Windshield packing

Now that I have "both inner & outer" windshield packings, I assume because the center hole in the body is so large, I just need a large washer and screw to attach prior to inserting the windshield? Can't ever remember the inner packing being there originally, but probably deteriorated away many years ago, and because of all the windshields I've put in the last 2 years, I want everything to be there this time. So, just a regular washer and screw needed or is it something special, like a rubber grommet?
also, got the part # for the tapered GM screws from a previous post, but they are shorter length than the originals. Also tried Home Depot & Loews as suggested, but couldn't find them at the 5 locations close by, they said it would be a hit or miss type screw, some stores could have them, others may not as they are not typical. Anyone have luck getting them at a regular auto parts store?

Thanks

use the old bolts, run a nut onto them and grind a taper on the threads~ they clean up when you remove the nut- worked for me!

I found plenty of the tapered bolts in a local junkyard. With the hoods raised, I found them holding the front fenders to the body at a point just forward of the windshield on early 70's model Chevy/GMC Pickups. Found some at that location on some larger trucks as well. They were the right length, size, pitch, etc. I had tried to order them from GM, but was told they were no longer available.

If you go the the junkyard route, watch for the threads per inch. I found some...mostly holding the hood hinges in place...that were the right size, but wrong thread pitch.

I hope to attempt to mount the windshield this weekend using these tapered bolts.

I meant to add that you lost me when you were talking about the "inner and outer" packings and the large center hole in the body????

Can you be more specific?

These picks show the inner & outer packing and what they line up to, the threaded hole is quite smaller than the opening on the inner packing and the hole in the body.

Hope these pics better explain what I was referring to

NH72MG Wrote:

I remove the covers, in fact haven't got around to putting them back on from last time, about 3 years ago. Easy enough to get off. Mine had three clips and a three small alloy rivets. When I put them back on I intend to use small self tappers. However I don't really see or notice their absence, I'm just being lazy I suppose. The rubber edging alone could probably hold hem in place. They a cosmetic after all. I used some old serpentine fan belt as the thin spacers.

side view

Actually thinking about it, originally they must have also been rivets at the bottom and some previous owner has substituted clips just there. I'm motivated to put them back on now, I'll use use a couple of self tappers on the top and rely on the rubber door surround to keep the bottom in place.

Thanks Peter, appreciate your pictures and comments. I think I'll bite the bullet and remove the covers, it's the only way I can see to be certain the spacers are the correct thickness. I also presume it will make the windshield bolt installation easier.

Roger