Do windshield rubbers need sealant/mastic?

Howdy all,

The simple job of installing a roof lining & interior panelling in my van - has turned into that........+ strip & paint the interior + replace the windshield & side rubbers.

Given that the side window rubbers were pretty easy, I thought I'd change the windshield rubber I bought from Mac's myself.

Can it go on dry - or is the prevailing wisdom to use a windshield sealant at the time of installation?

Thanks & regards,

Rhys

rhysaccess,
It can go in dry but can be a bugger sometimes. I would only use actual sealer if the seal is damaged otherwise it's not really needed. Would recommend silicone lubricant, it will made your life easier during the install. And a couple of "Proper tools" will also make it much less frustrating.

most all window shops use a liquid rubber compound in a pump type can application after w/s in in - keeps all from leaking water after installed and coming back to the shops. Id highly reccomend it - napa sells the stuff.

I USED LIQUID KITCHEN SOAP , YOU WILL NEED A HELPER.

@ helpers usually as I watch & have a beer . beers also cheaper than a wage on sundays

By the way here - usually ive had great luck going by some auto glass shops and asking the installers if they want some after hours work or weekends . Cheap & experienced .

My first Econo had no sealer in the windsheild when I bought it. It leaked like a sieve.

When I replaced the glass in my current Econo, I asked the guy not to put sealer in because I plan on painting the van soon and will pop the windshield for that. It's leaks like a sieve too.

So in my experience, sealer is required. Also, the glass guy said the sealer is safer too because in an accident, the glass is less likely to pop out, and so are you!

Btw, I also asked a glass guy if he'd do an after hours thing... $40 vs. $100+! But now I know the trick, it's not too hard to do with the rope.

In my experience, installing without sealer is asking for leaks.
I'm talking about the seal to body area, not the seal to glass, although it may need some too.
The metal isn't perfectly smooth and flat, and can use help since the seal is larger there.
If the body and interior are nice, it's a good idea to mask off the area to prevent mess. Make sure to mask a bit away from where the seal rests, since you don't want to pull the tape back out from the seal once it's in.

Hey fellas,

Thanks for your replys.

Seems to me like sealer might be a good idea......other than mess, it can't seem to hurt.

I'll use my sons to help me put the screen in - probably another test to our relationship.

Thanks & regards,
Rhys

she's Lookin Good!!

Can the sealer be used even after the windshield is already in place?

yes- even for years after

Howdy all,

Nice sunny day in this part of the world - so it gave the opportunity to sand, mask and put the dash & interior in primer. While moderate for here, the 32 degree (around 90 deg F) day made the work a little hot in the direct sun. And exhausting.

Hope to get home from work early tommorow to spray the Dupont 2-pack red.

Then lots to assemble. And then the windshield to fit.



Regards,
Rhys

Hi Rhys, nice van. But isn't the steering wheel on the wrong side? Just kidding LOL That really is a nice van. Did you import it or was it already in Australia? By the way, beautiful country down there. Had a chance to visit while doing joint military work with the Air Force years ago.

Howdy all,

Painted the dash (for the 2nd time) this weekend. And the rest of the interior.

Just need to put the windshield in now.......which was what this thread was supposed to be about.

And twday - yes some might argue the steering wheel is on the wrong side. Not me of course, (imported it from LA) - unless I'm in a fast food drive through or parking ticket dispenser.

Regards,
Rhys

Wow Rhys,

I never gave those two places much thought but I guess you better hope you have a passenger along, LOL. It always surprised me that Ford did not market the Econoline in Australia as they did the Falcon and its derivatives. Yours is looking mighty fine. Hope you post a lot of pics while you are working on it and the finished product.

T.W.

Howdy all,

Windshield and new seal are in. I used windsheild mastic - and it seals nicely.

With the interior painting done, and the windshield in.......I can start to fit the full hoodlining I've made. The front piece anyway.

I've been advised that the late dash pad & glovebox lid I bought in December will be here soon - fitting that will be the next job.


Regards,
Rhys