Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello all, i am new to the forum. I recently purchased a 1951 250 convertible and the windshield and sidelight window need to be replaced. Looking on line i see these "green glass" aftermarket windows and windshields. Does anyone have experience with these? Do they fit?

I had some vent windows cut by All City Glass in MN and it was very reasonable, came very fast & best of all, it fit!

The side glass is all flat glass and just about any quality glass shop should be able to cut new laminated glass to fit -- particularly if your old glass is still good enough for a pattern. If no pattern is available from your existing piece then several online places have the patterns and can cut you a perfect replacement.

The windshield is another matter as it has a slight curvature so I expect you will need to go to a shop specializing in old glass and see if they can still source a replacement windshield. The windshield was slightly different for convertibles and hardtops as compared to the sedans so no idea how much stock you will still find. Finding new convertible glass may be as difficult and expensive as finding windshields for the 55-6 models.

The modern sun shield type glass may not be the same shade or tint color as the old heat absorption type Packard used so that is another thing to be aware of unless you plan on replacing all of the glass.

eBay offering to consider:

ebay.com/itm/Glass-1951-1952-1953-Packar ... 1951%7CModel%3A250%7CMake%3APackard

Howard, there was someone in the midwest Okla, Missouri? who were remanufacturing 55-56 windshields. I bought one - have to go over to storage and check label on box (haven't installed it yet). This was several years ago. 51-54 would be tough to find today.

Randy, Phillips Classic Auto Glass in MO was one maker of the repro 55/56 Caribbean windshields, there may have been another in the very early years. His usual run was 25 units, I believe he made at least three runs over the years; I bought mine from him about 2000 or 2001.

He also had (still has?) a very extensive inventory of NOS early curved glass windshields.

Again(lol) Thanks for the clarification Dave. He would be a good go-to guy because he was fair and responded quickly.

Hi Scottyjim62

Welcome to this friendliest, most knowledgeable, enthusiastic, generous, helpful and civil Packard forum. There is a wealth of knowledge and encouragement here standing by to avail yourself of as you tackle every problem. A great deal of historic information is here for the simply filling out your knowledge base.

There are no dumb questions. After all, these cars are all now 60+ years old but fortunately interest in, knowledge of and parts support for remains at a high level. Ask any and all questions that arise, but do a search first which because so many problems have been encountered by others on the same issues, will frequently produce instant answers to the problem at hand.

To document your progress and share it with all of us, please start a project blog in that section. Not only does it make it easier to post your questions but also to find the answers later for reference. Of course, we all like to see how things are progressing too. Check out the other ongoing Project Blogs for ideas as well.

Good luck with your 1951 250 convertible. Please show us what you've bought and keep us up on your progress.

Steve

G'day scottyjim62,
to PackardInfo and I invite you to include your '51 250 Convertible in the Packards Owner's Registry.

If you have the flat glass cut locally, be sure to ask for polished edges. If you do not, they'll be somewhat rougher and not only do not slide as well but they don't look quite right either.