Windshield Glass: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1.0-1.5 mm (0.04-0.06 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.
- Using a clean shop towel, brush or oil-free compressed air, clean the pinch weld area around the existing urethane. Remove any foreign material or water that may have entered during windshield removal.
- Install the windshield glass stops on the vehicle.
- Rivet the stops in position.
- If reinstalling the same windshield glass, remove the remaining urethane adhesive from the glass leaving a thin layer to bond with the new urethane bead.
- Install the windshield header seal on the windshield glass.
- Clean the inside of the windshield glass with glass cleaner.
- If installing a new windshield glass, apply urethane glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
- Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld. Make sure that all gaps in the urethane adhesive are smoothed into one continuous bead starting and ending at the bottom of the windshield near the center.
- With the aid of an assistant, install the windshield glass.
- Fill the cavities between both the LH and RH sides of the windshield header seal and the sheet metal, using urethane adhesive for a total length of 50 mm (1.96 in) from the base of the A-pillars.
- After the urethane cures, check the windshield glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
- Position the front portion of the headliner.
- Install the sun visors.
- If equipped, install the dome lamp assembly.
- If equipped, install the overhead console.
- Install the inside rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
- Install the LH and RH A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
- Install the cowl grille panels.
- Install the windshield wiper pivot arms. For additional information, refer to WIPERS AND WASHERS article.
WARNING:
Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left unrepaired may reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
NOTE:
Avoid scratching the pinch weld. For minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld, see the manufacturer's recommendations.
CAUTION:
Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for the adhesive and primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane and primer. Refer to the Material Chart in this procedure.
NOTE:
Sika uses the same black primer for the glass and pinch weld area.
NOTE:
The windshield glass must be positioned within 10 minutes of applying the urethane adhesive.
NOTE:
Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that will apply the urethane with less effort and continuous bead.
WARNING:
Do not drive vehicle until the urethane seal has cured. Follow urethane manufacturer's curing directions. Inadequate or incorrect curing of the urethane seal will adversely affect glass retention. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
NOTE:
Before positioning the windshield glass, open vehicle windows to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the adhesive bond.
NOTE:
The urethane must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air or water leaks.