Rear Window Glass: Installation

CAUTION: After installing a new urethane-installed glass, the vehicle should not be driven until the urethane adhesive has cured. The curing time for Essex 400-HV at temperatures above 13°C (55°F) and relative humidity above 50% is 12-24 hours. (Refer to the Essex drive away chart for the cure times as the temperatures and humidity vary.) Inadequate curing of the urethane adhesive may adversely affect the strength of the urethane adhesive bond.

CAUTION: Make sure urethanes and primers have not gone beyond the shelf life printed on the containers. Lids should be re-installed after use to maximize actual shelf life, which may be less than what is indicated once lids or seals are removed.

Dry fit the rear window glass. Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil.

CAUTION: Avoid scratching the pinch weld area.

Fig 1: Trimming Remaining Urethane Adhesive

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Trim the remaining urethane adhesive on the pinch weld to within specification.
Use a wool applicator to apply urethane metal primer to any exposed metal on the pinch weld. Allow 6 to 10 minutes to dry.
If reinstalling the original rear window glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive from the rear window glass.
If a new rear window glass is to be installed, attach the new molding to the edge of the glass starting at the top center, then working out, then down the pillars and around the corners.
Clean the rear window glass with a non-alcohol based window cleaner.

NOTE: Wipe off the glass prep with a clean lint-free cloth immediately after each application because it flash dries.

If installing a new rear window glass, apply urethane glass prep twice around the surface to be urethaned.
If installing a new rear window glass, apply glass primer to the same area that was in the previous step. Allow five minutes to dry.
Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.

Fig 2: Cutting Urethane Adhesive Applicator Tip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: If the vehicle is to be driven within 24 hours of urethane application, the Urethane Adhesive Essex U-216 must be used due to its one-hour cure time.

Fig 3: Applying Urethane Adhesive To Pinch Weld

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply a bead of the urethane adhesive to the pinch weld.
Install the rear window glass aligning it to the marks made previously.

Fig 4: Installing Rear Window Glass
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
After the glass is set, check for water leaks and add urethane adhesive where needed.
Connect the rear window glass electrical connectors.
Install the package tray. For additional information, see PARCEL SHELF .