Windshield Glass: Installation
NOTE:
For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.
- Dry fit the windshield glass to the existing urethane adhesive bead on the body pinch weld. Align the windshield glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
- Use a non-permanent pencil to make alignment marks on the windshield glass at the setting blocks and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the windshield glass.
- Remove the windshield glass.
- Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1 mm to 2 mm (0.04 in to 0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinchweld.
- If installing the original windshield glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
- Clean the inside of the windshield glass surface 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.
- Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.
- 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.
- Install the windshield glass on the vehicle aligning it with the markings made previously.
- After the urethane has cured, check the windshield glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
- Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
- Install the headliner. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
- Install the interior mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
- Install the A-pillar trim panels.
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 manufacturer's recommendations.
NOTE:
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:
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).