Windshield Project (and Redemption?)

[63vert]

Well today I started (and finished) my pre-painting windshield project…and it was super easy. I have a convertible, so removing the trim was as simple as making sure to remove all the screws.
Once the trim was removed (excepting the exterior piece that runs along the bottom) I cut the seal along both “A” pillars and along the top…from the outside. I then proceeded to gently push the window up and out from the inside. I used my feet, at first, as suggested by Roger and that helped “break” the seal.
After the window was out, the frame cleaned-up easier than I thought it would with only “Goof-Off” and elbow grease. There was very little rust (see image 1) and I could not be happier with the results.
I will work on polishing the stainless in the weeks ahead and have a couple of leads for installation of a new windshield…but first things first.
Again this forum has been a great place to learn. Roger your tips for removing the window were right on. Thanks!

[Jeff W]

Looking good. I see from the pictures that you have the same manufacturer for your seat covers as I do... 3M

Were you having water leakage or just preping for a replacement windshield?

[redfalken]

Looks good! Things are progressing. Pat had a windshield installed but I forget who he had do it. They did a good job though.

Have you discovered how to remove the wiper arms to get them out of your way? There's a small metal tab underneath near the pivot point. Pull it away from the post coming out of the motor and then pull the arm straight out. Since the arm is spring loaded, you need to concentrate on keeping that part on the post square as you pull up.

[pbrown]

I had Alderwood Auto Glass install mine. They are in Lynnwood on highway 99. Buy the new seal from www.falconparts.com (http://www.falconparts.com).

Now is also a good time to touch up the dash pad with SEM vinyl spray. It's hard to access with the glass in place.

[Luva65wagon]

Lawrence... looking good! It's always fun to see the virgin paint color under the windshield rubber. Glad to hear you could put those two big presses you walk around on all day with to good use. ;)

Jeff... your comment had me laughing. Hardly the brand I like to use though. I prefer Duck brand.

[Luva65wagon]

Oh, and also, in reference to Kenny's comment about the wiper arms. They'll come off super easy without the need to pry back that clip. Have been doing it for years by just taking a flat blade screwdriver and lifting directly OPPOSITE the clip under the edge of the wiper (don't hook the cam, though). There's enough play in these parts that it will roll right off. Lifting the arm off the glass (if it's still in there, of course) to take the pressure off the arm helps, especially when reinstalling it. It's the spring pressure that really utilizes the clip to hold everything on. The clip is on the side of the spring and if there were no clip the spring pressure pushing the arm onto the glass would pop the arm off too. That why working opposite the spring works so well. Try it some time.

[63vert]

Were you having water leakage or just prepping for a replacement windshield?

Boy oh boy...you should see the water leakage. However that has more to do with the almost none existent convertible top, especially towards the rear!

The windshield had no less than 6 stars in it AND a large "n" shaped crack along the bottom. It didn't really have to come out yesterday, but I had the afternoon off and, well, it just kind of happened.

And now that I know how to remove the wipers, those will be off before dinner.

The downside of all this progress is that the space in the basement is filling up and my better half is already starting to make comments about the project getting out of hand!! Wait until the rest of the glass and seats come out...

[pbrown]

One more thought. Now is a good time to open up the cowl and fix any rust. Most Falcons suffer from the cowl rusting through to the inside and causing a leak.

[Luva65wagon]

and while you're at it...

you should rebuild that heater box and upgrade to the two speed intermittent wiper system and... this and... that and... that other things too.

:rolleyes: