Tech Tips   by  Sven Olafsbrosson

Ya shur, here we are back in restoration weather again, ya. Those guys back east have turned their cars sideways for a new floorboard, but we, ya we will put on that new dashcap so we can brave another year of sunlight. But wait, I remember something about that dam windshield. Finally lets discuss that windshield. Now that I've done it a few times, it can be approached without that kind of guttural fear that is not unlike walking into the dentists' office for a root canal, ya! First one must select the proper beer for the job. I suggest a red, the current marketing craze. If you can't find Red Nectar from old Humboldt Northlandia, then try one of the commercial reds like Red Wolf, Red Dog, or Red Neck. The key is to select one that does not raise adrenaline levels, as excess adrenaline will surely bring out the cracks, ya! Removal. Easy, but there is a catch, ya! If you have a late model 'E' or 'ES', those bros. back in the homeland added some clips to retain the bottom of the 'screen, 5 if memory serves me. Those must be removed, ya! This means lying on your back (with the seats removed-optional) with a small wrench, ya! If you have A.C. this must come out first, see what I mean about that catch? If you don't have the clips, or if you just want to deal with them later, they can be bent backward out of the way for removal. Now it's easy! In less than 20 minutes that 'screen will be out, ya! Get some popsicle sticks, paint stirring sticks, short length of thin furring strips, or (be careful!) 6 medium sized screwdrivers. Remove the two sun visors, and then beginning on the left side top corner, inside the car, pry a popsicle stick under the 'screen rubber. Move over 2 inches to the right and do it again. After 3 or 4, take one and drag it across to the right side top, under the rubber just to break the bond that has formed from years of dormant life. Now pull the top of the sticks down and try to force the rubber under the metal edge of the car opening, ya shur! It will seem difficult or impossible at first, but keep at it and you will see some progress, which, along with the beer will dissolve your inhibitions and keep progress in the forward direction. Spray some soapy water or rubber lubricant, even WD-40 if the rubber is real dry and it seems friction is great. This is not a necessity, ya! Careful with that headliner, Eugene! Pull down and move over the sticks until the rubber is underneath the metal rim all the way across the top, and you are almost there. Now push. Ya, go ahead! If the rubber is under the rim all across the top, the screen will just pop out along the sides and will be sitting on the bottom rubber. Do not at any time remove the metal trim from the rubber or the rubber from the screen, ya! If you are fitting a new rubber later, this procedure can be replaced by a sharp utility knife, ya! Before you walk around to the outside, look carefully at the position of the rubber and the dashboard, the metal rim of the opening, and also the rubber on the outside. This is the beginning position when replacing the screen, and is most critical, ya! By this time you should only have consumed 2 beers, so now, from the front of the car, lift out the 'screen and set in a safe place, ya, and now for the other 4 beers! How about them Chargers? At this point the rust under the cowl can be repaired, and those new dash caps can easily be fitted, with unobstructed access to the heater duct opening grille screws, ya! If the rust under the cowl is in advanced stages, consult with your club for persons that can weld in fresh metal and extend the life another 25-30 years. Replacement is generally the reverse steps of the removal only with a piece of strong twine in the rubber groove with the two ends at the bottom center, used to pull the rubber back around the metal lip. First be certain to get the rubber down onto the metal lip on the bottom, with the inside rubber down between the dash and the metal lip. Lubricate the rubber, and have a sober friend push gently on the outside as you pull the string and 'set' the rubber. The rubber must be correct all around the lip for the screen to stay put, ya shur!