Part 19: 1948 Chevrolet Stylemaster Windshield Replacement

This was a tough one! It must have been Friday afternoon when this car body was welded together. Perhaps the welders mind was already at the pool hall or on his girlfriend that he saw in her new sun suit the previous weekend. In any case the glass was too tight!

[@sparkplug0000]

Looks SO much better withOUT the visor! Plus, they really block the view for us tall guys, especially of red lights. And I can’t thank you enough for verifying, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that my not pursuing a career in the vintage auto glass business was certainly the right move.

[@snowking55]

I tip my hat to you Jay, you did a two man job all by yourself. Nicely done! I'm sure it was frustrating, especially with the broken glass, but when you're all finished you can be proud and say I did myself.

[@DennisMurphey]

I love seeing this 48 project. My Grandfather used to build engines for NASCAR and i have his genes. It was my Moms Dad and she saw i had the car bug too. So when three older school mates wanted to sell they clubs 47 Chevy Coupe because it only had 1st and reverse She agreed to buy me the car $35 and If I could fix it I could keep it. I was 15. I had it shifting all 3 gears with 2 hours of the 1st day i had it. She was so happy. I laughed so hard all by myself going done the road in 3rd Gear. Then I got a job at the Grocery Store. 60 Cents an hour. But I had enough for a 57 Oldsmobile V8, tranny and rear end!!!!! The rest is history. My 1st Hot Rod. You know that grill must weight 30 35 pounds!!! OFF! Thanks for Sharing, Dennis in Virginia

[@TheJayhawker]

Thanks for watching and for the memory 👍

[@randynaser7288]

Jay, Thank you for sharing another great and informative restoration project. It certainly is not for the faint of heart and requires a great deal of self control and patience. I am sure you walked away from the install many times and relaxed, regrouped and mentally prepared to tackle a very challenging project. I agree with another commenter that a second set of hands might have been a life saver and I will chase down someone to help me when I tackle the windshield replacement on my 50 Chevy 3100. I have followed your projects and learn a great deal from your step by step videos. Actually I tried to install a oakie bushing on my 50 3100 after watching your video and after having no success with the puller, I researched and found out that the late 50's 3100's did not have dowel pins and the bushings are press fit and cannot be removed with a puller without pulling apart the entire differential and torque tube to replace with oakie bushing or use a new seal and (2) bushings. Because of your video, and step by step, I was able to determine how to fix the issue. Thanks for the great video's and I look forward to your next job. Have a fantastic day!

[@user-ry7sz9hi7j]

Great job Jayhawker! You mentioned about a better product for sealing and a buddy of mine used one by CRL that he said worked great. It's a butyl type and flowed very well according to him. I believe its CRL 777. I will probably give it a try and let you know!

[@tillross4078]

Nice ,, I have the 48 coupe ,, it's a project roller gonna be putting in glass ,, so Thanks for sharing ,, helpful seeing this ,, Best Wishes 👍

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Jay. That is a cool visor. That would look cool on my 1940 Buick. I noticed that good rubbers cost more, but in the end, they are cheaper. I found that out on my Fargo. I bought the better seals first. Nice job on the replacement. Thanks for sharing.🍁👍👍

[@randallsanders7446]

Good day, Jayhawker! I've only had one previous contact with you but I think I've watched all videos related to your 1948 Chevy trials & tribulations (plus some others non-related to the 1948). Also, I have bookmarked each one to "my favotites" list for future reference. I'm restoring a 1940 Chevy & a lot of what you have provided confirms what I thought I knew & what I have already done. I stumbled upon your videos during my various searches & started watching the first one that popped up so I didn't watch them in sequence from #1 but, as stated, I have seen them all & some more than once. I feel like I should be paying for your knowledge, advice, & teaching in general. As Mr.Rodgers says: "Won't you be my neighbor." I think about what a great joy & benefit it would be to have you as a neighbor. Buit, as the good book says, we are all neighbors so I'll consider you as such. And, around my neighborhood it's a 'you scratch my back & I'll scratch yours' type of deal. Sometimes we even scratch without reciprocity. It's all good &, as an overused phrase indicates -- we are all in this together. Thanks again for taking the time to produce these instructional videos & I'll be watching for more.

[@TheJayhawker]

I sure appreciate the kind words. You know, this isn't a big channel on KZbin although it is slowly growing. But I still really enjoying doing it because of folks like yourself. These days all anyone wants from these old cars is the beautiful bodies and maybe the frame, everything else they want to remove. I find this sad. Personally I want to experience the '40s when I'm in a 40's car. Thanks for watching!

[@randallsanders7446]

@@TheJayhawker do you, or anyone of your subscribers reading this, know of a place that sells/rebuilds iginition coils for my 1940 Chevy 6 volt? I had Kanter Auto Parts rebuild one but they sent me a below par replacement. Still trying to get in touch with them via their email that they provided but nobody is responding. Probably have to call them to get attention. Thanks again for all you do & also for mentioning the places where you obtained the various parts for the 1948.

[@jpalberthoward9]

I've followed your progress on this car since the beginning. I can't say enough good things about the quality of your work, and the way you not only explain what you're doing, but you also do exceptional camera work, which allows all of us to actually see what you're doing. It appears as though you are well organized and that you know how to plan your work and work your plan. I would guess that you were taught well, by people who knew what they were doing. If that is the case, you honor those individuals by the work you do. There are many others here on KZbin whom I would guess do not have much respect for the cars they're working on. You can tell this by the comments they make as they work, and the general attitude of what seems to be almost contempt for the cars. It's a sort of "slam dunk, quick and dirty, do it cheap and flip it" mentality, or a "let's butcher it up into a hideous monstrosity" which is sad, considering the cool factor that most of these amazing old cars have. The respect that you show for the cars themselves, and the pride you take in your work is commendable. It's refreshing to see, because it's becoming increasingly rarer all the time. My hat is off to you sir, very nicely done!!!

[@TheJayhawker]

Your comments are very much appreciated. Yes, I'm 4th gen. mechanic, my great grandpa was doing this work already in the 19-teens. Grandpa learned from him, dad learned from grandpa, and I learned from gramps and dad. I have often considered doing a video on my family history, but I would probably be the only one interested! Thanks for watching, God bless

[@bluzmanintx8176]

Definitely looks cooler with the visor..gives it that cool look. I have one on my 1950 Styleline Deluxe..makes it kind of hard to see the stop lights but I got a stop light viewer... gotta love 50s tech.

[@dustcommander100]

I must say that watching your video made me feel a lot better! I recently wrestled in the windshields for my '47 Fleetmaster, and I can certainly appreciate the effort required. I thought it was me (the problem) but now I know it wasn't. It's just a tough job, and says a lot about the folks before us who handled these in the heyday.! I do think the Fleetmaster is easier, so maybe I couldn't have gotten the glass in on a Fleetline. My door windows are next, and I also could not bring myself to put a new one on one side with a weathered one on the other...... I do like for stuff to match, even if the overall car (mine) looks so bad....

[@bluzmanintx8176]

I ordered my windshield seal for my 50 Styleline Deluxe from Steele Rubber Products and didn't have a problem. They're expensive but fit good and made in USA!

[@markpatterson7070]

Great Video thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@37silverstreak1]

Thanks Jayhawker for a very informative video. I'm going to be tackling this job on my 1949 Plymouth very soon. I had to laugh, I too thought I would try and save some money on the new windshield gasket and bought a cheap one. The minute I got it I saw that it, I didn't like it, so I bit the bullet and purchased one from Steele Rubber! It was twice as much as the other one, but now after seeing the difference between your gaskets, I feel much better about spending the money. As for the sealer, I would think any good grade of RTV would work just fine as you are just looking to fill any small voids in the gasket. I'm not sure they even used any sealer when they built the cars. I started doing the rear window om my Plymouth and so for I haven't seen any kind of sealer on the glass or frame.

[@TheJayhawker]

I don't know about Plymouth but Chevy certainly used sealer. I would really assume that Plymouth did as well, but then again they had to make up the price difference between a Plymouth and Chrysler somehow...All I know is that I WON'T be using 3M 08690 EVER AGAIN! Permatex 81730 looks interesting to me.

[@37silverstreak1]

@@TheJayhawker You could be right about the sealer. I haven't gotten very far into the job yet, I've only just started on the rear window. Thanks again for the videos, I'm enjoying them very much!

[@barrysaunders853]

Ok now for my 1952 gmc glass thanks learned a lot

[@kevinpfaff2301]

Great video! Thank you!

[@SierraJohn]

Nice work.

[@CrazyWillie01]

I just went and ordered where ya said lol

[@TheJayhawker]

oh ok, lol

[@user-dn2mf9kg6r]

Just a little advice on pulling the rope, if you pull the rope towards the center or middle of the glass you will have less struggle pulling the rubber flap over the pinch weld. 7:00 pm

[@aardremiz4752]

Does the rear window go in from the inside or out. Mine was vandalized before before I got it so I can’t look and tell

[@user-wv7yx8mb3w]

Would a heat gun work to warm up the seal ? Just wondering

[@rondrew2857]

Much better without the visor!

[@annav3716]

excellent!

[@boatnut64]

Definitely "A Pain in the Glass"... 🤣🤣🤣

[@tombob671]

I was wondering if the 355 pumpkin from the rear of a 51 powerglide would bolt in? That would raise the cruising speed to near 60-64 vs the 411 stock.

[@russellh.644]

You ask about a different product to use to seal the glass other than the polyurethane you used. Well, Steele rubber recommends 3-M bedding and glazing compound (08509) to use to seal around the glass. I used it on my '48 Chevy and it does "flow" fairly easy.

[@TheJayhawker]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@shootthattiger]

I had the same problem replacing my 48 Buick glass and i ended up breaking the glass my solution was to get my glass cut again slightly smaller that fixed the problem

[@luisalvarez5439]

Do you have the part number for that seal from steele. I have a 1941 buick special and I can't get bob's automotive to send me the right one. I believe should be just like that one you installed. Thank you..

[@TheJayhawker]

I think your part number is going to be: 60-0186-50. I would suggest going to steelerubber.com and entering your model and body style to see what all they offer for your car. I'm guessing you may have a two piece gasket.

[@silverado4303]

Have you had any leaks still nice you did your install

[@TheJayhawker]

The car has been with it's owner since last spring. But I'm sure I would have heard about it if he had!

[@DaSmokeDaddy]

A long shot but you might know, or know of someone that can help. I have a 48 Fleetline 2-door Aerosedan. My glass is just butted together in the center. It's been that way for years and was that way when I purchased it. I have two trim pieces for the perimeter and the vertical trim piece, nothing else, just the three pieces. I haven't a clue how they should be installed. Any idea? I definitely don't have a gasket/seal like you installed, nor that vertical center bar, only the outside three chrome moldings.

[@user-dn2mf9kg6r]

Normally always there is about 3/16" gap between the two pieces of glass to allow the studs on the moulding to pass through. Some restorers chose to leave that center chrome moulding out and have the new peices cut a little bigger and butt the two together and seal the middle with silicone sealant. This installation is call a v- butt installation, also you can use a zip up rubber that can be purchased at most glass shops. Hope this helps. Good luck

[@DaSmokeDaddy]

@user-dn2mf9kg6r that's what I have then, a v-butt windshield. I guess I can't mount the molding around the windshield circumstance without using the vertical center molding. Or if I did use the center molding, I'd have to glue/sealant all the molding onto the windshield.

[@kathleenlong4321]

I had a 47, I have a 49 Chevy. Both had the rear springs wrapped. I see that your 48 does also. Do you know why they did that?

[@willyg6545]

Jay just a thought if you use paracord for the pull in cord its smaller and would help, thanks for your channel.

[@TheJayhawker]

Yes, that would certainly be ideal. As usual, just using what I happen to have...

[@noesandoval1881]

What's the name of the company where you got the seal for the window?

[@davidcraddock7011]

along about 51:40 or so it looks like you (the center windshield bright molding just placed it over the center section) slapped it into place. went by so fast it was hard to tell. or maybe it hooked at the bottom and then slapped into place.

[@CrazyWillie01]

Where did ya get the seal and cost ? Back one is like doin a 48 just like that , has no glass in it , have the glass but wher do ya get the seal

[@TheJayhawker]

steelerubber.com $130 more or less for Fleetmaster models, $190 for Stylemaster they are different seals between the two. Don't mess around trying to find a cheaper brand.

[@joealan1642]

You think maybe the seals are for new windshield that may be thinner than the original

[@torreyreno7567]

thank you I need mine replaced please let us know your brand

[@lopezdavid1940]

Do you have to add sealant on the glass insert?

[@TheJayhawker]

No, only around the outside of the seal. I suppose you could if you wanted to but that's not how it was done back in the day.

[@caddyman7725]

This is one of those projects that as I was working on old cars I would always wonder…..how did they do this on a moving assembly line?!

[@37silverstreak1]

They would have had specialized tools to do the job, and like any other procedure, after you do it enough it becomes easier!

[@davidcraddock7011]

long shot, know where I may obtain center support section of windshield frame or parts to repair same.

[@TheJayhawker]

well.......I have a spare 48 laying around but I really don't want to pull the glass out and let the outside in, that is until I need to. If it were me I would consider building it from scratch. Do you have enough material left to make patterns?

[@davidcraddock7011]

@@TheJayhawker windshield center support is partially there. I need to spot weld the top of the support then fabricate the outer section with fixed or with floating nuts. the exterior metal strip that is spot welded to the inner metal strip rusted away to the extent it no longer would hold the floating nuts. extensive google search has as yet not yielded suitable results. may have to go with fixed in place nuts making sure I have everything lined up the best I can. Thanks for the reply.

[@TheJayhawker]

@@davidcraddock7011 go to: mcmaster.com and type in "cage nuts" in the search bar. Although they don't call any of them that term it will come up with all of their options. Maybe the aligning weld nuts would be a good option. I forget what the trim screw thread size but they have options for #8 or #10's

[@davidcraddock7011]

@@TheJayhawker I had been looking under "floating nuts", but will try "cage nuts". Thanks

[@caddyman7725]

It looks best without the visor, I think.

[@noesandoval1881]

Is that visor original

[@TheJayhawker]

No, that's an old aftermarket one probably from the 50's. The owner does have the original accessory visor and he was going to have me restore it, but he decided to stay with this one for now.

[@noesandoval1881]

I have a four door stylemaster...

[@CrazyWillie01]

Bought from filling station 129.00

[@gigfy6010]

Leave the visor off please!