Windshield Glass: Installation

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 Essex drive away chart for times as temperatures and humidity vary). Inadequate curing of the urethane adhesive will adversely affect the strength of the urethane adhesive bond.

1. Dry-fit the windshield glass by centering it side-to-side and by adjusting the blocks (if equipped) to get the correct position of the part top-to-bottom. Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil on both the glass and the vehicle body.
CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.
Fig 1: Removing Urethane Using Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Trim the remaining urethane on the pinch weld using only the full-cut method. In this method, most of the existing urethane is removed leaving a level bead around the entire pinch weld.
3. Using a wool applicator, apply the Urethane Metal Primer Essex U-413 meeting Ford specification WSB-M234-C to any exposed metal on the pinch weld and allow 6 to 10 minutes to dry.
4. If reinstalling the original windshield glass, remove any excess urethane adhesive from the glass.
5. If installing a new windshield glass, clean the inside of the glass surface with an alcohol-free cleaner to make sure the ceramic-coated area is clean.
CAUTION: Wipe off the urethane glass prep immediately after each application because it flash dries. Apply deliberate strokes, making sure not to overlap the applied area.
6. If installing a new windshield glass, apply Urethane Glass Prep Essex U-401 meeting Ford specification WSB-M2G314-B twice around the glass surface to be prepped.
7. If installing a new windshield glass, apply Urethane Glass Primer Essex U-402 meeting Ford specification WSB-M5B280-C to the same area that was in the previous step. Allow five minutes to dry.
8. Cut the applicator tip to specification.
   Fig 2: Cutting Applicator Tip To Specification

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: If the vehicle is to be driven within 24 hours of urethane adhesive application, Urethane Adhesive Essex U-216 meeting Ford specification WSB- M2G316-B must be used due to its one hour cure time.
Fig 3: Identifying Bead Of Urethane Adhesive Essex 400-HV
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Apply a bead of Urethane Adhesive Essex 400-HV or Essex U-216 meeting Ford specification WSB-M2G316-B to the pinch weld.
CAUTION: Open a window to prevent the windshield glass from being pushed out by air pressure when a door is closed.
10. Using the alignment marks install the windshield glass.
11. After the glass is set, check for water and air leaks through the urethane adhesive and add urethane adhesive where needed.
12. Install the front portion of the headliner.
13. Install the interior rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR .
14. If equipped, install the overhead console. For additional information, refer to OVERHEAD CONSOLE .
15. Remove the tape from the defroster housing.
16. Install the instrument panel defroster opening grille assembly.
    • If equipped, connect the electrical connectors.
    Fig 4: Connecting Electrical Connectors

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
17. Install the windshield side garnish mouldings.
    Fig 5: Installing Windshield Side Garnish Mouldings

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
18. Install the sun visors and clips.
    Fig 6: Installing Sun Visors And Clips

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to COWL PANEL GRILLE .