot as well including the rubber. And of course, I find some stuff on eBay. The windshield was purchased from a glass shop locally. Good luck on your project!

[@indigojewsnap7307]

Hi Dick, thank you, this is a great help. Love the channel. Kind Regards.

[@raygallegos8955]

Hi Dick, it’s my first Video on putting in a front 240z windshield and you really did a great job explaining step by step for first timer debating whether to pay some glass shop or trying it myself. I need any assistance if any one has a lead on buying the glass online. I’m really looking forward to your other 240z videos. Thanks and you really helped me a novice understand what’s involved.

[@DickShaw]

@@raygallegos8955 I'm glad you liked the video. Be sure to check your local glass shops because you never know what they might have in the back. That's how I found mine.

[@TheSaturnV]

@@raygallegos8955 Agree with Dick, call around to your local shops and see if anyone has or can get one. I picked one up yesterday for under $250 carry out. Took them just one day to get it in. The few that I found online had around a $175 fee to deliver to a commercial address, and upwards of $300 to deliver to a residence. You could have $700 in a piece of glass real quick.