Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I've just had my front windscreen replaced by a classic car specialist and thought some might be interested in a problem we encountered. The maker of the screen is AGP (American Glass Products) but I don't know which plant it came out of. The part # is DW-0413 and it is tinted with a darker band at the top and from what I understand this is probably the only brand that can be obtained over here.

The problem relates to size, specifically the height of the screen from top to bottom. I wasn't aware we had a problem until the new screen was installed so couldn't actually measure new against old. However, from what the installer told me, the new one is shorter by maybe as much as 3/8" and he had to pack it out to raise it so the thing would seal at the top. By the way, a new Steele rubber was installed at the same time. I thought that this is something to be aware of if you are considering fitting a new screen.

For those Aussies amongst us, if you need a new windscreen and are finding it hard to locate one, I suggest you try Ralph Moore. He is very helpful and his details are as follows:

Ralph Moore Autoglass Pty. Ltd.
6 John St., Mascot, New South Wales Australia 2020
Telephone (02) 9667 1933 or (02) 9669 1628,
Fax (02) 9669 6605, ISD code (61-2)
Email: autoglass@bigpond.com
Website www.ralphmoore.citysearch.com.au

Cheers, John

That made me think so I went to the garage and looked again at my New (last summer) windshield. I'm thinking it had the same problem; there is a lot of caulk at the top.

My friend Paul in Las Vegas had exactly the same problem with new front windshield and new Steele gasket when he restored his 1956 Exec. He solved it by applying several layers of JB Weld (molded exactly) to the top and bottom of the windshield to "extend" the vertical length of the windshield back to what the original measured. That fixed it.

He told me that if he were to do it again or when I do it on my Panther project, it would be better to build up the channel at the top and the the bottom and not "adjust" the windshield.

So, if you are replacing the front glass and rubber with new, you should test fit it BEFORE you finish your bodywork so you can figure out what to do if there is a mis-fit. That's what I'm going to do.

Craig

Have you guys notified the maker so they can correct the error?

As luck would have it, I am having my front windshield and rear window installed in my 56 400 tomorrow morning so am able to provide the dimensions of my screen. It is an original screen as far as I am aware. At the centre, it is 18 7/16" high (468mm). Hope this helps.

Warren.

Quote:

So what or how much difference is there between a regular and convertible windshield. I can't imagine anyone going to the trouble of manufacturing glass for a specific car having the dimensions be off so much. My question would be if it is a one size all compromise made to fit more than one model or if the old tale about windshields being the same as other mfgs (Chevy is one mentioned many times) might have some truth behind it.

how much difference is there between a regular and convertible windshield

The Caribbean convertible windshield is about 2 inches shorter in height, no way you could make a "one size fits both". I've got a spare 55/56 convertible windshield if someone needs an exact number. The new Carib convt. windshield I bought from Philips Auto Glass a few years back was a perfect fit.

Scratch that idea then. If it won't fit a convertible, to my mind that leaves the choice of starting out as or fitting another car brand or someone in a foreign factory doing a really bad job of converting US to metric measurements.

Is there a difference between the HT and Sedan windshields on 55/56?

BigKev Quote:

I don't believe there is. I pulled the front windshields from a couple of my parts cars, a 55 Pat and a 56 400 and stored them inside. There was no discernible difference.

Craig