Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Were tinted windows standard in 1940, or just on the air-conditioned cars?

I can only suggest an answer to half of your question. I've seen plenty of unmolested 1940 cars and none of them had tinted glass so it certainly wasn't standard equipment. It sounds like you're asking if all 1940 cars had tinted glass whether or not with AC, but I don't really think that was your intended meaning.

That was my intended question. The tint is very light, so it's very possible that you saw tinted glass without knowing it. In fact, I've recently replaced several windows in my car, and they are indeed tinted, even though I didn't realize it until I compared them to non tinted glass.

Interesting! And you don't think what you saw was just age deterioration of the inner plastic layer?

Or even age discoloration of the glass itself. Remember the early glass headlamp lenses that turned purplish due to manganese as an impurity? Almost all the glass on my '34 is original and it's taken on a faint but uniform brownish tint.

Well, there's always that. That's why I guess I'm asking questions. I know for 100% sure my glass was original. I have saved it, so I'd be happy to inspect it further.

For what it is worth, there is no separate listing in the 35-41 parts manual for tinted glass as there is in postwar cars and after a brief look thru the 40 and 41 AC parts lists didn't see any windshield or side glass being part of the packages.

Thank you, Howard.

Am flailing around trying to remember where I read it--but seem to recall an ad in Automotive Industries--I believe 1952 was the first year tinted glass was used throughout the industry. Perhaps that was when it was approved by DOT?

Usually when I see tinted glass turn color from age, it becomes very yellow. My car, which was a 50,000-mile car when I got it, has spent all but a relatively few days indoors since 1959, and more than likely spent most of its life before that indoors. The color of the tint I see is the same bluish greenish color that is still currently supplied.
Please keep in mind, I am not talking about a streak across the upper portion of the windshield, I'm talking about the entire glass being slightly tinted, on all windows.

Can you check to see if the original bugs are etched into the glass? Might the windows been replaced?