1959 Chevy Kingswood project

Safari57, you bring up some excellent points I wouldn't have thought about. That settles the matter... new glass is the way to go. Thanks for the information.

 

the side windows are easy as they are flat glass but the windsheild is another story . i replaced mine due to the same problem. i think it was vintage glass. funny thing is the windsheild was under $200 but the shipping was almost $400 to fla. it came in a box almost as big as a mini cooper

 

I made that mistake with my Chevelle, too. I'll put new glass in my 56 when we paint it, and be done with it.

 

Our two regular drivers, 1955 Chevy wagon and 1941 Ford 2-door got new glass. We did the wagon in our driveway. I took old side glass to glass place and they made new. I did not replace the rear side glass or the tail gate glass on the wagon. Wished I had.
On the 1941 Ford the windsield and possibly the side glass was getting cloudy at the edges. Had all glass except the very back window replaced because it's expensive and does not look bad. The rest was reasonable and a good glass shop does a professional job. They even kept the 41 Ford inside until we went back the next day. We were amazed in the difference in looks on both cars.
If it must be done, do it now. Like mentioned, otherwise someone has to undo nice shiny new paint and trim, then put it back. Something will get scratched. New glass is not as expensive as some think. While you are at it get a slight tint.
Save the limo tint for the guys with 28" wheels.

 

Thanks, guys. I was thinking it would be good for the new glass to be as close to the same color as the original... I don't know if it's perfectly clear, or not. The windshield, though, has almost an amber tone along its top third. Don't know if that's due to age, or if it was done that way at the factory to reduce glare.

Is the old glass worth trying to salvage?

 

Here are a few photos from this morning. The toe pans have been fabricated from sheet metal, are tacked in and will be welded in next. Here is the driver side:



And passenger side:



Look what Rianna (shop owner) said the guys found this while taking things apart on the car. Wonder how long this had been stashed away?

 

once the glass is delaminating there is nothing you can do but replace it

 

Okay. The shop guys said the look of it would really detract from the rest of the car, once the restoration is complete. I figure, also, to ensure that all glass is the same color and quality, that all glass should be replaced so everything will match.

 

The rear curved glass you could reuse as I don't think this is reproduced the tailgate window could probably be cut locally

 

When I did my wagon I couldn't find the rear side glass. When I did I was already finished and it was too expensive. Mine is clear or whatever slight tint is normal but has some deep sanding scratches. Looks like someone used a grinding wheel too close.
After I traded the wagon for a few years the other guy had very dark tint added inside. I hate it but left the rear and sides beyond the doors. The windshield is not as dark as the picture below shows.


Is the old glass worth trying to salvage? ---Probably only as a pattern. I'd ask the glass shop. Most already have patterns.

 

Every piece of glass for all automobiles are all patterned, and all can be reproduced. The body shop should be able to coordinate that for you.

 

Thoughts on salvaging the old glass is where to store it, how to ship it, packaging it so it survives shipping, finding someone who wants to pay for shipping used glass that is already delaminated.

I also retained my back curved corner glass. Mine was fine, no noticeable scratches, but the rest was in dire need of replacing. I just did not realize it until the new glass was in and then it was obvious that we'd of been hugely disappointed had we not replaced it.

Your body shop guys are really getting your wagon done. Great for their business, great for you to have your project so far along on such a short timeline. Have you set up an upholstery shop yet? They often need a good bit of lead time, and can usually do most of the interior while the vehicle is in the body shop, then install it before the wagon leaves the body shop. Same plan as the engine/trans arrangement.

 

Yes, the shop is coordinating the glass replacement. They work with a guy who has a special interest in classic car glass. I believe he has all the pieces we need.

You're right, Safari57 - I continue to be so impressed with this business. They are so easy to work with - we communicate well, too, and that's so important. And yes, I've got the upholstery delivered to the trim shop. I've also brought him the seats and several interior pieces that will be recovered with vinyl. He has several projects in front of ours, but said he should be able to get to it in a couple of months. The door panels are being made at SMS Auto Fabric in Oregon. I sent them the upper rails in July. It might be time to check on the status of those.

 

SMS does take awhile, the work is excellent. I to am so happy that this project is going along as fast as it is.

Mine usually take 2+ years. But then I am always doing a frame off / ground up concourse restoration.

 

Lisa.
Looks like your project is moving along nicely. It should be one cool ride when it's done. I will certainly follow your build.

As for 15 x 7 steel wheels, I found mine in the boneyard on late '70's to mid to late '80's B-body GM cars. That would include '76-'90 Chevy Caprice(except police cars and wagons). The police cars and wagons used a 5 x 5 bolt pattern instead of the 4 3/4" x 5.
also an '82-'86 Pontiac Parisienne. '76-'81 Buick Century, '82-'85 Buick Estate wagon, Olds 88, and Custom Cruiser.

The wheel codes can be found by the valve stem. The 15 x 7 codes are AE, FN, or TJ. Codes other than these are probably 15 x 6 rims.

These rims should fit many popular earlier Chevy dog dish caps. I'm using '66-'67 Chevy Chevelle, Nova, Camaro caps.
You'll see various caps on Ebay, but are usually top dollar. I found mine on Craigslist.

Here's another source if you want new. http://www.hotrodhanks.com/
also Wheel Vintiques which can be found on Summit Racing.

Good luck!
Jack