The Ford Barn

Conaway2 · 07-06-2025, 08:26 PM

The rubber gasket I received from one of my usual suppliers seems to be too narrow; it does not stick out past the edge of the frame. Every gasket I see on restored cars extends a half inch or so beyond the frame. I also have a windshield header gasket which is much wider, but the contour of the ‘bead’ that fits in the gasket channel does not fit the frame very well, so appears to be incorrect for the frame seal against the dash rail and sides of the frame.

Has anyone had a recent experience replacing the windshield frame gasket on a ‘29 coupe ??
thanks
Jim

Joe K · 07-07-2025, 08:45 AM

Avatar I did about 1979. Looking at it now I see no more than 1/8" protrusion beyond the frame.

29 82A Truck and 29 Coupe are the same windshield FRAME, differing only in the details around the swing-out arms, or that "Manual Windshield Wiper"

The NEXT 82A windshield frame is in the top of the barn and I bought it because it seemed pretty "whole." Most flea market finds have been in the barnyard for two generations and tend to suffer from corrosion. This one seems good - but the rubber is beyond tired.

And protrudes about 1/8" max.

Many glass shops replace the rubber as part of their "restoration." I remember well buying glass and the shop owner was "OH YOU HAVE TO LET US DO THE GLASS" insistent. Not knowing his restoration accuracy I elected to do it myself. But one wonders what others may do - or end up with as the finished product.

Replacing the rubber can be a challenge. I followed "Rick's Model A Shop Manual" which was the "word" at that time. He describes well using some sort of lubricant like dishwash soap to help glide the rubber into place. Also the technique of "pushing with one hand and pulling with the other." And "evening the tension" on the rubber after installation so it doesn't shrink in the sun and pull in from the mitered corners.

I think I used green Palmolive straight and washed the windshield/gasket carefully and repeatedly afterwards to remove the soap.

The Rick book is available online as a PDF for $15, or from Ebay as a hardcopy for slightly more (check condition.)

Joe K

Conaway2 · 07-07-2025, 08:50 AM

Joe K,
Thanks very much for the reminder about Rick’s Shop Manual…I still have my copy and had forgotten all about it. If only 1/8” of the gasket should protrude, I think the gasket I recently received will work.
Jim

Tinbasher · 07-15-2025, 06:25 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

When putting the rubber into place leave the ends long (1") and let the windshield sit for at least three days. The rubber will seat into place and become shorter as the tension from pulling it comes out.

07-06-2025, 08:26 PM	#1
Conaway2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 632	Windshield Frame Gasket- ‘29 Coupe ?? The rubber gasket I received from one of my usual suppliers seems to be too narrow; it does not stick out past the edge of the frame. Every gasket I see on restored cars extends a half inch or so beyond the frame. I also have a windshield header gasket which is much wider, but the contour of the ‘bead’ that fits in the gasket channel does not fit the frame very well, so appears to be incorrect for the frame seal against the dash rail and sides of the frame. Has anyone had a recent experience replacing the windshield frame gasket on a ‘29 coupe ?? thanks Jim

07-07-2025, 08:45 AM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,610	Re: Windshield Frame Gasket- ‘29 Coupe ?? Avatar I did about 1979. Looking at it now I see no more than 1/8" protrusion beyond the frame. 29 82A Truck and 29 Coupe are the same windshield FRAME, differing only in the details around the swing-out arms, or that "Manual Windshield Wiper" The NEXT 82A windshield frame is in the top of the barn and I bought it because it seemed pretty "whole." Most flea market finds have been in the barnyard for two generations and tend to suffer from corrosion. This one seems good - but the rubber is beyond tired. And protrudes about 1/8" max. Many glass shops replace the rubber as part of their "restoration." I remember well buying glass and the shop owner was "OH YOU HAVE TO LET US DO THE GLASS" insistent. Not knowing his restoration accuracy I elected to do it myself. But one wonders what others may do - or end up with as the finished product. Replacing the rubber can be a challenge. I followed "Rick's Model A Shop Manual" which was the "word" at that time. He describes well using some sort of lubricant like dishwash soap to help glide the rubber into place. Also the technique of "pushing with one hand and pulling with the other." And "evening the tension" on the rubber after installation so it doesn't shrink in the sun and pull in from the mitered corners. I think I used green Palmolive straight and washed the windshield/gasket carefully and repeatedly afterwards to remove the soap. The Rick book is available online as a PDF for $15, or from Ebay as a hardcopy for slightly more (check condition.) Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse. Last edited by Joe K; 07-07-2025 at 09:12 AM.

07-07-2025, 08:50 AM	#3
Conaway2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 632	Re: Windshield Frame Gasket- ‘29 Coupe ?? Joe K, Thanks very much for the reminder about Rick’s Shop Manual…I still have my copy and had forgotten all about it. If only 1/8” of the gasket should protrude, I think the gasket I recently received will work. Jim

07-15-2025, 06:25 PM	#4
Tinbasher Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Innisfil, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,205	Re: Windshield Frame Gasket- ‘29 Coupe ?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) When putting the rubber into place leave the ends long (1") and let the windshield sit for at least three days. The rubber will seat into place and become shorter as the tension from pulling it comes out.