Windshield Glass: Installation
- Dry fit the windshield glass to the existing urethane bed on the adhesive area. Align the windshield in the opening for a uniform fit.
- Use tape or non-permanent marking pencil to make alignment marks on the windshield and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the new windshield.
- After alignment, remove the windshield glass from the vehicle and place it on a stable work surface.
- Trim the remaining urethane adhesive on the pinch weld to within specification. The urethane surface should be smooth and free of cuts and contamination after trimming. Avoid touching the urethane surface after preparation.
- Check the pinch weld for damaged sheet metal, raised sheet metal at the spot welds, rust, or foreign material that may cause glass breakage. Clean or repair the surface as necessary.
- Using the wool applicator, apply metal primer to any exposed metal on the pinch weld. Allow 6 to 10 minutes to dry.
- Install new dual lock windshield glass stops.
- Clean the inside of the glass surface with an alcohol-free cleaner to make sure the ceramic-coated area is clean.
- Apply urethane glass prep twice around the glass surface to be prepped.
- Apply urethane glass primer in the same area as in the previous step. Allow 5 minutes to dry.
- Cut the urethane applicator tip to specification.
- Apply a bead of urethane adhesive to the urethaned area.
- Install the windshield glass on the vehicle, aligning it with the marks made previously.
- Check the windshield installation for air or water leaks through the urethane bead.
- Place 2 strips of tape onto the windshield glass and secure it to the top of the windshield frame. This will help avoid misalignment while the urethane cures.
- Connect the audio antenna snap connector.
- Connect the wiring harness locators.
- Slide the mirror onto the windshield button until fully seated.
- Install the windshield header moulding and the 2 screws (1 each side).
- Install the windshield moulding and the 2 pin-type retainers (1 each side).
- Install the 2 windshield moulding screws (1 each side).
- Install the 6 windshield moulding nuts (3 each side).
- Install the defroster opening grille panel.
- Connect the electrical connectors.
- Install the cowl vent screen. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
- Install the 2 A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
CAUTION:
After installing the glass, the vehicle should not be driven until the urethane adhesive has cured. The curing time at temperatures above 13°C (55°F) and relative humidity above 50% is 12-24 hours (decreasing at higher temperatures and lower humidities). Inadequate curing of the urethane adhesive may adversely affect the strength of the urethane adhesive bond. (Refer to the Essex driveaway chart for cure times as the temperatures may vary.)
CAUTION:
Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.
CAUTION:
All rust found on the pinch weld must be removed and the pinch weld restored to factory specification. If surface rust is found, remove it completely down to clean bare metal. Prime the pinch weld metal with a factory recommended curing automotive paint primer and allow it to cure thoroughly. If rust has penetrated through the pinch weld metal, repair the pinch weld sheet metal before proceeding.
CAUTION:
Wipe off the urethane glass prep immediately after each application because it flash dries. Apply it with deliberate strokes, making sure not to overlap the applied area.
NOTE:
The windshield glass must be positioned within 10 minutes of applying the urethane adhesive.