Hi all, I am getting close to the time for an inspection sticker on my 65. The windshield has that classic arched scratch from bad wiper blades. It's not deep and not too worn in but it looks frosted in that spot and the scratch is a good 1/8" wide. I wonder if in these days of newer compounds and buffers there may be a fix for this ? If that's not possible, has anyone had a national chain type glass co. do a windshied for them? What would be a fair price? I know I can order a windshield for a couple hundred but with shipping I think it would get expensive. Then with my luck (all bad ) I would likely screw up installing it. Sorry I'm all questions and not able to yet contribute much, but I've read and learned a lot on this site in a short time. Some very well read folks on this board where these slicks are concerned. So for now all I can offer is my thanks.

 

I bought one last year, it cost me a total of 300 bucks.... 50 bucks for a Dennis Carpenter seal and 250 for the windshield and installation, worth every penny!

Safelite was the Company

 

Well that seems painless enough. Thanks for the info Bill. So I'ts safe to say there's no polishing the scratch out ? That sounds more than reasonable and the shipping on a windshield would put the cost well over what you paid installed I bet. That's good news. Thanks again I'll call around locally.

 

If you can catch a thumbnail in the scratch then it is prolly too deep to buff out - at least that has been my experience.

 

I am sure you can polish out the scratches... but, how much is that going to cost? i really don't know. and you still have an old windshield and old seal in your truck.

 

What you describe is called wiper burn...from metal support in the blade hitting the glass repeatedly ...

I wouldnt think that would prevent getting a clean inspection...


typically its permanent...some might come out but the vast majority in all liklihood wont...replacing a windshield not at all an easy job..or cheap...and if you have the moldings...by all means...LET A GLASS SHOP DO IT!!! Make certain that theres something in the paperwork that essentially says they will replace damaged parts as the trim is a real bugger to get in from all Ive heard...




- cs65

 

The job with or without the stainlees trim is more intimidating than difficult. A helper is good to have but not necessary. If you go to a brand name glass shop they should be able to order one in for you. If they say it's not available shop elsewhere. You may save a few $ getting the seal yourself. They come in two styles with or without trim. Stay away the the chinese repros. As mentioned Dennis Carpenter has the good ones. Also check the site sponsor Blue Oval Truck Parts. If you want to try replacing the windshield several here including myself would be happy to walk you through it.

 

Companies, like Eastwood, sell kits to polish scratches out.

Changing a front windshield is definitely a two person job.

My windshield was changed out last summer while in my driveway. I supplied the NOS gasket for metal trim and the business supplied the windshield for $150 installed.

 

Jeweler's Rouge has been used for decades to polish out minor scratches in glass.

Today, there are mobile companies that can come to your home/business, polish out the scratches, or replace the glass.

Ford offered two windshields: Clear and (as an option) Tinted. A Sun Band windshield is also available. All three can be bought from autoglass shops.

Sun Bands are tinted windshields that have 4" of extra tinting across the top.

If you are tall, you do not want a Sun Band, because at night, it can be hazardous tryin' to look thru that extra tint. I'm 6-5, and found this out...after installing a Sun Band in my '65.

The same windshields fit: 1961/66 F100/1100 / 1961/69 N/NT/T500/1000 & 1967/69 F800/1000. The NAGS (National Auto Glass Society) part number is W602.

There are TWO different windshield weatherstrips: One for Standard Cabs, a different one for Custom Cabs/Rangers.

Custom Cabs/Rangers have w/shield mouldings, the specific w/strip has a groove in it for these mouldings.

 

Thanks for all the good advise guys. I wish Ma. would pass me on inspection with the scratch but I doubt it. They will shoot you down for anything in your field of view on the glass. I will have to check out all these options you folks have pointed out. I was just hoping that at this time I could avoid another outlay of $300 plus bucks. I know in time I would like a new one but wish I could slide by for now. I've been pouring cash and time into this baby since it hit my driveway in late March. I'm not complaining mind you cause I'm loving this truck but the (might as wells) are sucking me dry. I just want to drive this thing already. So far I have replaced Heater core and hoses, waterpump,radiator hoses, thermostat and outlet, fuel pump and rubber lines throughout, Coil springs and shocks all around, 4 brand new tires, New battery, new cables throughout, fender welt, tank grommet, window seals, etc. etc, Po did brakes all around and disks conversion in front , new bed wood, New clutch set, And of course lube oil and filter, I have scraped sanded painted rubbed talked to screamed at, lol. Now that I bought this old girl all these new things don't ya think she owes me a ride

 

I saw this on another forum, not sure if it will work or not but a a can of this stuff is much cheaper than a new windshield. if it doesn't work on the WS I know that it will work on chrome and stainless.

Try Bon-Ami®, a kitchen cleanser found in any grocery store. it is a lot less abrasive than Comet or Ajax.

A buddy of mine that installs window tint uses this procedure: Pour some Bon-Ami on a wet sponge and work it into a paste. Use small circular motions and clean the entire windshield. Flush the windshield with water and finally, re-clean with a good window cleaner.

Keep the cleaner off your paint or plastic trim and good luck!<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --> <!-- controls -->

 

You mention ordering glass for acouple $$ plus shipping; I recommend check with your local glass company; I realize every state & location is in a different ballpark. But in my area I recently price a front windshield from a local installer; who get's his glass out of Nashville tennessee; for $65.00; if I had him install it its only another Franklin.
I recommend spending a few minutes calling local shops. Just can't hurt.

Mitch

 

Been checking around and no one seems to think it could be repaired. Price is around $ 350 installed complete with seal. I will have to bite the bullet I guess. I'll call some places Monday and see if I can find a better deal. I think safelite will sell just the glass but I failed to ask what just the glass would be. She said they had it in stock in their warehouse. I'll check that as well. Thanks for the responses

 

Wow, now that is expensive in my opinion. Can't believe MA would be that much more than CA. If my window was $150 including installation with me supplying the gasket which I got for $50, then what are they doing...

Not only that but when the guy saw the crack in my Focus and I told him about the Sable he then came out the next weekend and did those two for $280.

 

( "then what are they doing...") Robbing me perhaps ! It seems everything in this state is more money. We've been getting screwed since they landed on that rock down the road in Plymouth I can't believe it's so much cheaper in CA, who would have guessed it. It costs a lot of bucks just to live around here too. They kill us on heating oil as well so I now burn pellets to save but that's another story.