Windshield Glass: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
After installing the new windshield glass, the vehicle should not be driven until the urethane adhesive has cured. The curing time at temperatures above 13°C (55°F) and relative humidity above 50% is 12-24 hours. (Refer to the drive away chart for the cure times as the temperatures and humidity vary). Inadequate curing of the urethane adhesive may adversely affect the strength of the urethane adhesive bond.
- Dry fit the new windshield glass to the existing urethane bed on the body pinch weld. Align the windshield in the opening for uniform fit and adjust the setting blocks as needed for the best fit.
- Use tape or non-permanent marking pencil to make alignment marks on the windshield glass (preferably at the setting blocks), and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the new windshield.
- After alignment, remove the windshield glass and moulding from the vehicle and place them on a stable work surface.
- Trim the remaining urethane adhesive on the pinch weld. The urethane must be smooth and free of cuts and contamination after trimming. Avoid touching the urethane surface after preparation.
- Check the pinch weld for damaged sheet metal, raised sheet metal at the spot welds, rust or foreign material that may cause glass breakage. Clean or repair the surface as necessary.
- Use a wool applicator to apply urethane metal primer to any exposed metal on the pinch weld. Allow 6 to 10 minutes to dry.
- Clean the inside of the glass surface with an alcohol-free cleaner to make sure the ceramic-coated area is clean.
- Align the "V" notch in the ceramic paint and windshield glass outside moulding at top center. Fully seat the windshield glass outside moulding along the top edge of the windshield glass and along the sides and bottom edges of the windshield glass.
- Remove the dual lock windshield glass stop adhesive backing.
- Apply urethane glass primer to the same area that was prepped in the previous step. Allow 5 minutes to dry.
- Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.
- Apply a bead of urethane adhesive to the pinch weld.
- Install the windshield glass on the pinch weld. Align the windshield glass to the body using the alignment marks while pushing downward to set the stops.
- After the urethane has cured, check the windshield seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
- Place 2 strips of duct tape onto the windshield glass and secure it to the roof panel. This helps avoid misalignment while the urethane cures.
- Install the headliner.
- Connect the windshield electrical connectors.
- Install the 2 A-pillar trim panels.
- If equipped, install the rain sensor module.
- Install the interior rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS .
- Install the windshield moulding. For additional information, refer to WINDSHIELD MOULDING in this article.
- Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
CAUTION:
Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.
CAUTION:
All rust found on the pinch weld must be removed and the pinch weld restored to OEM specifications. If surface rust is found, remove completely down to clean, bare metal. Prime the pinch weld metal with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommended curing automotive paint primer and allow it to cure. If rust has penetrated through the pinch weld metal, repair the pinch weld sheet metal at a body shop before proceeding.
NOTE:
If the moulding is already on the windshield glass, proceed to the next step.
CAUTION:
Open the windows to prevent the windshield glass from being pushed out by air pressure if a door is closed.
NOTE:
The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of 1 hour before testing for air or water leaks.