In this section I will try to explain the methods I use when painting
the details on clear parts ... windshields, passenger side glass, rear
quarter windows and back windows ... these can be the difference between a
good looking model and ... well I think you can get the idea!
I usually mask off all the parts first, starting with the windshield.
There are 3 separate sets of windshield masking instructions for the Monte
Carlo, the T-Bird and the grand prix. Just scroll down until you find the
one that goes with the type of model you are building!
Please note that the instructions for the rest of the clear pieces are
basically the same for all cars and will be detailed at the link on the
bottom of this page entitled: Side window, quarter windows and rear glass
masking!
Monte Carlo
For the Monte Carlo (starting on the back side always) cut some strips of
scotch magic transparent tape if you do it right it should only take 2. Cut
them long enough to hang over the ends (you are going to put them on across
the windshield not up and down!) It doesn't matter if you put the bottom
strip or top on first but just leave as little overlap as possible and the
2 strips should be enough!
Next hold the windshield up to a light and with a razor blade or good
sharp hobby knife cut along the molded in border of the wind shield and
also the molded in inside retaining strap (for a detailed picture of the
windshield
Click Here
Next turn the windshield over and apply tape to the front side, only
this time apply it parallel to the molded in outside retaining straps.
Apply the first piece along one side of the center strap. Apply the second
along the other side of the center strap. One of the 2 pieces will overlap
the other outside strap this is alright all you have to do is hold the
windshield up to a light again and trim along the edge of the strap on each
side (before doing this run the edge of your fingernail down each side of
the strap as close to it as you can so the tape will mask as close as
possibe to the strap)! Now that the 2 outside straps are masked off cover
the rest of the wind shield with tape!
Thunderbird
The thunderbird windshield is different, the inside retaining straps are much
heavier than the monte carlo straps! For detailed pictures of the thunderbird
windshield Click Here
There are 4 straps molded into the inside and 2 on the outside. Start
on the backside again!
This time run the tape parallel to the straps with the first piece up
against the strap nearest to the drivers side. Then apply a piece to the
other side of this strap. This piece will over lap the next strap and one
side of the third. Press the tape to the windshield all the way up to the
second strap making sure to run your fingernail along the edge of the
strap. Gently press the tape down on the strap and again run you nail
along the other side of the second strap and press it firmly against the
glass until it contacts the third strap, again run your fingernail along
the edge of the third strap.
Next apply another strip of tape along the other edge of the third
retaining strap as close to it as possible, this piece will overlap the
fourth and final strap. Repeat the steps as described for the second strap
above on the fourth strap and then cover the rest of the back of the
windshield with tape. Again take the razor blade or hobby knife and while
holding the windshield up to the light trim along each side of each of the
straps as needed and also trim the border around the windshield.
Turn the windshield over. Apply tape...again parallel to the
straps...to each side of the outside strap closest to the passenger side.
Cover the rest of the windshield with tape. Now go back and trim the area
matching the center inside strap and peel away the tape. This finishes the
masking of the windshield!
Grand Prix
Please note: The windshield for the Pontiac is molded in the same way as
the pre 1997 Monte Carlo (not size and shape wise but with no inside
retaining straps molded in and the two ...left and right of center...
outside straps molded in!) So these instructions can be applied to the old
Monte Carlo's as well!
This is the easiest of the three! As usual start on the back side.
Mask the entire backside and trim the tape from the molded in border as
shown in the picture of the Monte Carlo windshield (to view the Monte Carlo
windshield Click Here
On the Pontiac windshield ...unlike the Monte Carlo ...there is no molded
in inside retaining strap, you must therefore trim and remove a strip from
the tape approx. the same width as the two outside straps exactly in the
center of the windshield! This will be your center inside strap. Now
that you have the backside masked turn the windshield over. Put a strip
down each side of the two molded in retaining straps the two pieces of tape
in the middle will overlap, then mask the rest of the windshield (no
trimming required in most cases since most Monte Carlo's have no center
outside strap).
Please note that all tape on the front side of all of the windshields
should over hang slightly to assure full coverage of areas not to be
painted and to assure a place to apply tape to hold parts while painting!
Go To Side Window, Quarter Windows and Rear Glass masking! Click Here