Re: windshield

Posted by JimGnitecki On 2008/8/16 9:57:04

fern51: You are wise to ask.

Even though the 1051 through 1954 Packards are all absed on the same body, and "appear" identical, the windshield does vary by model!

The 4-door sedan has a different one than the 2-door, and the convertible is different again, and so on. I don't know which ones are interchangeable, but make sure you find someone who DOES know.

The windshields are also incredibly expensive. I had to pay "only" $325 for my untinted one, but that became $450 with boxing and freight. The windshield seal also needs to be replaced - the old one will be iretrievably damaged during disassembly, even if someone is very careful, unless it is rather new itself. That seal costs $220 or so from any of the Steele Products dealers. Don't think about not replacing it -you will introduce wind and WATER leaks that will do incredible damage. And, unless you have done a replacement yourself before, you'll need to pay someone GOOD to do it right. You are realistically looking at $300 or so for the installation, unless the pro installer gives you a big break.

So, you end up spending about $1100 unless someone gives you parts or labor at a big discount . . .

If you have to have a windhsield custom made by one the vendors who does THAT, think $750 before freight, plus the $220 plus the $300 . . .

Jim G