Installing Windshield

[AirSpeed]

I am getting close to painting my truck and will need to install the windshield. When I had my 69 painted the guy mounted the rubber seal on the windshield and used some small diameter nylon rope in the slot in the rubber to help pull the inner lip over the steel lip in the cab. I was reading an LMC catalog and it recommends installing the rubber seal in the frame then setting the glass into it. Which is the proper way of installing a windshield? Which is easiest? Thanks!

[Dark Knight]

You're supposed to put the rubber on the windshield first, then use the rope to pull the lip over the steel in the cab. Make sure to use lots of silicone spray. I put the top in first because of the 90* corners, then worked my way down. You're going to have to push the rubber onto the lip as you go along. Hope this helps.

[HOGDADDY]

Silicone is a no-no around anything thats gonna be painted and don't even mention it around body shop guys they cringe at the thought of it. But if its already painted then maybe ok but...

Imho use anything but silicone.

[Dark Knight]

No, it's not legit silicone in a tube like caulk. It's like WD-40 except it's made to be used on rubber. I would recommend installing the glass after painting though. As long as you have a helper, nothing will get scratched.

[HOGDADDY]

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

No, it's not legit silicone in a tube like caulk. It's like WD-40 except it's made to be used on rubber. I would recommend installing the glass after painting though. As long as you have a helper, nothing will get scratched.

I figured that was what you were speaking of and imho I would not use it but ask others for their opinion on paint and silicone spray.

[BLT-NT-BOT]

I have always used liquid dish soap. dawn, joy or what ever you have.

[69lemans]

I've read that in LMC's catalogue,and I think what they mean is to "test fit " the rubber in the frame first,without the windsheild. Then if it fits OK,install the w/s as stated.Some of these aftermarket gaskets don't fit too well and it's better to find out before you install the windsheild

[67/72junkie]

I use a piece of small diameter wire that is plastic coated like a cloths line.Have a helper keep light pressure on the outside while you work the rubber seal over the lip from the inside.Take your time and go slow and its not a problem.

[GruntMoanCough]

Yes, HOGDADDY, I am cringing .
No silicone or oil of any type, shape or form, before painting. Soap is good!

[AirSpeed]

Thanks, I must have read it wrong. I won't be putting the glass in until after I paint. Thanks again.

[Jeffs70]

maybe they mean putting the metal chrome inside the seal first then the glass and then installing it in the truck?

[Diablo de la Noche]

I was working on a 60 Corvair on a VERY limited budget. I bought a junkyard windshield and found a new seal. My father-in-law said to use silicon to make the install easier. I squeezed the silicon all on the edges of the windshield seal and proceeded to put the whole thing together. What a mess! I didn't know he meant silicon spray! I won't do that again!

[Tx Firefighter]

I use Goop hand soap for lube. It is thicker and clings in place and doesn't drip off like dish soap.

[Jeffs70]

concentrated car was shop works great to with out watering it down.

[Sillyoldman]

Originally Posted by Diablo de la Noche

I was working on a 60 Corvair on a VERY limited budget. I bought a junkyard windshield and found a new seal. My father-in-law said to use silicon to make the install easier. I squeezed the silicon all on the edges of the windshield seal and proceeded to put the whole thing together. What a mess! I didn't know he meant silicon spray! I won't do that again!

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by AirSpeed

I am getting close to painting my truck and will need to install the windshield. When I had my 69 painted the guy mounted the rubber seal on the windshield and used some small diameter nylon rope in the slot in the rubber to help pull the inner lip over the steel lip in the cab. I was reading an LMC catalog and it recommends installing the rubber seal in the frame then setting the glass into it. Which is the proper way of installing a windshield? Which is easiest? Thanks!

As a few have said here, the rubber should be on the glass first and if you have stainless trim, that should go in the rubber before it goes on the windshield. When the "old school" guy installed my winshield he used rope as you suggested. The rope went in the channel, then they set the whole works in the hole. From the inside, he used a small circular motion on the rope to work the rubber over the lip. Every now and again, they would coak the glass in by slapping it with an open hand from the outside. It also works better if the rubber is warm because it softens it up a bit.

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by 69lemans

I've read that in LMC's catalogue,and I think what they mean is to "test fit " the rubber in the frame first,without the windsheild. Then if it fits OK,install the w/s as stated.Some of these aftermarket gaskets don't fit too well and it's better to find out before you install the windsheild

They should know None of their gaskets they sell fit worth a damn

[mbgmike]

Just about anything works to help lubricate the rubber.

No silicone or your fired

not even anywhere around where you will work or paint in the future.

However many people don't realize some auto paint has silicon in it during the Manufacturing but thats a different animal

[tim21391]

i agree with hogdaddy.. we have cars come into the body shop i work at right after they are detailed and what not and no matter if you clean the area real good u will have fish eyes in the paint..

[gkesseru]

The absolute best rubber lubricant is available from you local electrician supply outlet. They use is to lubricate electrical cables when pulling them through conduits. Ask for cable lubricant. Also it seems to disappear when it dries without any apparent left-over. Fantastic, no silicone problems and no long-term effects on the rubber either.

[Jeffs70]

Originally Posted by gkesseru

The absolute best rubber lubricant is available from you local electrician supply outlet. They use is to lubricate electrical cables when pulling them through conduits. Ask for cable lubricant. Also it seems to disappear when it dries without any apparent left-over. Fantastic, no silicone problems and no long-term effects on the rubber either.

Thats a great idea never thought of using that stuff

[TomJohnston]

Anyone ever use Ruglyde? The detialing forum mentioned it as a cleaner but it is sold as a lubricant. No silicone in it but it does contain some anti-freeze. As long as were here are there any tips on taking a widshield out without beaking it?

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by TomJohnston

Anyone ever use Ruglyde? The detialing forum mentioned it as a cleaner but it is sold as a lubricant. No silicone in it but it does contain some anti-freeze. As long as were here are there any tips on taking a widshield out without beaking it?

I've used it a lot when installing tires.

[67chevemall]

I lube the heck out of the rubber with motomaster hand cleaner....works everytime.

[AirSpeed]

I have many tubes of "PERSONAL LUBRICANT" (dont ask why I have 24 tubes of the stuff) It is just like wire pulling lube, its water soluble as well, I am going to have to give it a try (on my windshield) and see how it works!