The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop GLASS SEAL REPLACEMENT

Any advice/tips before I attempt to replace the windshield & rear window seals? Can't find anyone willing to do it in my driveway so....

Get and follow the instructions in the shop manual.

I like to use lots of penetrating oil on the seals. It helps the glass slide around and fit into place better. Some use talcum powder and say it works just as well,and easyer to clean up to.

Never pry on the glass, drag a tool across the glass, and were good gloves and safety glasses, just in case!

You didn't say what type of truck or what year it was. I may make a difference on how to go about it. Joe

Don't use petroleum based oil on the rubber seals. I used liquid dish soap to slide things into place, and waxed heavy twine to pull the gasket over the lip.

Find a helper to press gently on the window from the outside while you pull the twine toward the center of the window. Once it's seated, wash the soap off and check for leaks. A tube of rubber cement with a narrow tip can inject a plug into any holes.

DO NOT USE PETROLIUM ON THE RUBBER SEALS!
Tthe reason for this is that the oil residue will not go away and it could also make the rubber deform, swell or deteriorate quicker than normal.
Use dish-soap or glass-cleaner. Most will not harm the paint. The glass-cleaner or soapy water can be sprayed on and make the rubber slick so it can be installed easier than dry. After the window is in, the cleaner or soapy water will dry and let the window seal properly.

Thanks for the advice.....it's a 50 Chevy 3100 w/ std. cab. Waxed twine? What's that for and how do you use/apply it?

Get a shop manual!

Ok, that said, the twine trick is pretty simple. Press the rubber gasket on the edge of the windshield (make sure it's right-side up). Wrap a single strand of twine around the perimeter of the windshield gasket so it fits into the deep groove for the cab lip and overlaps at the top by about 8". Then lube it with liquid soap (etc) and press it to the opening. With a buddy applying even pressure, you get inside and pull the twine toward the center of the windshield (waxed twine slides better). This pulls the rubber inside the cab lip without tearing it.

All this is described and illustrated in the shop manual.

edit: I found the same trick worked very well for my rear windows in the panel "barn doors." I had to cut the gasket to length, so I used wood clamps to hold it to the shape of the glass and joined the ends with rubber cement. The next day I took it out of the clamps and did the twine trick. Just remember that when you're pulling the twine it should always cross the centerpoint of the glass.

Having just fought one in , I can tell you , DO NOT use the cheapo creepo seals from Chevy Duty and like that , go to Steele and pony up for a good one that'll fit right and not leak like a sieve .

I too just fought my way through a rear window seal replacement. I used the Chevy Duty seal. Brace yourself for a bear of a job. I had the window installation tool that they sell, and I don't think it can be done without it. The only trick I stumbled into was to use Armorall instead of dish soap. It is plenty slick and is supposed to be a rubber preservative as well.

Good luck. You'll need it.

'47 1 ton

O.K. , thats it!!! I am going to go take a trip around the country installing windows.
just have to make your restorations on a schedule in such a way that i can drive in circles and not back and fourth like a Yo-Yo

Mechainiac,

When you are here (Dallas) call. The light will be on if you come in late. I will have the BBQ and cold beverages in the yard. It is in the 70's and beautiful. Don't wait till August when it is in the 100's.

At night. We sit under the stars, sip on cold ones, and eat jalapenos out of the can from Mexico. Que Sabroso!

And listen to Robert Earl Keene.

Touring the country is nice. Drive the Bolt.

Bring the family.

See ya,

Got the seals in Wednesday and had a true gully washer of a storm yesterday....No leaks!!!!!Windshield was a breeze, back glass was a bear. Seals were purchased through a vendor in California, don't recall the name.....thanks for the assist folks...