CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post - Chronic Windshield Cracking---96 Super Stock Camaro

njk53 · 12-14-2007, 10:44 AM

Sheet metal has some resiliance and can flex and move back to it's original position so as long as you do not pass a theshold where it will begin to bend and stay bent. You may not think so but I'll bet the windshield frame is flexing more than you think.
I had a brand new 2001 Camaro as a rental car in Phoenix (130 miles on the odometer) that sat in the 112 degree heat for most of the day. When I came out to leave the windshield was cracked. A technician from the GM Proving Grounds said that windshield cracking could happen from time to time because it wasn't installed from the factory properly and coupled with the thermal action on the sheet metal made it flex enough to crack it. Make sure the dimensions of the windshield and the widshield frame allow for ample tolerance. Make sure the window frame is free of burrs, nicks, spot weld residue, and old windshield sealant that can pinch the windshield when the body flexes. Also, use a good quality automotive urethane sealer when you install the new windshield.

12-14-2007, 10:44 AM	#3
njk53 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: East China, MI Posts: 504 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Chronic Windshield Cracking---96 Super Stock Camaro Sheet metal has some resiliance and can flex and move back to it's original position so as long as you do not pass a theshold where it will begin to bend and stay bent. You may not think so but I'll bet the windshield frame is flexing more than you think. I had a brand new 2001 Camaro as a rental car in Phoenix (130 miles on the odometer) that sat in the 112 degree heat for most of the day. When I came out to leave the windshield was cracked. A technician from the GM Proving Grounds said that windshield cracking could happen from time to time because it wasn't installed from the factory properly and coupled with the thermal action on the sheet metal made it flex enough to crack it. Make sure the dimensions of the windshield and the widshield frame allow for ample tolerance. Make sure the window frame is free of burrs, nicks, spot weld residue, and old windshield sealant that can pinch the windshield when the body flexes. Also, use a good quality automotive urethane sealer when you install the new windshield.