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

Good evening just received my new gaskets for the back glass and windshield just wanting to know if anybody had any pointers on where to start on how to install would like to try and put them in myself any advice would be appreciated thanks it's a 1953 clipper 4 door

I'd read thru the procedure in the body section of SM as a starter. Tobs had a photo or description of the tool he made and procedure he used on his windshield. SM says the rear glass procedure is same as the windshield so reading over his blog might give some ideas.

It says you have to remove the quarter panels to reach the belt molding clips so I don't know what is involved there. That might be a pain. Package shelf also has to come out to reach the bottom ones so if the rear seat has to remove to do that another pain.

A second body is always a good idea. The glass can be a bit bulky and nice to have someone to help hold -- one inside and one outside. If you are removing the glass to replace the gasket and are going to reuse it I would be extra careful in the removal. The instructions given for removal are for new flexible rubber not 65 year old petrified stuff. You may want to cut the window out rather than push it out.

Yes I'm using old windows did a restoration on it windows are already out just need put back in with new rubber and am off the body section? Please explain

The body section of Service Manual has the procedure for removing and installing the glass. That is what I was referring to.
https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/servicemanual5154/Body_XIX.pdf

For kicks you might also check out the 55-6 manual body section.https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/servicemanual5556/Sect19_Body.pdf

The 55 Clipper glass looks to be a similar shape to 53 and the procedure is similar but the gasket and some of the chrome may be different. The photos are much better than those in the earlier manual.

Thanks for the help will look into it

Use lots of dish soap to lubricate the window and rubber when putting things together!!! Really, soap makes things lots easier. I had 2 helpers when installing the windows, but 1 would also work. Instructions in the manual are pretty good. IIRC, they are opposite to the instructions that came with the Steele rubber parts. I wonder if anybody has done it like Steele suggests?
You can find a pic of the tool (fuel line) that I used when installing the window trim in my project blog.

I have done many windshields and back windows over the years. Both Packard and other makes as well. The key like Tobs said is dish soap and lots of it. Also choose the rope that you use wisely. Do not use one that is super stretchy. In some case I have actually used 14 gauge electric wire. The insulation around the wire become were slippery when in contact with soap. Also the insulation on the wire will protect the paint on the car. A second thing that is a must have in my opinion is an assortment of plastic wedges and miniature pry bars. Here is a link to the one that I got.

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/professional-11-piece-prying-scraper-tool-kit-usa-p-13731.aspx

They are great as they are flexible and will not chip the glass and will aid in getting sections of the weather strip over the lip on the windshield frame.

Thanks
James

Yes yes and yes to everything James said. This is certainly one of those jobs that is quite labor intensive and therefor very expensive to pay a specialist for. The plastic coated wire will be the way to go in many cases and a spray bottle with a mild soap solution to keep wetting. Also- cur a couple bondo spreaders in half and use them as plastic tools and to insert the wire. I mantioned this along time ago in another thread- you may want to cut small shims out of the 1/4 in rubber mat and use them UNDER the gasket on the bottom to center the glass. Also the shap of the trim will want to "shape " the channel gasket esp in the sharp upper corners of the windshield. This may be more of an issue on the 55 56 than the 53 but you will want to spray lube the gasket behind the lip where it meets the BODY also so it will move and take the shape of the trim as you rope it in to the seal.
Let me say the above advice is for the trim install as many who have done this job themselves will attest the trim install can be the most difficult part of the whole process. You will be ROPING in the glass as per the svc manual and well established procedures. Multiple assistants advised for this. The trim- a one person ordeal will take patience, time, much effort and tinkering. You will be "bumping" the glass up and around in the opening to get the trim to properly install in the weatherstrip rubber slot. Take pics and update here how you make out.

Thanks for the help worked great used rope and one extra set of hands had each window in about an hour in putting stainless trim in now. Here's next question do I need to use any kind of sealant on the windshield or back window before I install the rope lock