Windshield replacement.

[John]

Thanks for the tip illflem! I had two flawless, high quality windshield replacements leak almost immediately after installation (I watched the entire installation process). I could hardly believe it! Anyway, after reading your tip about leaving the windows cracked for several days. . it all seemed crystal clear as to what really happened. It was kind of funny too, I was commenting to the installer there would be absolutely no way the windshield could leak with the amount of "rat sh*t" he applied to the glass mating surfaces. He even carefully prepped and primered the surfaces prior to applying the sealant. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[Missouri Mule]

My Mule developed stress crack on top of drivers side 1-1/2 years after I bought it. Dodge replaced window under warranty. 2 years later it cracked again aprox. same place(windshield was supposed to be better than factory).
Finally this week I mite have time to go to Dodge and have a polite conversation with them.
Bill Lins gave me some info which would seem the most apparrent reason it cracked again(High-weld).
Several mechanics had told me this already( Bill confirmed this-nice to hear it from a glass man).
My cousin confirmed this also plus mentioned the windshield frame could be out of sqaure if specs were set wrong into windshield frame setting macnine but alot of trucks on the line would have to have the problem.
Also Dodge manual states to let epoxy/sealer cure for 24 hrs after windshield is put in(do not drive). I got mine back after four hrs.

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Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

[This message has been edited by Missouri Mule (edited 01-02-2001). ]

 

[Pine Sap]

Originally posted by Champane Flight:
Hose disconnected under plastic shroud at base of windshield. If anybody else has trouble after windshield replacement,look there first.

Champane... I had the exact same thing happen to mine after windshield replacement and a leaf got down in the blower motor assy while the windshield was out. The guy who did the job is one of the best body men in the business around here and he has done a lot of favors for me over the years, so I wasn't upset at all (no blizzards involved).

However... general info: he did not recommend that I take the Baby home for the first night (30 mi drive) because he wanted the sealant to cure. He explained to me that the Dodges do not have holding brackets behind the glass and all that was keeping the shield intact was the seal and sealant... so a 24 hour cure is a great idea before you go out in her?




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2001. 5, QC, 2500, 2wd, auto, 3. 54, 4 disc, long-bed, all the stuff, heated leather, patriot blue over silver, Brolin CB Bracket, stock4now!

a real "country cadilac"

 

[Champane Flight]

Yeap, I left my Ox in the shop all day and then with window cracked took it home (four blocks away)and let it sit overnight. So far the only problem was the shroud and washers.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[C Schomer]

Mine is blacked out on the sides, like most windshields are now. It's black about 1" too much and makes the A pillars an even worse blind spot. Has anyone tried to find one that isn't blacked on the sides and is everyone elses like that? Craig

 

[Bill Lins]

Yep- they're all that way. The black edge is there to prevent sunlight from reaching the urethane adhesive- UV rays degrade it.

 

[bertyz]

I recently got a crack in my windshield and will need to replace it shortly. Is this something I should attempt myself? The reason I ask is that I'm sure I'll be more careful than an installer with the paint etc. Also, I can get the best glass since I'll be saving on the installation costs. 96 fully autowurked

 

[illflem]

I wouldn't attempt it myself personally even though I know I'm fully capable. The cost is usually included in the price. You won't save much and they may not want to warrant it if you do it yourself.
Good trick,no matter who installs it is to leave at least one window cracked for a few days after the install so that the pressure from slamming doors doesn't push the windshield seal out before it sets up good.