Glass Markings

[Starfire61]

Does anyone know when GM adopted the "Soft-Ray" trademark for its tinted glass?

Did the "Soft-Ray" mark replace "E-Z-Eye," or were both used interchangeably for awhile?

I have a newer windshield in a '62 Olds Starfire convertible which I'd like to replace with one having the correct markings.

Thanks for the info-

Chuck

[Guest Bob Call]

Chuck

This report states that Soft-Ray was a GM trademark. I states that E-Z Eye was a glass manufacture trademark. So original correct replacement glass for your Olds would be Soft-Ray. E-Z Eye would be an aftermarket replacement glass not a GM OEM glass.

CRG Research Report - 1967-69 Camaro Window Glass

[msmazcol]

I'm glad to be educated on glass markings. I somehow have a desire to put a sharp stick in my eye though. This should be as entertaining on a show field as tire markings and repo batteries.

IMHO

[Guest Bob Call]

I thought it was interesting that this report says that the Camero plants were primarily supplied glass by LOF and Firebird plants were primarily supplied by PPG. I would have thought that since the glass dimensions are the same for the two cars GM would have had only one supplier.

Yeah, do judges know that each car manufacturer had a trademarked name for tinted window glass and what are those names as opposed to glass manufacturers trademarked name? Also, do judges know to look for date codes on window glass? So, if I have a 63 GM A body car with a GM OEM replacement windshield with a 64 date code do they deduct points? If I have a 64 GM A body car with a GM OEM replacement windshield with a 63 date code do they deduct points?

Edited December 8, 2009 by Bob Call (see edit history)

[Guest wombvette]

The answer is yes in the Corvette world. Dates and markings are judged.

[Larry Schramm]

At one time I believe that the Camaro and Firebird were built in Norwood,OH(Cincinnati), California, and finally St Terese,Quebec. Location would possibly drive the supplier.

[Seldenguy]

Many times manufacturers have alternate sources of suppliers. The most common reason I understand is so they won't be dependent on labor upheavals, Trucking delays ,plus it keeps the venders competitive, Their assembly lines must run!---Bob

[Bhigdog]

Chuck

This report states that Soft-Ray was a GM trademark. I states that E-Z Eye was a glass manufacture trademark. So original correct replacement glass for your Olds would be Soft-Ray. E-Z Eye would be an aftermarket replacement glass not a GM OEM glass.

CRG Research Report - 1967-69 Camaro Window Glass

All the original OEM glass in my 50's GM cars was marked LOF E-Z-EYE.....Bob

[Guest quadfins]

Cadillac tinted glass was E-Z-Eye through 1961. Starting in the 1962 model year tinted glass was SoftRay.

[BamaWildcat]

I've had two '64 Wildcats with factory glass. Each from a different plant. One has E-Z Eye and one has Soft-Ray.