ANYONE REPLACED THEIR WINDSHIELDS a108???

I'm going to have my front windshields made and want to put them in myself
ok whats the best way?

i.e do I fit the gasket to the van then put the glass in? if so do I start with it going in bottom edge first? top edge first? side?

or maybe fit the gasket to one side and apply that to the van??

do I use a sealant or do they fit dry?

any tips much appreciated

thanks in advance!
Kevin UK

What I've found works is to get the gasket out in the sun (in the UK?) so it's soft and flexible.
Install the gasket around the glass and then set the bottom edge of the gasket over the flange at the bottom from the outside.
At this point, put in a section of twine tucked into the outside groove of the gasket along the sides and top. Often some soapy water or glass cleaner will help get everything slippery.
Have a helper push gently on the outside of the glass near the outer bottom corner, spreading the area they are pushing on. While the glass is being pushed in, go inside and pull the twine so the lip of the gasket flexes up and over the flange.



You can push pretty hard before the glass breaks, but pushing also tends to jam the gasket edge so it won't slip up and over. Work slowly, and work up the to proper force.
Once the gasket is up each side, work the top corners. It may require shoving the glass down into the base gasket to get around the top corners and the top of the gasket to slip in. A tool like a bent screwdriver may help coax the gasket to flip up over the flange, but be careful around the glass edge.
After the gasket is fully installed, grab the glass between your hands (in and out) and wiggle it so it's centered and the gasket is even all around.
Now install the lock strip in the front of the gasket. There is a special tool for this, but if both the gasket and lock strip are new, warm and flexible, it can be done by hand with a couple screwdrivers or plastic trim removal tools. Be careful around glass!

You can google images for a better view of the windshield lock strip tool.

BTW, will the guy cutting the glass install it?
If so, he takes the risks, has the experience and should warranty against leaks.
If the glass is slightly off, he will have the feel to know and fix it, too.

Here's a youtube video of the process
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keNGeBKOduM

Here's one installed the opposite way, gasket first, then glass. I have never seen this done in the field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPBZOVK0eBI

Another, Part 1 with the sealer around the outside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr7Prioj9Xo

Part 2 sealing around the inside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY_b6838A8g

I've found the the more common area for leaks is where the gasket meets the body flange, NOT where it meets the glass.
The glass is very smooth flat and even. The flange is lumpy, uneven thickness and often has twists.
So I'd prefer to seal the flange, not the glass. Doing this is extremely messy! I'm amazed this guy hasn't masked off everything.

Again, talk to your glass person. Arizona where I live is a different environment and we have different supplies and process sometimes.

Amazing tips again Rod! Any tips on where to get the gaskets? Mine are shot.

e-bay , about $125.00 is a good price.

My advice, let the glass guy install it. If he breaks it, he buys you a new glass! you break it...your SOL!

Restoration Specialties& Supply Inc. www.RESTORATIONSPECIALTIES.COM

I agree let a glass do it

Are any of you guys concerned with a glass guy doing your vintage van? Or are they pretty knowledgable about all vehicles? I assume it's pretty standard after watching those vids.

I did mine with help from my wife.It's not to hard... The way i look at it is if he can do it then so can I. BUT every one knows their limits to,

A100 Wrench wrote:Restoration Specialties& Supply Inc.  www.RESTORATIONSPECIALTIES.COM

GREAT TIP!
They carry alot of products.

That's really great advice fellas, yeah leaving the rubber gasket out in the sun in September over here will probably make it more solid! I have been in contact with a bloke over here who can source and fit at a decent price AND take the risks!!

Thanks again i'll keep you posted how it looks in the end
Cheers Kevin UK

Any update on this? I got new seals showing up this week.

Also I can't seem to find these seals.....anybody got a lead?

Just tried to do mine and didnt go so well. I have the seal from restoration specialties and it almost seemed to small. I am gonna try to find a glass guy to do it.

.....Still waiting on my screens! but i'll post pics and take vid' when the time comes! - they should be here this weekend and hopefully get down to fitting up next week.....yeehaaw!!

Had mine installed. Need the right tools and knowledge for sure.
The middle rubber spine is not fitting that well. Its like the glass is a little too small for the new seal. I dont understand why they made the center strip so loose and not rigid.