windshield replacement

wastintime · 04-04-2002, 01:24 PM

Has anyone replaced the windshields on their car? Is there a trick to getting the aluminum trim into the windshield seal? I'm pretty sure it has to go in before installation, but I can't seem to get it to stay in place. I didn't know if I should try using glue or sealant or something like that.

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

I will be watching the replies as I will be doing the same this month too. I just tried my trim in the seal and you are right It dont stay in real good, mite need to tape it to the seal, trim and glass intil installed, I know in my VW I had to install the trim first and this trim looks like the same type.

Craig

wastintime · 04-04-2002, 06:14 PM

craig,
I'm putting the windshield in tomorrow, I'll let you know how easy or difficult it goes is.

Beilieve it or not, WD-40 seemed to work miracles for getting the trim in. I just sprayed it where the trim seemed to not want to stay in and it must have let the trim go in more easily and farther so that it could get a better grip on the seal.

Alan.UK · 04-04-2002, 11:23 PM

Hi,

Windshield Replacement can be a right pain, depending on the condition of the chrome trim. If it’s bent/damaged and looses its shape then it will not stay inserted into the rubber as the screen is put in.

I've done this a few times and you really need some one to help, in fact two extra people may be even easier. The last time I did it the trim didn't want to stay in the rubber at all, and corners kept popping out. First put the rubber on and then put the trim in. Before trying the fit the glass make sure the trim fits well and follows the curve of the glass, I guess it’s the time spent here which will make the job easier. When the glass is fitted and the rubber is pulled over the lip of the window frame it’s this extra pressure around the rubber, which holds the trim in place. I did hear once of a gentleman who had so many problems keeping the trim in place that sections were superglued in, probably not advisable but it worked. I would suggest, time, patience and help.
HTH
Lets us know how you get on.

Alan.UK

wastintime · 04-05-2002, 03:17 PM

Well heck, that was actually pretty easy. I bought a brand new windshield today for $110. It took about 20 minutes for a friend of mine and I to get the windshield out and put the new one in. Zero problems at all, it went right in and looks great with trim.

adot · 04-05-2002, 03:30 PM

Was that with a factory seal or aftermarket ?

Thanx

Brett

wastintime · 04-05-2002, 03:39 PM

We used a new OEM seal from stoddard... well worth the money.

wwwcad · 04-05-2002, 05:28 PM

So, how do you REMOVE the windshield? My rubber gasket is hard as a rock and is essentially locked into place at this stage (must be that fine NY weather we have here). I don't want to damage either the chrome or the glass.

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

I had this problem with the seal on my rear targa glass because it had never been removed and had to cut the rubber away from the glass then remove it or I would have broken the glass trying to get it out. then purchase a new very soft seal.

Craig