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53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#1
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53 Cavalier
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One of the next projects is the replacement of my windshield. My local glass company does work on vintage/classic cars, but their guy said he's never replaced one in a Packard. The windshield itself is not a problem, removing trim pieces is the time consuming part and one that may require some research. So I'm doing the research and may take it to them with the trim removed so all they have to do is replace the windshield and not have to worry about the fiddly parts.

Any advice, instructions, or pictures would be greatly appreciated. I did a search and didn't find any posts, but if there are some that I missed let me know.

Thank you!!!

Attach file:



jpg  53 Cavalier windshield.jpg (254.90 KB)
226104_6501f0d57c5c6.jpg 1903X1472 px

Posted on: 2023/9/13 12:26
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#2
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kevinpackard
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The lower exterior trim pieces need to come off first.

To do that, remove the lower trim on the inside of the windshield above the dash. Then get under the dash and loosen the towers that hold the wiper arms. No need to fully remove them. Then remove the nuts that hold the exterior trim pieces. They have bolts that go through the rubber gasket. Also remove the screws that hold the exterior side pieces to the A-pillar.
The two exterior side pieces come out easily. The center piece needs to be slid out to one side or the other, then the retaining clips and bolts and can be removed.

The rest of the exterior trim on the Cavalier is different than my Panama, but it should be held in the same way. It is held in a channel in the rubber. It should just pull out without much issue. Don't bend it.

Don't forget to remove the rest of the interior trim around the windshield.

-Kevin

Posted on: 2023/9/13 12:35
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#3
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53 Cavalier
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Quote:

kevinpackard wrote:
The lower exterior trim pieces need to come off first.

To do that, remove the lower trim on the inside of the windshield above the dash. Then get under the dash and loosen the towers that hold the wiper arms. No need to fully remove them. Then remove the nuts that hold the exterior trim pieces. They have bolts that go through the rubber gasket. Also remove the screws that hold the exterior side pieces to the A-pillar.
The two exterior side pieces come out easily. The center piece needs to be slid out to one side or the other, then the retaining clips and bolts and can be removed.

The rest of the exterior trim on the Cavalier is different than my Panama, but it should be held in the same way. It is held in a channel in the rubber. It should just pull out without much issue. Don't bend it.

Don't forget to remove the rest of the interior trim around the windshield.

-Kevin


THANK YOU KEVIN!!!

Sounds pretty straight forward, and if I take my time it should be fine. Can't be more difficult that replacing valve guides!

Posted on: 2023/9/13 12:43
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#4
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BigKev
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You'll need to remove all the interior trim around the windshield first. This allows access to any nuts that hold the outside bottom trim and the top corner trim in place.

Hopefully your window gasket is not petrified in place. As that can make removing the side and top trim very difficult. If it is, you'll need to replace the gasket.

You'll need to loosed the wipertowers to get the bottom trim off. Also there is one center screw on the middle top on the outside.

There are probably pictures of all this on my 54 blog somewhere.

Posted on: 2023/9/13 13:25
-BigKev


1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog

1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#5
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53 Cavalier
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Quote:

BigKev wrote:
You'll need to remove all the interior trim around the windshield first. This allows access to any nuts that hold the outside bottom trim and the top corner trim in place.

Hopefully your window gasket is not petrified in place. As that can make removing the side and top trim very difficult. If it is, you'll need to replace the gasket.

You'll need to loosed the wipertowers to get the bottom trim off. Also there is one center screw on the middle top on the outside.

There are probably pictures of all this on my 54 blog somewhere.


Thank you!! I need to spend a weekend sometime and go through your entire blog! It's soooo big that I have a hard time finding what I want.

Posted on: 2023/9/13 13:30
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#6
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BigKev
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On my blog, windshield removal starts at around page 147. Reinstall around page 173.

Posted on: 2023/9/13 13:53
-BigKev


1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog

1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#7
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53 Cavalier
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Quote:

BigKev wrote:
On my blog, windshield removal starts at around page 147. Reinstall around page 173.


Thank you!!

Posted on: 2023/9/13 13:55
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#8
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kevinpackard
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Quote:

BigKev wrote:
Also there is one center screw on the middle top on the outside.


This is what is different about the sedans and the hardtops. The upper trim on mine had no bolts going through the gasket. Only the lower trim.

If the bolts are hard to get out of the trim, some lube may help with that. Silicone spray or even penetrating fluid can help. It eats up the rubber a bit and will help with removal. It makes a huge mess.

-Kevin

Posted on: 2023/9/13 14:00
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#9
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longjohn
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The 51-54 shop manual covers this including a neat trick with a piece of string. Copy it and give it to your windshield guy.

I used this technique on my Cavalier and the windshield went in with minimal swearing! Use plenty of lubricant, soapy water or something like it.

Posted on: 2023/9/15 14:53
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Re: 53 Cavalier Windshield Replacement
#10
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BigKev
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Use liquid dish soap, no water needed.

Posted on: 2023/9/15 16:36
-BigKev


1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog

1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog
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