Re: windshield gsaket

[TABunsey@xxxxxxx]

On December 28, 2004 brahlf@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Has anyone run into replacing the windshield gasket for a 1966 American
> convertible.  The 1966 parts book list the convertible as having a different
> part number then the sedan or hardtop.  I know there are reproduction
> gaskets out there but will they fit the convertible?
> 
> Bruce Rahlf
> brahlf@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Milwaukee, WI
> 

___________________________________________________________________________________
Frank is only partly correct:

Here is what is going on:

1964-1965 Americans all used a windshield gasket that had a "slit" in the rubber to accept the stainless trim insert.

Starting in mid 1966, the Americans changed the windshield stainless trim. Previously, the trim was inserted into the rubber windshield gasket (you can easily tell that you have this style if you see rubber on both sides of the stainless trim when it is installed on the car).

The new trim style used clips that attached to the windshield frame under & behind the windshield rubber gasket. The new style trim butted up to the body and covered almost all of the rubber gasket, leaving only about 1/8" rubber visible between the trim and the glass.

All mid 1966 and newer Americans (EXCEPT CONVERTIBLES) use the new style gasket without the slit.

ALL American CONVERTIBLES use the "Slit Style" trim & corresponding gasket. My 1967 Rogue convertible has this style.

Initially, AMC produced and stocked the two styles of windshield gasket. Eventually, someone at AMC realized that the only difference between the two styles of gasket was the slit, and that the slit style could be used with the non-slit style windshield trim. Thus, AMC discontinued the late style gasket and superceeded it's part number to the slit-style gasket.

Eventually, AMC discontinued both gaskets.

Later, the aftermarket reproduced the American slit-style windshield gasket, which can be used for ANY 1964-69 American. Just use the correct trim for your application.

Either style trim will work on the cars (I put slit-style trim in a 1968 American I was repainting, because I feel that the trim that requires mounting clips UNDER THE GASKET encourages water leaks).

I think that the convertibles continued to use the slit-style trim because convertibles have more body flex than closed cars do, and the slit style gaskets might permit more slip around the windshield.

Anyway, I have owned 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967 American convertibles, and they ALL used the slit-style gaskets. But my 1967 440 4-door (and my later-year Americans) all use the non-slit style gaskets.

Hope this helps.

Tom Bunsey

Tagged & insured cars:

1965 330 2-door sedan, 195.6 flathead & auto
1965 330 4-door sedan, 195.6 OHV & auto
1965 440H hardtop, 232 & dloor shift auto
1967 440 4-door, 232 & auto
1967 Rogue convertible, 360 & M-11 auto
1968 440 4-door, 290 & auto
1969 440 4-door, 199 & auto

Project cars:
1968 220 2-door
1969 220 2-door

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