Windshield installation troubles (51 Chevy)

I've installed a few windshields before, but never a 2 piece. We installed both front/rear windows this weekend on my girlfriend's 51 Bel Air (2 piecefront window, 3 piece rear window), and they seem seated pretty well, but the rubber is floating about 1/4 to 1/2" off the divider posts. I can push it down until the rubber and metal almost meet, but not quite and it's not close enough for the trim screws to make it through. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it? BTW, the rear windows are original, and should fit, the front ones are new.

The second problem is a biggie. The Manual says to install the trim last. Apparently what it means is to install the trim last before the whole thing goes in the car. We just installed the rubber on Saturday. Is it too late to pull the glass and rubber out of the car, install the trim, and reinstall it into the car without cutting anything? We haven't used any sealant yet. Since this is a 51 Bel Air, the front/rear rubber was around $700 instead of the usual $200 for a Styleline, so if I can't pull it back out, we'll have to cut the flange off the trim and glue the trim to the rubber... which I'd rather not do.

Thanks

 

If you are careful, you can certainly remove the glass and save the rubber. I use hand-cleaner or soapy water to lube stuff up good before you start. Don't use anything metal (screwdrivers) to pry with, or you will probably crack the glass. If the glass is cheap enough, you might consider breaking it and not risk messing up your seals. Try something plastic or wooden. You can get fairly aggressive with the glass, just don't twist it and try to spread any load across the entire piece, not in a small area.work slow and don't put it in too much of a bind. Once you get the glass out of the channel, you have it made.Just keep stuff lubed and work slow-you can always screw it up later. And yes, the stainless goes in WITH the seal. That's probably why you have such a loose fit. Saw the Coddington show where they did this on the red and white 56 chevy. I promise you there is NO way to get the stainless in without using a mallet (I've seen that done) and have look like anything you will happy with. Good luck, and be patient.

 

Now I have to convince my girlfriend that it's worth pulling the glass back out. Hopefully a reinstallation will help it seat better

 

Maybe she'll get into the hand cleaner and soapy water thing.

 

...that's fuckin' funny!