Help With Winshield Glass

[ROCKAWAYJOHNNY]

I am not exactly new to CSC but I haven't posted much. I would appreciate any help that can be offered. I am in the process of restoring my 77 23 SCEPTRE. I love the boat and decided to do the project over a long period of time...i.e. do some things in march and launch in april...and do the same each year.

So far I have installed a new top, Sanded the entire hull and painted, installed all new canvas and bolsters, updated electronics, etc. I have pics posted in the pics section.

Anyway, I am up to the most annoying (so far) task. Installing new glass in the windshield frame...more specifically the side panels (the long triangular panels on the port and stbd sides)

I took the old panels out and had a glass shop make me new ones out of laminated glass...similar to that found in a car windshield. the new panels are a tad bit thicker than the originals. When I say a tad bit I mean that I cannot even begin to put a measurement to it...less than a 32nd of an inch...maybe a 64th???

I got the specified gasket/stripping from american marine...

I cannot for the life of me get these damn panels in. I am very handy...I completely framed and build my own house.

This is driving me crazy. Sooooooo, I ask all of the powers that be here on CSC if they can shed some light on how to install these glass panels.

Finally, if there is anyone in the Jamaica Bay area that is willing to do it, I will gladly pay...beer and food included.

Thank in advance for any help.

Rockaway Johnny.