Windshield install and vinyl top questions...

[Rob K]

I was about to have someone come out and install my front and rear windshield in my 1970 Dart Swinger today, but I had a weird feeling last night and decided to do some more research. Apparently I'm missing a lock strip that locks the window into place, so I just wanted to get some opinions and tips from guys that have more experience with this than I do. The car was painted a few years ago, and I haven't really had the money to get much done since. I made the mistake of doing the finishing touches after the fact, which was more friendly on the budget but much higher on hassles and headaches. That's a story for another day though. I cancelled the install until I have all the right parts for this part of the project. I already have the precision brand front and rear window gaskets, and I'm planning on having someone else do the vinyl top after the windshields are installed since I could only find one guy to take on the vinyl top in all of southwestern Ontario, Canada. Do the trim clips need to be installed at the same time as the lock strip? I purchased a pair of lock strips from Classic, but I've never done anything like this so I want to make sure that the installer has as much information as possible. I was also reading a FABO post and he was recommending butyl tape for sealing the windows (1/4"?), just curious about opinions on that. Unfortunately I did not get all of my original trim back so I purchased used trim for the windows and top from a guy that was parting out a 1973 Dart Swinger. That shouldn't be a problem, should it? It looked like the trim was the same for all of the Swingers. I'm extremely grateful for anyone that wants to give me their opinions and experiences with this stuff. This is my first (and last) time getting body and paint done on a classic, and I've had to learn a lot the hard way. I couldn't find any pictures of the window opening itself, but here's pictures of the status of the car for anyone that's interested.

 

[4spdragtop]

The only time I've heard lockstrip, is our 67 cuda, it was used front and back. I eliminated that for front anyway.
Convertibles used it as well, BUT only on the front bottom side to side piece.
I would not order from Classic. Nigel is right close by at National Moparts.

 

[Kendog 170]

Vinyl top tips
the vinyl top on a 72 dart

Windshield thread
67 Dart GTS windshield trim

 

[RedFish]

I don't know of a lock strip for a 73. All I have seen had vinyl top glued on before clips installed. I haven't seen it all.

 

[JDMopar]

The vinyl top and trim clips should be installed before the glass is put in.