54-56 Need to Remove Windshield

[64\/54Cadillacking]

Hey guys,

Has anyone attempted successfully removing the windshield or "Windscreen" as others across the pond like to say, on these cars?

I am going to attempt to remove the original windshield out of a '54 parts car that's in good shape, because no glass shop wants to remove it. They all say it's too old of a car and don't want to be liable in case it breaks.

So it's up to me, from what the seller tells me, is that he has the upper dash pad taken out and some of the exterior chrome trim removed, but the gasket surrounding the windshield is rock hard. Does anyone recommend how to dissolve or to carefully cut the old rubber gasket without damaging the glass?

How much time is involved do you guys think? And also how heavy is the glass? I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth saving this thing since I'm going to be driving up to L.A. this Sat and attempt to getting this glass out with one person helping.

I do have the shop manual and will bring it with me, but does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on the removal process? Any help will be greatly appreciated. 

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Whenever I have had to remove a windscreen in an old car, with hard rubber gasket, I simply slice the old gasket away with a sharp blade.   Then the screen just pops out with no real strain.

I have seen workers sit inside the car, with their feet up against the glass, and simply press the glass out.   Admittedly this was in a Wrecking Yard, and the car was only about 15 years old, so the gasket was pliable.

Bruce.

PS.   But, when I have to replace the glass, I make sure that I have a replacement gasket on hand before destroying the old one.

[Lexi]

Hey guys,

Has anyone attempted successfully removing the windshield or "Windscreen" as others across the pond like to say, on these cars?

I am going to attempt to remove the original windshield out of a '54 parts car that's in good shape, because no glass shop wants to remove it. They all say it's too old of a car and don't want to be liable in case it breaks.

So it's up to me, from what the seller tells me, is that he has the upper dash pad taken out and some of the exterior chrome trim removed, but the gasket surrounding the windshield is rock hard. Does anyone recommend how to dissolve or to carefully cut the old rubber gasket without damaging the glass?

How much time is involved do you guys think? And also how heavy is the glass? I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth saving this thing since I'm going to be driving up to L.A. this Sat and attempt to getting this glass out with one person helping.

I do have the shop manual and will bring it with me, but does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on the removal process? Any help will be greatly appreciated. 

Cadillac King I removed the windshield out of a 1956 Sedan de Ville about 46 years ago. I agree with what Bruce said, as I used an extremley sharp utility knife and believe my buddy assisted by gently pushing with his feet from inside the car. I don't remember how long it took but seem to recall that it was very time consuming. Fight against the urge to cut corners and pry the window out as very easily you can cause it to chip in a manner that causes circular patches of glass to pop off of the surface. Glassmen call these "shells". Not good. I got one prying but fortunately new channeling covered it. Avoid cutting into or knicking the edge of the glass when cutting. Much time is required to ensure you cut away the rubber without damaging the glass. If I had to do it again I think I might employ the use of a pair of glass carriers, (those suction cups with handles), to give it more incentive to break free. The glass itself is not very heavy. Got a couple of windshields and even some rear windows here and they are easily moved.

I have had another glass specialist advise that he won't even repair a stone chip on a vintage car windshield as the techniques that are used sometimes put a load on the glass which can break it. Was also advised that the new glass is stronger and just due to age alone, that makes working on stuff approaching 70 years of age more risky.

So, 1) Use a really sharp blade (probably will go through several so have extras) 2) Resist the urge to pry 3) Even force applied from both outside and also from within (have a helper). Glass carriers are probably a good idea. 4) Pack it well for transport, probably best wrapped in blankets sitting on its edge so it does not flex. I would not lay it flat as repetitive flexing from movement of your vehicle is not good. It was meant to be vertical in your car so transport home vertical with plenty of buffers. Clay/Lexi

Clay/Lexi

[64\/54Cadillacking]

Thank you guys for those tips. My concern is accidentally damaging the glass while cutting and upon removal. Will a box cutter work? I have a bunch of those.

I'll try finding a glass carrier to assist in removal. Got a ton of blankets on hand for protection as well during transport.

My '54 has an aftermarket windshield installed so it's not like I desperately need it, but because original parts for these particular Caddy's are getting harder to come by, especially original glass, I would like to save and keep this one in case for whatever reason the aftermarket one develops a crack.

Plus I like the greenish tint on the original piece, it has the E-Z Eye glass which not all Cadillacs at the time came with.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

So, it is a Laminated windscreen, meaning you will have to be more careful not to bend it in case of and stone chips that the screen would have suffered over the years of use.

For a knife, I am not sure what you are calling a Box Cutter, but I use one of those retractable bladed knives where there are break-away sections to the whole length of the blade.

Another blade I would use is to get a long knife, and sharpen it extremely sharp, and the length allows the holding of the blade flat against the screen, so there is no way that you can catch the edge of the glass.

Bruce.

[Lexi]

Thank you guys for those tips. My concern is accidentally damaging the glass while cutting and upon removal. Will a box cutter work? I have a bunch of those.

I'll try finding a glass carrier to assist in removal. Got a ton of blankets on hand for protection as well during transport.

My '54 has an aftermarket windshield installed so it's not like I desperately need it, but because original parts for these particular Caddy's are getting harder to come by, especially original glass, I would like to save and keep this one in case for whatever reason the aftermarket one develops a crack.

Plus I like the greenish tint on the original piece, it has the E-Z Eye glass which not all Cadillacs at the time came with.

Bruce I think the US uses the term box cutter to describe the knives pictured below. They are often referred to here as utility knives. Having a super thin and razor sharp knife to slip under the rubber to glide over the surface of the glass is also a good idea. Cadillac King here is an example of a glass carrier. Clay/Lexi

[35-709]

The glass carriers are available (and inexpensive) at Harbor Freight.

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

On a 54, from memory,you do need to remove the dash pad and there are long bolts holding the lower stainless steel section on - undo the nuts on these. The windshield surround pieces on the inside need to be removed. There are screws securing the stainless steel upright pieces to the a pillars. The top section (on a coupe which is what I own) I believe is inserted in the rubber prior to the windshield being fitted to the car. At this point, dealing with an aged hardened rubber gasket I would cut it with a box cutter or scalpel but would try to cut it from the inside to separate it from the lip on the car body rather than on the outside against the glass. You should then be able to remove it with the remains of the rubber still intact. When it is out you can then remove the rest of the rubber gasket.Double check the workshop manual, my memory let's me down sometimes! I have an original spare EZ  Eye windshield and it is tough, it was brought to me on the back of a trailer with no packaging and arrived undamaged. I hope this makes sense? Phil

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Bruce I think the US uses the term box cutter to describe the knives pictured below. They are often referred to here as utility knives. Having a super thin and razor sharp knife to slip under the rubber to glide over the surface of the glass is also a good idea. Cadillac King here is an example of a glass carrier. Clay/Lexi   

Those knives down here are called Stanley Knives, because when they came out, Stanley was the only builder.

The knives I am referring to are these in the picture.   The blade when extended will take a lot of pressure before it breaks.

Bruce.

[Lexi]

We got those as well here. Stanley was a prolific manufacturer of them. My 2 images I posted earlier were both single blade Stanleys; one late model as well as an antique example. Once one side is worn you can flip the blade and get a fresh cutting edge with the other side. Some of them especially the older models are desiegned to permit additional blade storage in the handle when taken apart.  You can also adjust the blade's projection when loading. I remember that the Cadillac model Cadillac King will be stripping the windshield from has a roof line that extends over the windshield. Like a short built in sun visor. This overhang may further challenge his removal skills as there is less room to work in up there. All trim may have to come off so he should probably bring a drill so he can drill out the heads of fasteners that are stripped or just rusted solid. Clay/Lexi

[64\/54Cadillacking]

All great suggestions everyone! I will bring my tools, and utility knives. I need to go to Harbor Freight tomorrow morning and grab a pair of a glass carrier.

Clay, you're right about the small visor above the windshield on our cars. It sticks out about 2 inches or so and I am not sure if the seller has removed it or not i forgot to ask him. I am hoping all of the trim is removed so the job won't take so long.

I have like 5 utility knives lying around. Good quality ones too that will hold up.

I'll let you guys know how the job goes and if I am successful or not. I'll have most of the day to work on it and will have some help, so I'm sure I'll be able to get it removed safely.

Yes what's interesting about the E-Z Eye tint glass is that all the windows are laminated not just the windshield.

It's almost like having extra soundproofing because of the plastic layer inside of the glass. I am not sure what year Cadillac stop producing the E-Z Eye glass, because in my '64, it has the Solar-Ray tint for the door glass, but it's tempered, not laminated. I can immediately tell the difference when tapping my knuckles on the glass, the '54 door glass is quieter and has a nice "thud" sound to it.

[Lexi]

That built in visor is supberb. My '56 Limo has it, as did the 8 Passenger & 4 door Sedans and also the 60 Special models that year, but not the other regular Cadillacs. Think the Series 86s may have as well, but as Custom Commercial some may not. Really improves the look of the car in my opinion.  1956 also still used EZ Eye glass. Don't forget to bring sun protection Cadillac King and some hand cleaner. Handling old rubber sometimes blackens your hands. Member 35-709 is correct in that those carriers are inexpensive & should be available at "Horrible Fright". If we suddenly hear a loud scream enveloped in blue tinted air coming from LA today, we will know what happened.    Clay/Lexi

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

Those knives down here are called Stanley Knives, because when they came out, Stanley was the only builder.

The knives I am referring to are these in the picture.   The blade when extended will take a lot of pressure before it breaks.

Bruce.

Stanley knives here in the UK as well. Phil

[64\/54Cadillacking]

That built in visor is supberb. My '56 Limo has it, as did the 8 Passenger & 4 door Sedans and also the 60 Special models that year, but not the other regular Cadillacs. Think the Series 86s may have as well, but as Custom Commercial some may not. Really improves the look of the car in my opinion.  1956 also still used EZ Eye glass. Don't forget to bring sun protection Cadillac King and some hand cleaner. Handling old rubber sometimes blackens your hands. Member 35-709 is correct in that those carriers are inexpensive & should be available at "Horrible Fright". If we suddenly hear a loud scream enveloped in blue tinted air coming from LA today, we will know what happened.    Clay/Lexi

The late great Charles Fares once told me that when the 54's first came out, dealers were upset that Cadillac installed the chrome overhead visor and visors for the doors as part of the cars overall appearance because dealers now couldn't sell the accessory visors anymore to new owners. It does add to the styling of the car for sure and I bet was expensive for Cadillac to produce for each model.

I'm packed and ready to go. I think I have everything I need, if not there's parts store and places to buy tools all over L.A.

😂 Let's just hope that doesn't happen, going to buy a 6 pack once I am up there to calm the nerves and any frustration that might occur lol 🍻🍺

[64\/54Cadillacking]

Stanley knives here in the UK as well. Phil

I actually have a Stanley utility knife with me right now, they still make good stuff, although the new tools are made in China, I own numerous vintage Stanley screwdrivers, flatheads, and hammers. You can never have enough tools!

[Lexi]

I actually have a Stanley utility knife with me right now, they still make good stuff, although the new tools are made in China, I own numerous vintage Stanley screwdrivers, flatheads, and hammers. You can never have enough tools!

You are right, as always. You can never have enough tools. Can you tell that I am a tool junkie? Charles was a wealth of information, RIP. Great guy. Wish I was there to give you a hand. Good luck today. Clay/Lexi

[64\/54Cadillacking]

Well the job turned out to be a success! Actually it only took me like 20 mins to remove it. The seller said that the rubber gasket was hard, but it the gasket was actually still very pliable. I think it was probably replaced at one point in time.

Because all of the surrounding trim was removed before I got there, I only really needed to simply use a putty knife which I had, and slowly lift the windshield off the gasket track. With a bit of patience and meticulously massaging the gasket off of the windshield I was able to pull the gasket literally off of the entire windshield with help of some WD-40 and slight tugging.

Because of upper chrome visor, there's a metal lip where the only way to remove the windshield is by pushing it out from the bottom up first. Then the windshield easily came out.

I was surprised by how light the windshield is. I thought it would weigh a ton, but it's actually fairly light for its size. I was able to take it home with me, as well as the rest of the A/C parts that I also had to pick up. The A/C box from the trunk weighs a ton! It's a beast!

Even the seller was shocked by how heavy and over built the A/C system in these cars are, from the box, to the large blower motors and the rest of the components. It can literally power a small house 😂. Now I am running out of space to put everything 😫🤯. For a damn Saturday, L.A. traffic was absolutely terrible (not surprised). It took me almost 4 hours to get home to San Diego (should only take 2- 2 1/2 hours on average) leaving in the afternoon. Overall I'm happy how everything turned out, and very thankful and grateful to the seller of Caddy.

         

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Congratulations.

Bruce.

[signart]

Good save!
Maybe should've grabbed that instrument cluster? 

[64\/54Cadillacking]

Thanks guys. I really didn't need the instrument cluster, plus the guy has things for sell already that's off the Caddy that I can't really afford at the moment nor do I have a place to store so many parts with the other cars that I own.