DOT Approved Auto Glass - Shades Of The Past

The old glass can sometimes... 

   

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The old glass can sometimes come out in pieces, which is no fun for the installer or the car. If it starts looking suspicious, put some tape on both sides to somewhat reinforce the piece, and handle with care.

Sure, you can spend all your time making that Camaro "period perfect," getting the right tires, wheels, paint, and all the rest that goes with it, but when it comes time to finish the job and you go to the local glass shop, what do they offer? Gray, or brown, or silver, or some other tint that belongs on a limo, not a classic Camaro. Of course you can settle for glass with no tint at all (still not easy to find) but that isn't cool in more ways than one. For those wishing to restore COPOs, Yenkos, ZL-1s and other option delete models, most of them need clear front and back glass. Also, most new glass is thinner than what came on your Camaro originally so when it comes time to install the front and rear window trim, there's a gap that requires shimming brand-new glass to make it right. Who wants that? No one we know, including the folks at D&R Classic Automotive.

Having produced tons of licensed GM restoration parts for Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, and Firebirds, D&R was in a good position to do something about Camaro builders' complaints. Some owners tried to salvage complete sets of glass from junkyards, which takes a fair amount of skill, luck, and bucks, and you still wind up with 30-plus-year-old glass. Even just going with the sidepieces to get rid of the roller marks isn't always that cheap, and most old glass has some markings. Working from original glass as samples, and then providing their tool designers with real cars in which to install the prototypes, D&R came up with glass for First- and Second-Gen Camaros that looks original, has the aqua-green tint that restorers want, or comes in clear, and fits. It's cheaper than salvage, original thickness, and is brand new DOT approved glass. Even the GM Restoration Parts logo is placed on the glass in a spot that won't show after installation, allowing for aftermarket date codes to be added. So buy a whole set of brand new glass for about half of what the old stuff cost, and spend the rest on other goodies.

This is what you get, only...        read full caption This is what you get, only lots more. All pieces for sides, front and rear are available, with the original tint.	This car not only got all...        read full caption This car not only got all new glass it got some ultra-fine power windows. Can't have those uncivilized cranks messing up the interior now can we? Of course this meant getting into places that you often don't have to bother with when it's just glass. Here's a look at some of the pieces that have to come out. You might even order up some new felt and weather stripping when you get ready for this job and get it all done at once.	Taking parts out means you've...        read full caption Taking parts out means you've got to put them back in. Prepping the glass is much easier when you're working with quality products and it's the same dimensions as the original.
Door windows are bigger and...        read full caption Door windows are bigger and bulkier which also means that lower-quality glass will show ripples and waves easier. Once again it's nice working with the right size and thickness of glass.	When everything tucks in nicely,...        read full caption When everything tucks in nicely, there's no noise or leaks.	The glass makes the finished...        read full caption The glass makes the finished car bright and shiny.