Roadster / MK-4 / Test Fitting Windshield Prior To Installing The Engine & Trans.

[GoDadGo]

Hey Master Builders (And You Know Who You Are) I Have A Quick Windshield Question!

How much easier will it be to test fit the windshield prior to installing the engine?
I am very close to the point of dropping the engine in and the body is on the car right now.
Please know that I am working on the wiper wheel box placement and figured why not test fit the windshield.
It seems like the right thing to do since the reason why I put the body back on was to fit the dash, doors, exhaust, role bars and body mounting bolts.

What Cha Think?

Steve

[CDXXVII]

Make sure the body is installed as it will be when your build is complete. Bulb Seal, body mounts front and rear, and lower skirt screws installed.

I don't think it would have made it any easier to install my windshield with the engine removed. Drivers side fasteners are accessed from inside the cockpit and best done with the dash out. Passenger side is from the engine bay but easily accessed from the side and is well away from the engine. Only thing that will be easier is installing the wiper motor and wheel boxes. Of course all of that will have to be removed again.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The engine in or out really doesn't affect the ease/difficulty of fitting the windshield much but having the dash out makes it much easier. If you have the body on and in it's final position then sure, go for it! Remember---glass doesn't bend well so if the windshield arms are gapping between the chassis mounts either bend the arms or shim them and don't just pull them in with the bolts (if ya' do that you'll be one of the guys who posts that his windshield cracked "for no reason while the car was parked in the garage" ;)).

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the tips and I may hold off and fit the windshield after I'm finished Go-Kart Testing since my dash is easily removable even with the body on.
Also, since I have a friend who installs auto glass for a living, I think getting him over here to help with the installation will be a huge plus.
I've only known this fellow for 47 of my 53 years on the planet so I'm sure he can teach me how to properly handle a windshield.
I'm just glad this forum exists because it caused me to think (Serviceability Is Priority #1) so a lot of things are removable.

1. Dash
2. Steering Wheel (Quick Disconnect)
3. Trans Tunnel Cover
4. Clutch Slave Cylinder (Via Access Panel)
5. Fuse Block which was relocated to the passenger side where the glove box should have gone.
6. Passenger Footbox Heater (See Chevy Cobra Heater Gallery)
7. Stereo & Speakers
8. Master Cylinders (Via Access Panel & Removed Dash)
9. Fuel Tank Pick Up & Sender (Via Access Panel)

[Gumball]

I actually fitted my windshield to the chassis long before the body was on... that way I was able to make sure that there was no stress to the frame sides / legs when it was installed. Once I was at the bodywork stage, I did a re-fitting to make sure that the body was not pushing on the windshield frame anywhere and that I was getting a good seal at the bottom of the windshield at the cowl.

Here's a link to what I did on my windshield as part of the fitting process..... http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?11445-Windshield-reasemmbly-and-fitting-to-chassis-hoping-to-avoid-cracks

[wallace18]

I highly suggest you have your doors, hood and body installed before fitting windshield. Make sure all the weather strips in place on the frame and aluminum. Make sure you push it down enough so it seals correctly at the far left and right sides. Do not short cut this or you may be sorry down the road. Just my 2 cents worth.

[GoDadGo]

Thanks Everyone For The Assistance!

Steve