windshield

i ordered a new seal from precision, then ordered a windshield from vintage glass i got the smoke gray does anyone have any tips on installing it? do i need to use any sealer? the old glass didnt have a locking strip and it pushed out very easy, i also order a locking strip with the new seal and a strip instlation tool

helpers are a big help. I had my wife, daughter and a ratcheting strap as helpers.



because of the two glass sections, I used the strap to HOLD/PULL the first section over far enough to get the second piece in. after the second piece was in, the strap easily slipped through between the gasket and glass in the middle, with plenty of lube.

I noticed the pro installed I had to use on the econoline used WD40 for lube. I’ve always used liquid dish detergent (DAWN).

my locking strip needs to be reinstalled. one of the lower corner radius never sunk in as far as it should have and has started to pop out.

THANKS MAN, i'll use plenty of dish soap in a squirter, great you had good help, my wife allways helps me. i'll have to round up some more hands too, my old one pushed right out, i think if i had hit the brakes hard when driveing it would have fallin out,lol they never installed a locking strip when it was out for painting,

A few tips...
Make sure the flange on the opening is nice and flat.
Test fit the rubber first, and note any fitting problems.
It also helps to lay it out in the sun for a while to get nice and flexible.
The best way to do it is probably to apply a good sealer to the groove around the outside first, then install the rubber. This is where most leaks occur, so fitting dry may not make a water tight seal.
Next, install the glass from the front. The flange here is smaller and easier to work around the glass edge. I've seen lots of different lubes, but you gott get it off the glass after. I've seen some pros use nothing but glass cleaner!
Finally, install that lock strip. Try not to pull it too tight in the corners. As AMH said, it tends to shrink after a while.

ok i'll get a tube of sealer like i used on the door seals, and use plenty of soap or glass cleaner to install the glass, thanks rod,,

if the rubber fits any amount of sealer should not be needed. once in place and lock ring installed it should fit snug enough not to leak. using sealers make it harder to remove the glass later and on most ocasions will require another mounting rubber as it takes a long time to clean the sealer from the exsisting one.
the best way to install the glass in an a-series van is with a strong cord inside the rubber where it fits on the pinch weld. about 3/16 size is all you need and set the bottom in place over the pinch and lay the rest against the opening. pull the rope from the inside and it pulls the rubber up and over the pinchweld. slight pressure from the outside as you pull the rope will set it in place easily all around the opening. if you added sealer to this procedure before hand it is now over everything and you. you can add a little to the corners after the rope has been removed as this is where it will leak if anywhere. then install the lock ring into the groove and its done. there is a special tool to install the lock ring and a glass shop might lend you one or tell you where to buy one. it makes the job of the lock ring simple but it can be done without it, just takes a lot of time and sometimes marks the rubber badly. just my thoughts on this.........

Sometimes the glass blanks do not jive with the gasket (too small or too large) depending on the gasket manufacturer. If you are sure the glass is too big, you can bring it to a glass shop that has a straight line polisher. It'll take about 1/32" off per pass. They may have to hand grind the radius for you with a special abrasive disc or belt.

If the glass is too short, a couple of rubber setting blocks can be your friend.

You can rent (or buy) a suction cup. Things come in real handy.

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-Powr-Grip-N4000-Vacuum-Handle/dp/B000LDEH64

Whatever you do, do not go "Bigger Hammer" on it. You can smack the suction cup from side to side, but a fist hitting the glass will not end well.

do you mean installing one glass first in the seal then lift it up to the window opening then havs someone pull the cord inside the van? or install the seal first around the opening?

both pieces at the same time. it is a handful but manageable with a friend. as soon as the rubber is pulled over the pinchweld a small amount of play will be present BEFORE the lock ring goes in. the guys who did mine were not very good at old style glass installs and they had the rubber quite crooked to the point there was a hole at the top center right glass and that was after they put the lock in. just shimmy the glass and rubber till it lines up and install lock.

thanks for the help JKR,

thanks for the great pictures Donivan, i understand now how it goes,

i bought the locking strip tool, precision said it was all i needed to install it, and plenty of soapy water,

i've done it with wife and son, it took a good hour, today i would pay a pro , he wood take half hour to do it, these guys know there trade, i ended up scraching my paint so....good luck and be patient...corrosive

thanks corrosive, i might call a pro if i have any trouble, they said it should ship out monday, i already have the seal and a locking strip tool,

well i had to call a pro, it took him 1/2 hour, it turned out great, i got the smoke gray,

thanks dix, i'm real happy with it, i dont know what percentage it is its called smoke gray, from vintage glass 190.00 and free shipping,

That looks really good! I plan to replace mine soon as well, probably before I get it out next spring.


Tom

yeah it made a world of difference, i love the smoke color, now i can see without looking through all the scratches,

dix wrote: After replacing my windshild i found the scraches were in my glasses...

LOL i've had that problem before,

So where's a good priced windshield seal located? Maybe I can get one for Xmas.