Follow-Up Question: Windshield Packing/Spacers

Will be attempting to re-install my windshield (with new glass) this weekend. I've seen a couple of posts on here the past couple of days about the packing, spacers, shims....whatever... that go between the bottom of the side rails and the car body.

Recent posts by "pcgold" and "NH72MG" on the subject. Don Lavoie posted a couple of pictures in response to one of my questions...thanks Don.

When I removed the windshield, I didn't touch the spacer(s) that were there. Still haven't and don't plan to before re-installing the windshield. But I can see only one spacer...a fairly thick one...on each side.

The posts on here talk about an inner and an outer packing. Is there really supposed to be more than one on each side? I see a second one in the VB catalog.

Don, how thick is that inner packing and shouldn't I be able to see it if it's really there?

I can't imagine going wrong if I just put things back like there were, but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks to all.

Larry, I could be wrong but I think what you are seeing is really the threaded piece that the bolts thread into. It moves and it is thick. I am not aware of anything else in there.

Larry, I just saw the photos of the inner and outer spacers. I guess mine are just pressed together so hard that they look like one piece. I don't know but I'm leaving sleeping dogs lie.

Yeah...unless someone offers some strong arguments, I'm gonna put it back like it was. I drove the car for over 3 years like it was with no problems.

I'd think that you would have to really put some stress on the windshield mounting points to affect the glass, given the strength of the brackets that hold the frame together.

comart45 Wrote:

wyattlo Wrote:

No, I haven't removed anything like that.

But they were out in the open when I had the fenders off.

I've seen this "panel" mentioned in a couple of the posts, but I'm not sure just which panel you're talking about.

It's the "panel" above the door hinges in the door well that covers the back of the windshield bolds. It is pop riveted on.

Is there really anything to gain by removing it during windshield reinstall?

The answer to your own questions about spacer thickness, etc.

There IS a thick piece of paper/cardboard between the body and that aluminum spacer. If yours have never been removed (you can remove it by pulling out the phillips/pozi-drive screw under the dash that holds it in place) then its probably still there.