Windshield Glass: Installation
- Dry-fit the windshield glass on the existing urethane bead on the pinch weld.
- Position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.
- Center the windshield glass in the opening.
- Adjust the windshield glass stop blocks (if equipped) as needed for best fit.
- Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil (preferably at the windshield glass stop blocks) on the windshield glass and the body.
- After the dry-fit alignment, remove the windshield glass and place on a stable work surface with the interior side of the glass facing upward.
- Using a clean shop towel, brush or oil-free compressed air, clean the pinch weld area around the existing urethane. Remove any foreign material or water that may have entered during windshield removal.
- Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.8 in) base or original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.
- If reinstalling the same windshield glass, remove any remaining urethane adhesive from the glass leaving a thin layer to bond with the new urethane bead.
- Clean the inside of the new windshield glass with glass cleaner.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface of the blackened border area where the urethane adhesive will be applied.
- If installing a new windshield glass, apply urethane glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
- Install the upper windshield weatherstrip.
- Cut the urethane applicator tip to specification.
- Apply a uniform bead of urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane bead on the pinch weld just outside the foam butyl dam.
- Make sure that all gaps in the urethane bead are smoothed into one continuous bead.
- Using the alignment marks made previously, position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.
- Check the glass installation for air or water leaks.
- Install the windshield side moldings.
- Install the headliner.
- Install the interior rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
- Install the overhead console.
- Install the A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
- Install the sun visors.
- Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
- Run the blower motor on defrost HIGH to check for glass that may have fallen into the defroster vents.
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 the 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:
The windshield glass must be positioned within 10 minutes of applying the urethane adhesive.
WARNING:
Do not drive vehicle until the urethane adhesive seal has cured. Follow urethane adhesive manufacturer's curing directions. Inadequate or incorrect curing of the urethane adhesive seal will adversely affect glass retention. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
CAUTION:
Before positioning the windshield glass, open vehicle windows to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the adhesive bond.
NOTE:
The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air or water leaks.
NOTE:
Be sure the moldings seat completely.