Windshield Glass: Installation

NOTE: For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.

Dry fit the windshield glass to the existing urethane adhesive bead on the body pinch weld. Align the windshield glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
Use a non-permanent pencil to make alignment marks on the windshield glass at the setting blocks and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the windshield glass.
Remove the windshield glass.

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. Repair all minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld following manufacturer's instructions. Use the same brand pinch weld primer, glass primer and urethane adhesive.

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1 mm to 2 mm (0.04 in to 0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane adhesive on the pinch weld.

Fig 1: Meassuring Urethane With Appropriate Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove any dirt or foreign material from the pinch weld.
If installing the original windshield glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
Clean the inside of the windshield glass surface with glass cleaner.

NOTE: Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for the urethane adhesive and glass primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane adhesive and glass primer. Refer to the Material chart in this procedure.

If installing a new windshield glass, apply glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.

Fig 2: Cutting Urethane Adhesive Applicator Tip (With Specifications)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that will apply the urethane adhesive with less effort and continuous bead.

Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld, starting and ending at the bottom of the windshield near the center, making sure there are no gaps in the bead.

Fig 3: Identifying Adhesive Application (With Specifications)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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).

NOTE: Before positioning the windshield glass, open vehicle windows to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the urethane adhesive bond.

Install the windshield glass on the vehicle aligning it with the markings made previously.

NOTE: The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air or water leaks.

After the urethane adhesive has cured, check the windshield glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
Install the headliner. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
Install the interior mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
Install the A-pillar trim panels.