Windshield Glass: Installation

CAUTION: When installing urethane-installed glass parts, the vehicle must not be driven until the urethane has cured. Adequate cure time is specified on the drive away chart for each urethane product as the temperatures and humidity vary. Inadequate or incorrect curing can adversely affect the retention of the windshield glass.

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

Dry fit the new windshield glass to the existing urethane bed on the body pinch weld. Align the windshield in the opening for uniform fit and adjust the setting blocks as needed for the best fit.
Use tape or non-permanent marking pencil to make alignment marks on the windshield glass (preferably at the setting blocks), and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the new windshield.
After alignment, remove the windshield glass and moulding from the vehicle and place them on a stable work surface.

NOTE: Avoid scratching the pinch weld. For minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld, see the manufacturer's recommendations.

Fig 1: Trimming Pinch Weld Urethane Adhesive

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of the original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.
Clean the inside of the glass surface with an alcohol-free cleaner to make sure the ceramic-coated area is clean.

NOTE: If the moulding is already on the windshield glass, proceed to the next step.

Align the "V" notch in the ceramic paint and windshield glass outside moulding at top center. Fully seat the windshield glass outside moulding along the top edge of the windshield glass and along the sides and bottom edges of the windshield glass.
Remove the dual lock windshield glass stop adhesive backing.

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

NOTE: Sika uses the same black primer for the glass and pinch weld area.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Urethane Adhesive Applicator Tip Dimension
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 3: Locating Urethane Adhesive Applying Dimensions

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld. Make sure that all gaps in the urethane adhesive are smoothed into one continuous bead starting and ending at the bottom of the windshield glass near the center.

CAUTION: Open the windows to prevent the windshield glass from being pushed out by air pressure if a door is closed.

Install the windshield glass on the pinch weld. Align the windshield glass to the body using the alignment marks while pushing downward to set the stops.

After the urethane has cured, check the windshield seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
Place 2 strips of tape onto the windshield glass and secure it to the roof panel. This helps avoid misalignment while the urethane cures.
Position the headliner.
Connect the windshield electrical connectors.
Install the 2 A-pillar trim panels.
If equipped, install the rain sensor module.
Install the interior rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS .
Install the windshield moulding. For additional information, refer to WINDSHIELD MOULDING .
Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS .