Comments: Restoration of GT series 2

[opelspyder]

I asked GT SOurce about their glass, and they said it was of high quality. I will check the bottom curves to see that they are correct, and lay it into the window channel-I guess we will see
Keith

[opelspyder]

I decided to take the windshield issue one step further today. I had heard that the new glass didn't fit well, but was hoping that was a thing of the past. I now decided to install the glass and see the differences. It did appear taller than the original glass, but thinner as well. I did attemp to install, but it seems it is too large for the hole. I will call Pilkington about the problem, if they do not have any solution, I will seek having it trimmed. If they offer to take care of the trimming, or so forth, I will make sure they back it up. If not, I will have it will called and shipped back. I feel they should make it right. We will see. What has others past experience solution been on this glass?
Keith

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by opelspyder I decided to take the windshield issue one step further today. I had heard that the new glass didn't fit well, but was hoping that was a thing of the past. I now decided to install the glass and see the differences. It did appear taller than the original glass, but thinner as well. I did attemp to install, but it seems it is too large for the hole. I will call Pilkington about the problem, if they do not have any solution, I will seek having it trimmed. If they offer to take care of the trimming, or so forth, I will make sure they back it up. If not, I will have it will called and shipped back. I feel they should make it right. We will see. What has others past experience solution been on this glass? Keith

Actually, there are more than one windshield pattern for the Opel GT and everyone is going to argue this statement. Some of the glass makers use a late '73 windshield as the pattern and the glass comes out 6.5mm too large for the opening. Two solutions, either get the GTj rubber which works with minor glass trimming or buy the unit from OGTS.

I found out the hard way, I tried to install a late '73 windshield on a '70 GT and ended up cracking the glass on the driver's side.

[markandson]

Originally Posted by blancojp Actually, there are more than one windshield pattern for the Opel GT and everyone is going to argue this statement. Some of the glass makers use a late '73 windshield as the pattern and the glass comes out 6.5mm too large for the opening. Two solutions, either get the GTj rubber which works with minor glass trimming or buy the unit from OGTS. I found out the hard way, I tried to install a late '73 windshield on a '70 GT and ended up cracking the glass on the driver's side.

Well I have a 73 GT and it still didn't fit, so go figure.

[saxybiker]

Keith:

This is the same glass we bought from a auto glass supplier back in 2000 for the v8. When we tried to install it (7 years later mind you) it did not fit correctly. The fitment problem is that it does not curve inward (toward interior of car) far enough by about 1/8 of an inch. We took it to Carlisle and it leaked like a sieve.

This last Spring, Allen took it to the glass company we bought it from and they removed it and reinstalled it for free. Fortunately, they had an "old" glass guy who knew what he was doing. It took him almost 3 hours to do what is normally a 45 minute job. He centered the glass and sealed it. He guaranteed it would not leak and it looks good. However, the Pilkington glass does not fit properly.

Vickie

[opelspyder]

I don't know if I agree that a 73 has a different profile, and I don't think the rubber for the GTJ is much different except for the extruded channel. Opel GT Source does not deal with windshields anymore either-probably due to this problem. I would think if there was a change in the windshields, part number books would show different numbers. I used the GTJ rubber on the Spyder, and if anything, I thought it was thicker and harder to install.
I am going to call the manufacturer tomorrow to see what they can offer me, but appreciate any suggestions. I still think I will trace the difference from the original windshield, and then have it cut down. I could do it myself, but it is gettingcold, and would require sanding with a grinder and using water to keep the glass from getting hot. It appears to be about a 1/4 taller at the top, the side to side looks okay. I really like having the new glass, but I don't want to waste $400 breaking new glass either
Keith

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by saxybiker Keith: This is the same glass we bought from a auto glass supplier back in 2000 for the v8. When we tried to install it (7 years later mind you) it did not fit correctly. The fitment problem is that it does not curve inward (toward interior of car) far enough by about 1/8 of an inch. We took it to Carlisle and it leaked like a sieve. Vickie

That I don't consider a problem as long as the heigth is correct. What I have found is the glass does have the side/side measurements correct but the top/bottom, as compared to a factory windshield, has an additional 1/8" (3.125mm) in heigth both at top and bottom. I placed several windshields one on top of the other, centered them with respect to the sides and found this difference. I was lucky I had a glass shop near by and the owner was a good friend so I got them trimmed.

I still have three new trimmed tinted windshields in the warehouse as well as 6 good used ones. But eventhough I have the inventory, I rather have the factory unit reconditioned and re-installed.

Like I said, everyone is going to argue this point but was a good lesson for me.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by blancojp ...an additional 1/8" (3.125mm) in height both at top and bottom. I placed several windshields one on top of the other, centered them with respect to the sides and found this difference.

I thought that was one of those things that whichever windshield was on top would always appear to be taller or maybe it's the other way around. I would only trust a tape measure or if someone traced a sheet stuck to the windshield.

JM2CW,
Harold

[markandson]

Originally Posted by saxybiker Fortunately, they had an "old" glass guy who knew what he was doing. It took him almost 3 hours to do what is normally a 45 minute job.

Yup, that is exactly what happened to me AFTER I wasted $400 on the first one. I think it took my guy 4 hours, but he has been around since the 70's.

[opelspyder]

I am going to do a posterboard cut out like harold suggested, then trace it on the new glass. I almost want to have it cut even smaller just slightly-1,2mm is all. I want the manufacturer to pay the difference though. I will put the posterboard at where I feel it will do the best with the trimming, but I agree that the top and bottom will need to be trimmed
Keith

[opelspyder]

I contacted the distributor, and he knows GT Source well, and this is the first time he had heard of the problem, so it makes me wonder---did anyone ever let them know there was a problem, or just had it fixed and went on? Anyways he had 25 on order, so he is having that stopped until he can get a template made and sent to him, I am going to do the same. In fact I am going to send him pictures of the differences and a pitch angle difference if I can measure it properly. I hope he asks for me to send an original for him to compare to. I might look into getting the factory a better example to go off of, maybe Baz could get involved here later. Anyways I am working on the problem, and I told him of others with this problem. I told him that some were 5 years ago, and I assumed the fix would have already been made, but now I am learning different. I don't need to install the windshield right now, so maybe I can get a changed one in time, but will still see about having one cut down.
Keith

[tomking]

Who is the distributor Kieth? Thanks.

[opelspyder]

It is Pilkington Classic Glass, and actually their website doesn't speak much of anything, but they have there manufacturers in England.

[Phoenix]

I remember hearing about the problem a few years ago. Reread a few threads, the problem was with Lo-can but it seemed that Pilkington was the same company. They've always known about the problem, they've had good examples of windshields.

Pilkington/Lo-can

[markandson]

Very nice, you are doing it right. It takes a very long time to do all new stuff and do it clean and pretty. Even though I tried to plan as you are I still had to take my harness apart twice because of changes I did not consider at the beginning. One thing that you should consider is adding a horn relay if you are going to use nice new powerful horns. I think my horn relay wires are the only ones that are not in a harness, I just could not bring myself to tear into it again especially since by the time I added the relay the engine was in and it would have been a real bummer to reach in through the front of the car and do the job.

[markandson]

The OGTS aluminum radiator and triangular pressure bottle work great in my car except you should be aware that the bottom outlet is extremely close to the oil filter. I don't know if my car is slightly different because of grafting on a whole new front section but if I had my choice I would cut the bottom radiator outlet and angle it towards the right fender just a little bit.

[Phoenix]

I'm glad that your showing a custom door panel method. It's different than the way that I want to try, so it will be nice to have something different on the site.

[opelspyder]

Well, I haven't really showed much, but I think you will like what I do to them. I have an idea in my head, I
am going to make them look like something maybe the factory would have done...meaning if the average joe looked at them, he would say they looked original for the most part to him, as he didn't know what they had. I will incorporate speakers as per the customers requirements.
Keith

[Phoenix]

I figured that sort of direction just by the start of your mod.

[markandson]

I have heard that the ABS dash caps warp in the hot sun. With all that you are putting into this car why not get the dash redone also? Once it is in you certainly know how much work it would be to take it out again, I would not chance it. BTW I originally used an ABS rear deck cover in my Ghia, it warped and I took it out and replaced it.

[opelspyder]

I used the cap on Matt's car last year as well, and have not had the warping problems people mentioned. Would sitting out in the sun full time warp it, sure, but overall, and in hot sunny days it has held up. Also with keeping cost down, and the owner never mentioned the dash until a week ago, so we went with the cap. If not it would have been 6 more weeks, and I don't have that kind of time right now. The dash could be replaced by the owner at a later date. One problem I am having is things popping up too late, like "Hey, how about A/C?" What about fuel injection? There comes a point in a project that I have to finish it, and proper planning has to be taken into account, or serious rework would be required. I do not like changes-especially after a car is painted. The owner actually found a front air dam he liked better, after the car was painted. Needless to say we didn't change it. The ownersaw the supplement catalog from GT Source and I think it was a kid in the candy shop moment, the only problem was it was a little too late for some add ons. He caught the radiator right in time though
Keith

[opelspyder]

Oh, on the abs caps, when I was in Carlile, and in Charlotte, I noticed at least 4-5 GTs with the dash cap, and I liked how they looked, and the owners I spoke to were pleased with them too. What I do not like is the fact when you recieve them, they seem to all have a stress mark right at the top center part of the dash. I don't know if that is how they recieved the shippment or what, but I have to do some trim painting to blend the flaw. You can see in the picture the flaw if you look close enough. I have a new dash idea that will do away with use of Just Dashes and the ABS cap, of course a lot of stuff will be done away with as well. Look for that in my next upcoming restoration.
Keith

[markandson]

Keith,
How much did they charge you to grind the windshield to size?

[opelspyder]

They charged $75.00, which I really thought was a bargain
Keith

[SweetStreet]

Originally Posted by opelspyder Now since I am making the upper portion of the panel separate, there is no need to use original fasteners. I use some simple Aue-ve-co clips for door panels.

I was looking for these clips just thought I would add this link,
AUVECO Clip 11406
I think you have a slight spelling error. because i found nothing under
Aue-ve-co i did come accross auveco these are the same right?
also how much will your door panle weigh when you are done?