Roping in a windshield ?

[Dave Kost]

I'm going to attempt roping in by windshield on my 75 Targa. Safelite refused the job.

I've got everything prepared other that installing the rope in the seal. My question is what size and type rope do I use.

A picture would help showing the install.

Thanks in advance.

[jpnovak]

I use layout string. This is a multi-stranded string found at HD or other home improvement store. Available in a spool or roll and in many colors. It is strong, waxed and highly flexible.

Go around the window channel inside the seal 2X. This way if/when you miss a section you have a second shot without resetting the string.

Installing the glass is the easiest part of the whole endeavor. Putting in the window trim into the seal is the absolute worst part.

[yel911]

I use soapie water in a spray bottle also. Just don't push on the lower corners too hard. (crack!!!)

[NY65912]

I use nylon mason line, about 1/8" thick. Use PLENTY of liquid soap, a nylon "bone" tool is also a huge help when having to work the gasket.

If possible, get an extra set of hands!!

Never had a problem.

[will hung]

I wrapped the string 3 times to make sure I wouldn't need to restring it. With a thin enough string, you can just pull it out if you get it full seated and you still have a few more passes.

I used Windex to lube it to install. Easy to spray, just the right amount of slickness, and dries.

[robfike]

Slather everything with "Goop" hand cleaner.
This will really help the roping in process, and then it just goes away.
Make sure to have a helper.
The windshield is the easiest of all the windows.

[sc_rufctr]

All good info but were do you "start" the string? Top or bottom?

Bottom I'm guessing...

[NY65912]

I have always started bottom center.

[robfike]

Bottom center

[78SCRSMAN]

I started mine from the top after reading quite a few threads here. It took me three tries to get it right... that damn trim kept coming out somewhere. If that happens, save yourself the trouble and start over by pulling the trim back out and starting from scratch.

[Pazuzu]

Wander down to your local Walgreens and get some KY Jelly/astroglide/favorite brand.

Slick as...ehem...snot...ehem...and water based, so it'll dry and disappear.

[Discseven]

Dave... this line is just over 1/8". Some put talcum on line---that gets messy. Others use soapy water... not so messy. Suggest wrapping line around seal twice. If seal does not pull out first time... you have second shot at it without starting over.



Can see line plowing seal up here as it should...

[carreradpt]

WHen you place the windshield w/trim and seal into place, what is the best way to tell if you have it centered before pulling the rope? What the seal looks like on the pinch weld from the inside or where the seal sits on the car from the outside?

[Dave Kost]

Thanks for all the responses and tips!

I plan to do the job tomorrow.

[will hung]

Originally Posted by carreradpt

WHen you place the windshield w/trim and seal into place, what is the best way to tell if you have it centered before pulling the rope? What the seal looks like on the pinch weld from the inside or where the seal sits on the car from the outside?

For me, I sat it on the car and eyeballed it until it was reasonably centered. I then sprayed my Windex and then went to work. The seal will still be a little wet once you get the windshield installed, so you can re-position as needed.

The correct way to re-position is to use the suction cup handles stuck to the windshield. I just put my hands on the outside surface of the windshield and pushed the windshield in the direction it needed to go.

My buddy that helped me install the windshield said that mine was the first he helped install that didn't need a strip of rubber positioned across the bottom of the windshield opening enable the seal to cover the entire opening across the top. When mine was installed, I didn't have to play around with a rubber hammer and shims to shape the outer edges to cover the corner opening. So I got lucky in that respect.

When the seal is fully seated on the pinch weld, on the inside, all you will see is a uniform rubber lip completely covering the pinch weld. If I were home, I'd take a pic to show you. If I remember tonight, I'll try.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by will hung

The seal will still be a little wet once you get the windshield installed, so you can re-position as needed.

Interesting point WH. Put in dry and once seal has got a few inches of lip... there's no moving windshield.

[futurefun]

I have used clothesline, a popsicle stick along with lube, patience & light touch. Good luck.

[Dave Kost]

Well everything went good until I started moving the corners in place. Lost my patience and buggered up the trim pieces. Yes I made the wood stick.

Is was easier that expected- the lip went in fairly easily. I think main issue was I didn't form the trim pieces to the exact contour of the widow glass before installing the trim in the rubber windshield seal. Also, maybe the window wasn't not properly centered in the frame before pulling the rope.

Finally, I would lather up the windshield body frame with soap, so the windshield assembly can be moved easier to its final resting place.

It will do for now- had to get it out of the living room before the holidays.

Thanks all!

Best regards,

[will hung]

Good job Dave!

[carreradpt]

Dave, was your trim new or did you use the old trim?