The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk new windshield leaks

windshiled woes

I just replaced my leaking windshield on my 53 3600. The new one leaks even worse.

The glass and the gasket are new the pinch weld was clean and i installed with little trouble using wd 40 as a lube.

I do not see any mention on any of the tech tips to use a sealant. I used one on the old winshield and it did not stop the leaks.

Any suggestons are welcome. Should I seal it? If so with what sealer to use and where/how to best apply?

Leaks are in the typical places. The center moulding and the outside lower corners.

The instructions in the pre-54 Shop Manual call for sealant between the rubber and the cab. On my 54 windshield I also sealed where the glass goes into the seal (in that year, this is called-for). The windshield does not leak now - it leaked significantly before I took it out and added the sealant.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0104.htm

I got this sealant at NAPA and at another local parts store.
3M Sealant, Bedding & Glazing Compound - caulk-gun tube

That bedding/sealant/glazing compound easily cleans up with thinner, turpentine, etc

I replaced my 58 no sealant no leaks. I would say pull it out and mark the leak areas then add sealant and reinstall ! Or don't ever wash it or drive in the rain ! Good luck,I'm sure you'll get it done.

most glass shops don't use or recommend any sealant on a clean install, but if necessary, there's a good Permatex sealant that doesn't require removing the glass

Bill

In the shop manual it shows new windshield install and the rubber on the outer section of the glass around the outer edge or lip, has a space for the sealant to be installed it calls for 3M-"weatherstrip adhesive" but there are much better products that you can use now such as the permatex that Bill said and I know that there are others that come in a tube that you use a chalk gun to apply ,the rubber is made to use a sealant if you go to a FLAPS just ask for glass sealant or go to a auto glass place and get a tube of the good stuff.You put the tip of the chalk gun between the truck body and the rubber.


Also next time You're installing glass think about using dish soap makes install easy and just clean up with a damp rag

Pete

You shouldn't have to remove the windshield to seal it. The Permatex stuff is just silicon rubber, packaged as some magical sealant. Personally I would avoid it.

I used the 3M weather strip adhesive, the black stuff. I just lifted the edge and let it flow in. The excess can be cleaned off with varsol, even after it is dry. I only sealed between the glass and the rubber but the corners really needed it. I don't have leaks now.

My 52 had to be sealed, I believe it was due to poor quality reproduction rubber seals. Will do more research next time.

You should install sealant between truck and rubber there is a space in the rubber to keep water away from the truck window rim even if You're truck does not leak you want to keep the water from setting in that space and rusting the window rim on the outside of the truck under the rubber look at the shop manual cross section of the rim and the rubber that space is there to install sealant so water does not set in there.

Pete

....if I remember correctly the manual calls for it to be sealed in two places. Between the metal/cab and rubber and from the outside between the glass and rubber.
I like the black Adhesive silicone.....not just plain silicone but the ADHESIVE one. Made by permatex.
Hmm, I think were all saying about the same thing...just a different way?

If you plan on doing any painting or body work on your truck it may be best to stick with the 3m urethane.

The glass normally goes in after all the painting is done but if touch up is needed later the silicone could cause problems.

Sealed it up with Butyl sealer...Napa Pro brand. Tight as a drum now.
Thanks
Rich