What kind of windshield do you like, 1pc or 2pc

I am looking for pros vs cons on a windshield for a '41 Ford Business Coupe. Not sure which way I want to go. One piece or two. I have heard of using flat glass with silicone in the seam. Does this really work?
Bob

 

Your asking a bunch of nostalgia nuts here.
IMO looking through the two piece windshields is part of the experience.
One piece setups are too street rodder.

 

Absolutely!

 

If you can't find the pieces to run it two piece than your only real option is to V-Butt it with silicone in the middle.

I personally prefer a split windshield as has been mentioned its looking past the center divider that makes it right. But I probably wouldn't throw rocks at you if you V-Butted it.

That's one of those questions like should I run a gasket or glue my glass in, its entirely up to you and your resources as far as I'm concerned.

 

What he said!

Also, I always wondered about the strength of a V-butt when driving. The twisting, shaking, windbeating,etc....... I have yet to see a V-butt glass on a driven car

 

I did many,many V-butt W/S in the 80s-90s. Use a very thin clear shim between them, then fill with "waterclear silicon". Never had a problem. Bob's Antique Glass (440hudson) has real one piece bent glass..........OLDBEET

 

two

 

Depends on the car. The 2-piece flat glass of a '37 to '51 Ford is part of its "face", and I have never seen one changed to V-butt or bent glass that looked better for it.

On the other hand, '49-'52 Chevies look great with a 1-piece Olds windshield.

Don't do it on your '41.

 

ditto

 

two piece - the way to go
one piece - Too Boyd'ish for me.

 

I've installed 1000's of windshields in the last 42 years and can tell you the distortion of the new one piece windshields will drive you nut's. it gives me a headache just thinking about it.
as far as V-butt go there no structural problems and looks clean if done right. have seen some butt ugly ones. also some don't know how to cut and grind them for a proper fit, and lamination separation can give you tiny air bubbles if not done right.
I do what the customer asks for. nothing more or less! it's their decision as it is yours

 

Two for sure

 

two piece is the only way to go - I have a 46 and love the split windshield. Don't take out the vent wing windows either!

 

If you V-butt it, where are you going to mount the mirror and the compass and the plastic dashboard Jesus from?

I agree on the 49-52 Chev cars that the Olds windshield looks great but on a '41 Ford it needs to have the divider in it to look right.

 

Thanks guys, I am sold. two piece is the way to go.

 

I don't care for the one piece myself. I know of one person who used one, got a rock chip that cracked it, bought a second one and it isn't the same size, can't be installed, and they won't take it back. I can promise you that v butting a windshield has absolutly nothing to do with driveability. My previous 40 sedan was v butted and driven hard. My 46 has the divider bar, my 40 coupe will be v butted and driven. My 46 has the chrome trim around the windshield and would look stupid with a v butted windshiel. All in what you want, not what others want you to have. I like em both ways, and the divider bar does not distract your view like you might think it would.

 

Plus, if you get a star or crack on one side you dont have to replace the whole windshield, a quick trip to the local glass shop and you're back on the road.

 

Definately 2 piece.

 

Go for 2