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It looks like I will be getting a new windshield. The insurance people will not do the plastic filler thing if the chip is in the line of sight. Pretty much bowled me over. Liability, but I'm not quite sure for what. Talked to the installer and came away impressed--he specializes in classic cars.

They will replace the rubber with new, from steele. I will be curious to see what kind of vendor he uses for the glass: one of the regulars, or a totally different source? He didn't think it would be hard to get!

Anything I need to be concerned with? Mine is shaded at the top. I know Caribbeans are a different size; are the rest of the cars identical?

Parts book says they are all the same except for convertibles. Would be interested in hearing who he uses.

One thing I'd be watching out for is the stainless trim installation. Hopefully if the guy specializes in classic cars then he will be knowledgeable with the removal and installation. It can be a real PIA to install and sometimes needs patience and finesse. Just as I got one edge in another popped out because the rubber flexed. Don't know if that was my technique or softer Steele rubber not holding tightly but was very frustrating at times. I can see someone getting agitated and doing a poor job if he doesn't know what's involved.

My friend Paul had a lot of problem with the replacement front windshield and Steele rubber molding on his 56 Exec when he restored it. The windshield was shorter vertically than the one that came out and the rubber was not as thick. Therefore, there was a big gap at top/bottom. Although it's not what he did, he suggested that filling in the rail at the top and bottom would solve it.

Craig

We discussed stainless and I am comfortable with him....

As to problems with the executive, I don't know what to say. Could they have shipped the wrong rubber?

The windshield was shorter vertically than the one that came out

Would he by some bizarre chance have a Caribbean windshield?

Give or take 1/64th, the Carib windshield is 2 inches shorter.

When I got a chip in mine, one of the regular glass services fixed the chip even though it was in the driver's line of sight. The insurance company wouldn't pay for the repair so I just contacted a glass repair service who did the repair, no problems. A few years back and the repair cost was about $40. Ten years later I bought a new windshield, about $1400.