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12-14-2012, 09:51 AM | #1 | |
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Windshield install issues
Need your help (again)
So I purchased a new (glass) windshield for the car. The first thing I noticed was that it wasn't going to go in with the rubber gasket/seal around it. I took the gasket/trim/seal off the glass and it barely fit on the top and sides, but it slipped in. Then I noticed the bottom. While the lower corners seem in place, there is a 3/4" to 1" gap between the middle/bottom of the glass and the body, as if the glass has a different contour on the bottom then the body/roof shell (Am I making any sense?) When I got the car, the windshield was cracked. I pulled it, then removed the roof shell for painting and completely reinstalled it without the windshield. My first thoughts are I should loosen all the roof mounting bolts and see if I can reshape the lower mounting point (contour) for the windshield? If that doesn't work, build a brace between the dash panel and the lower windshieldsurface of the roof shell (Like I see on some of the GTS cars) and try to forcibly re-contour it?? Is there an easy fix that is escaping my limited experience with these cars? As always, any advice is appreciated
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Mark W. Panoz GTRA, Chassis #10 |
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12-14-2012, 10:59 AM | #2 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
Are you sure you got the right windshield. I can't remember for sure but I think its a '98 Mustang convertible??
Should be a drop in fit. Use lots of thick .25-.5" weather strip to support it. Key with glass is a "snug fit" not too tight or the chasis flex will crack it first run. Other option is Lexan, but you have to make center supports. I got the last Lexan from Griggs Racing in Sonoma CA. cheers, Kevin '08 GT3 Cup GTS for sale |
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Panoz60 (12-14-2012)
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12-14-2012, 11:53 AM | #3 | ||
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Re: Windshield install issues
Quote:
I haven't even considered sealing the windshield yet, but I'm certain the gap I have would be too large. I have the skill and experience to cut and reshape the lower ledge for the windshield, but I'd prefer to find a simpler/easier solution, especially since the roof shell is already painted. I was curious if what I've encountered was a common problem with a tried and tested solution.
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Mark W. Panoz GTRA, Chassis #10 Last edited by Panoz60; 12-14-2012 at 11:59 AM. Reason: typo |
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12-14-2012, 12:43 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
Well that is interesting. We have 3 (2 GTS, 1 GTRA) and all have been easy drop in windshield replacements. Basically lay down some foam weather strip and lay the windshield down. Then gently tighten the mounting clip.
Makes me wonder if something was customized or repaired? sucks. Kevin |
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Panoz60 (12-14-2012)
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12-14-2012, 12:52 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
I'm wondering if installing the roof without the glass in it was a mistake. In doing so, could I have placed it in a bind that somehow that changed the contour of the lower part of the windshield frame. I dunno. I'm gonna try loosening the bolts that hold the forward section to the dash/firewall and see if it moves. Keep yall posted.
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Mark W. Panoz GTRA, Chassis #10 |
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12-14-2012, 05:19 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
I dont know if the pics are better than my explanation, but here are two.
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12-14-2012, 08:37 PM | #7 | ||
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Re: Windshield install issues
Quote:
I had a local aircraft shop make me up 2 screens. 3 years later we are still on the same screen and we are running races up to 6 hours long pasing traffic all the time so lots of debris floating around. I did fab up a chrome moly center support and 2 side supports for the screen. Only trick is to pick a thickness that will withstand the top speed of your local track. Otherwise would not look at glass for any reason. Kel. PS - I am sure the reason my glass screen cracked was due to pre loading due to poor fit. You may well be onto it regards unbuttoning the roof but you will need to be careful that you do not preload the screen when you zip everything back up again. Another trick is to make sure that no metal edges are touching the glass when it is installed as these will be hardpoints that will be crack initiation points.
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Kel M Panoz GTRA #17 New Zealand Last edited by NZGTRA17; 12-14-2012 at 08:40 PM. Reason: additional info |
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Panoz60 (12-15-2012)
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12-15-2012, 10:02 AM | #8 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
Thanks to all who responded
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12-15-2012, 10:04 AM | #9 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
Yeah, I think I'm going to use my new windshield (or as they say down under; screen ) as a template and make one out of lexan. I stared at it for a while last night and fixing the contour of the roof shell would be major surgery. I'm sure what I spent on the windshield will not be the last money that will be wasted on a failed attempt. Anybody need a brand new windshield?
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12-24-2012, 10:26 AM | #10 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
How if the lower section of your roof supported on the interior side? I've seen a few different methods on these cars from little "posts" like our car has to an aluminum panel/bracket that spans the entire cowl. If yours has the little posts like ours has it may just be sagging in the middle. FWIW I'm putting lexan in our car.
Here's what ours looked like as I was taking it all apart... 3 stud things and lots of rigged crap. Vs. the later GTS cars... ~Brian
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Panoz60 (12-27-2012)
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12-24-2012, 10:39 AM | #11 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
Buy the bent "fit" piece from PAD. Its cheap and works great. I also braced the outer 2 lower windshield mounting holes with a heavy gauge metal bent to fit. I used those mounts and braced the upper mounts to the roll cage (welded them in place) to use for windshield bars to resist the 190MPH Daytona wind force.
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Panoz60 (12-27-2012)
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12-24-2012, 11:01 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
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12-24-2012, 09:30 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
The cowling support that you show in your picture with the hole in the center and the black molding on the top edge.
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12-25-2012, 09:27 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
Cool so I can buy that from PAD and bolt or rivet it in place?
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12-26-2012, 10:24 AM | #15 | |
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Re: Windshield install issues
YES...I would bolt it in since drilling out the rivets will not be easy.
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