Happy weekend guys. NOT asking how to install a windshield. I have a new one from RockAuto, and a new gasket.
What I AM asking is, to those who HAVE installed them, WHAT sealant did you use around the gasket? I picked up a tube of 3M urethane sealant (#8069)? Will that work? Any other suggestions or cautions? Thanks.
Chris
I think you'll be fine with your sealant. My tips for glasswork is to have a helper, use soapy water to lube the rope and rubber, do it on a hot day and/or keep the seal in hot water for a while till just before you put it on, use nylon prying tools if you must. I'd mask off your dash too, it can get messy to keep it all lubed.
Go to steelrubber.com and see their video on how to do the install. Even if your gasket is from a different supplier the how to is the same. It's step by step.
Finally got my windshield installed. I'm not discouraging anyone NOT to do it, but it's not an easy job - the alignment is critical (especially left to right), and the corners of the gasket are really bad with the way they "don't want to" fit up over the body welds. I give my overall impression of my install an "8 out of 10" - it's fine, it could have been better, but all I really care about at this point is that the thing stays leak free. Of course getting the windshield/headliner done, I'm now full steam ahead on final body prep prior to paint.
I did an install of a gasketed windshield a while back and I used 3M 8509. Black and goopy but it seems to seal well. But, yea, it can be nerve wracking. My case was a '64 Studebaker and the windshield is nearly impossible to find. I wound up replacing a noticeably cracked windshield for one that had scratches and a bulls-eye. So in addition to just getting it in I also had the pressure of not having the flaws crack. I found that pulling the thin rope in a small circular motion helped. I think it helped to get the rubber over the pinch weld and then relax it in small increments. Did one tube do the whole install? I barely got my much short glass in with an empty tube.
One tube did the install BUT it has shrunk way back over the last two weeks and I'll probably fill it again just to be sure there's enough. BTW - it IS super goopy and doesn't really "harden" (stays flexible) - but a helpful hint - use Naphtha as cleanup, it works really well and not as harsh as Lacquer thinner.
did you get the windshield from Rockauto or just the rubber? What did it cost?
Windshield - Rock Auto. Rubber - Either Steele or Tops Down (can't recall). The windshield was very affordable - $159 or something? Made in China (isn't everything) but was tinted and looks GREAT.
Chris
I know it's an old topic, but when I did the windshield gasket on my 73 wagon, I watched the installer do my 78's. A crucial and super helpful tip was...
Heat the urethane in an oven, then slap it in the calking gun and work quickly but carefully. It really helps with getting the stuff where you want it.