When we bought this bug in a barn, I asked the previous owner what ever happened to the front windshield. He thought he had it around somewhere in the barn, but when looking for it, remembered it had suffered a fatal crack and was thrown out. But this being a flat windshield, he suggested that a local glass company could easily manufacture one.
My first task was to take care of some of the rust deposits that had crept in over the years into the windshield frame.
These spots were sanded, metal prepped and primer-sealed. I will probably remove the windshield during the final painting process, but for now I'd like to get it installed so I can take Hulda out on those fine spring days that will be coming and give her a thorough test drive without my teeth getting full of bugs.
I came to find out that even flat windshields have curves, are laminated, tinted and use special auto safety glass. So much for simple. I called around, but the cheapest I could find was at Ovals for $140. So I went online and found glass for a 1971 super beetle for $69, and that price included the extra packing needed for shipping glass. No brainer, right? Well sure enough, it arrives in perfect condition. Here's a pic of the box that come inside a bigger box, wrapped in airbags and stuffing.
So, after much struggle to get the rubber gasket on, we place it in the frame to see how it looks, and... Oh no, somethings wrong! Either my windshield frame is all whacked out, or I've just ordered the wrong windshield.
Yeah, I had ordered a 1971 super beetle SEDAN windshield -- the convertible has a different shape to accommodate the folding top. Fortunately, the online company was good about taking it back and offered to sell me the correct sized one for $215. The next day I drove up to Ovals.
I also found that installing a windshield into the frame requires lots of string, patience, soapy water and six hands. Big thanks to Tiny and his son Justice for coming by and making this happen.
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