Windshield Replacement

[BluRaySRT]

I would like to have the windshield replaced/repaired on my '71 Cuda Convertible.   It appears to be the original windshield, but it is very pitted and has some wiper scratches.   My understanding is that when a windshield is pitted, polishing it is not a great idea due to distortion and the weakness induced in the process. 
(I live in the Boston area and it is difficult to find someone willing to take on this job, let alone someone that has the right experience.  If someone knows a shop, please drop it in a reply. )
That said, I did find one shop that might be willing to tackle this.   However, the guy I spoke with said that because these windshields fit into a rubber gasket(?), it might be necessary to also replace that gasket if it is too old to be reused.   He also said that the company that he relied on to supply to proper adhesive for the gasket has discontinued it and he has no access to any additional adhesive.   I said I would do some research so here I am.
Here are my questions/concerns.  You guys are very knowledgeable so I would appreciate your thoughts.
1.   Does this car actually use a rubber gasket?   In posts I have read all I see is a reference to butyl tape and some spacers.  If there is a gasket, Is it likely that it would need to be replaced?
a.   Where can I find the proper adhesive?
2.   Should I at least try the polishing option before doing a replacement?
3.   Are there any important differences in replacing the windshield in a convertible vs hardtop?
Finally, although the car went through a restoration, I don't think that the windshield was ever removed during that process.  (Can't be sure...  it was before I purchased it)    So another concern that I have is finding rust/damage once the windshield/gasket is removed.  I'm not interested in turning this into a five figure repair.   Is there any way of knowing the condition of the metal without removing the assembly?
Thanks in advance for your comments and recommendations!

[toadstool]

No gasket. Some have done the butyl tape. I bought the tape but went a different route and used the Betaseal U-418 with the dow automotive 5504gml10 beta glass primer. The reasoning being that the butyl tape really doesn't fully harden and on a convertible I was a little concerned that with all the airflow banging things around this might be a challenge. Also once again with a conv't the stress on the window channel seemed to be a little more and I wanted the Betaseal to absorb the differences between the window glass and the frame itself. You cut the tip of the tube with a "V" vee cut and it then flows like a pyramid. During the glass install this allows the glass and frame to rise/flows to the levels it wants putting the least amount of pressure on the glass. Being that the glass and frame are essentially "glued" together this strengthens things up a bit. You will need to determine the depth in advance since you have the chrome trim that surrounds the glass frame.  BTW you will need to make sure the side and top chrome surround clips are really in place before the window install. You cannot get to these afterwards.

[headejm]

Factory used butyl tape. No gaskets.

[Fern]

I used the tube automotive adhesive also. I dry fitted the windshield so it was centered in the opening and measured how much I needed to get the glass to proper height. I used a couple rubber stops at the bottom of chanel to get the windshield centered from top to bottom.
Has been great for 4 years now.
Also I used an AMD windshield for my convertible.

[RUNCHARGER]

You can tell the experts at the glass shop that these windsheilds bond in the same as modern windshields. If you get one of them to do it though, please take the stainless trim off yourself and reinstall it yourself. It is irreplaceable and I could see one of these guys destroying it by being in a hurry.

[Finoke]

Some comments since I just did this on my Cuda convertible

Try polishing out first if you have or know someone that has the expertise. Best to save the original windshield if possible. I've never heard of a safety concern in doing this. It probably wasn't removed and reinstalled during the resto that was done unless it was perfect at that time.

The interior and exterior trim is a bugger to get off so yes do it yourself if necessary.

Windshield removal is done with a kit that uses a pointy tool that you can thread wire through. You push through the original sealant from outside to inside the car. Then use the wire as a saw to cut around the windshield perimeter seal.

Reinstall is easy in a vert. You clean the channel and do any metal repairs. Replace rotted trim clips. Prime channel then Brush on butyl adhesion promoter. 3M sells a 5/16 butyl tape kit that has the tape and blocks. Lay the tape.

Get suction cups from harbor freight to move glass. Stand inside the car and lower it in.

I wish I was closer, I would help you through it. I do have a link to my restoration pictures if you want it.

[Challenger in NC]

After the windshield is set on the butyl tape, has anyone applied urethane on the edge to help seal it? If so, was it just on the sides or all the way around? I realize care must be taken not to get the urethane near the clips or use too much.

[chargerdon]

No gasket !!   Windshield is basically glued to the frame with a layed in place sealant.   On my 74 Challenger with no windshield...   I called around and found a glass company near me that did cars.   I gave them the job and they purchased the glass and installed it for I think $150.   Prices have probably doubled since then.   

Things to note...  First there are clips that hold the outside trim and then HAVE TO BE INSTALLED BEFORE THE GLASS.   Make sure you do that.   Second, yes, i would remove the outside trim myself before bringing the car to the company...   for safety.   

The process they used was to first put the glass on the car without the glue for measurement...then noted how high up it has to go as there is no holding spot on the car.   Then took it back out and put down rubber stops for it the glass to rest against.   Then using an electric glue pusher put down the glue strip around the frame and then lowered the glass in.   Let is sit for a moment and then gently patted the glass down onto the glue to set it and get it to be the right height...  Open palm patting around the perimeter.   Voila done.   I then installed the trim back on which was easy.   

As a side note...the older B body cars are the ones that used the rubber gasket on both the front and the rear windshields.   They are a bastard to install and no shops around my area would install the windshield on my 66 Charger...i had to do it myself...  That gasket was expensive and hard to find..  I think i paid $135 for each gasket.   The front was the toughest to install...   

[Spikedog08]

I see you are here as well . .   

[Finoke]

After the windshield is set on the butyl tape, has anyone applied urethane on the edge to help seal it? If so, was it just on the sides or all the way around? I realize care must be taken not to get the urethane near the clips or use too much.

Yes I did this. All around the windshield but not the clips

[headejm]

 

Here is a rough sketch of what I did on my car.

[brcuda7t1]

I just had my glass replaced in my 1971 convertible last month, Luckily I found a guy that only works on old cars, usually on chopped cars.  My windshield had been replaced before, and they ground off the little studs the 71 clip uses.  Paul was able to use the correct clip and screwed them in place.  They used the tape and caulking, and a couple of small wedges at the bottom.

[headejm]

Rubber wedge used to support windshield. Two per car, sits in the indentation at the bottom of the windshield channel.