2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Windshield Replacement

[Jim S]

Just had my windshield replaced and noticed that the moulding around the glass on the windshield has flaps. These flaps overlap the door seal. I don't remember this on my original windshield. Is this a newer version or an older version. I have a y2k.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ramboy]

I had mine replaced earlier this year and there were no flaps. However, they did put some black tape around it to hold it till the glue dried.

Phil

 

[Idaho Native]

Had the windshield on my '99 replaced about a year ago. Noticed the flaps after the replacement. Looked at one on a dealer lot... the flaps on my replacement are much more pliable than the factory ones. Sealed up great... no complaints.



Loren

 

[Bob Wagner]

I am getting mine replaced Friday. I will post findings then



Just checked my 01 and yes there are flaps that run to the door moldings



Never really noticed until now.

 

[Tagalong]

My .02 !

Folks,

Several things you might want to consider...

1. O. E. M. glass vs. aftermarket (becareful)

This is a big issue! The price is alot different too.

2. Try to watch the glass technician work.

3. Gloves to prevent oils from hands on the primed surface or window channel.

4. Make sure the glass is primed correctly. The primer is applied with a cotton dobber from a small can to the permiter that will come in contact with epoxy. It must be allowed to dry before application... and then NOT touched!

5. The epoxy cutter can cut into factory finish in the hands of a "fast" or careless tech. Bare metal under the glass will rust out quickly!

6. The glass should come with a new rubber trim,

(yes, they do have flaps to cover the gap between the door weather strip and the windshield.

7. They do not need to cut out all of the O. E. M. epoxy, in fact if they cut it to about half it's height it works well.

8. Watch for how the windshield "seats" especially along the top of the roof. If the O. E. M. epoxy is left too high, the trim strip will not mate to the roof. Don't worry, if it sits up a mm or so your windshield will not leak... as long as the Tech. applied enough epoxy. If the O. E. M. epoxy is trimmed too low the glass may seat too deeply into the epoxy and the rubber trim might not have it's proper convex shape.

9. The Tech. will most likely apply two strips of duct tape to keep the windshield from working downward. It works well, just leave the tape on as long as the Tech. says.

9. If any duct tape glue remains on your finish or

trim, just use a mild solvent to clean it off and re-wax the painted surface.

Hope this gives you some "food for thought" !

 

[JJW_ND]

What is the better Glass?

What are some of the better glass if one has a choice?



Any brands to stay away from?



I have 200K on the factory original glass. It needs to be replaced (has for a while). Would like to get as good a glass as this stuff is. It has survived three direct hits from pheasents with no cracks. Over half a dozen bullseyes fixed with great success. Finally missed a chip that developed a large crack.



jjw

ND

 

[Deezul1]

I had a glass shop tell me about the cheap windshields. There is some kind of marking on the glass for OEM grade glass, cant remember what but a glass shop can tell you. The cheap ones are of varying quality and save about 40-50%. I had a cheapy put in my last truck but the City was paying for it and the only quality issue was if you looked through the glass sideways like from left side to right side (who ever does that) you could see a very faint distortion, couldnt see it from inside looking out , otherwise it was fine.

 

[mbrolin]

Tagalong has it fairly well covered. I would like to correct him on one item though. All the origional urethane must be cut out. Leaving some in was known as a partial cut. Because of the liability and structural factors partial cuts are no longer an exceptable repair method. Also scratching the pinchweld to bare metal is required. Naturally a primer designed for this application is required. This is necessary because there have been cases of the urethane separating from the paint during impact.

 

[tgbol]

There are two windshields for the gen 2 trucks. I am not sure of the break point (99?) but the VIN is in a different place and the wrong year glass will cover it up so that it can't be read. Some glass shops will try to pass the wrong one off on you.

 

[Jim S]

Thanks for all the replies. I feel much more comfortable with the replacement now.

 

[K_Arts]

When I had my windshield replaced, I also noticed the flaps... . too bad mine didn't seal up too good.





Bob - Make sure when they replace your window that you have them seal the top real good. The piece of rubber that goes across the top on mine is not glued on very well at all and is about ready to come off... . Guess its a good thing that I need to have my windshield replaced again.



Kev

 

[DPelletier]

Tagalong & Michael,



This is good info to have. I recently attended a meeting at which we had an autoglass expert give an hour long presentation on the proper vs. improper methods of windshield replacements c/w video presentation (I think it was an excerpt from a Consumer's Report or 20-20 hidden camera thing). I don't think most people realize the importance of the windshield as a structural element to the vehicle in the event of a crash. An improper installation can seriously effect the integrity of the cab as well as the effectiveness of the air bags. Probably the most important message was to ensure that your work is being done by a reputable company employing qualified personnel. Also couldn't hurt to watch the install and make sure that the cleaned glass is not touched by bare hands OR rubber gloves that have the powder residue that some have. This will also give you a chance to make sure that the installer doesn't dent your fragile fender or hood with his elbows (happened to me once already ).

anyway - good post.

Dave

 

[Bob Wagner]

great info thanks to all

 

[Tagalong]

Excellent follow-up

Thanks for all of the up-dated information folks!

 

[MidwestMotorman]

multiple methods

Changing glass is almost a personal matter. There are different methods, and everyone has there own preferences. This is further compounded by the fact that OEM companies change their methods, and the glass companies change their glass and products.



The brush-on primer for the glass has been an off/on issue for awhile. It seems that about every six months or so, the product or method changes. Some manufacturers use primer, and some don't. Some urethane adhesives require a primer and others do not.



I personally use the partial cutout method, unless I notice that the OEM urethane has seperated from the window pinchweld, the primer has lifted there, or that the glass has already been replaced already. Then everything gets put in new. I do have repeat customers and get the chance to evaluate my work and methods when replacing a once-replaced windshield.

 

[Jim S]

I finally took the tape off today and noticed that the window is about 1/4 inch off center. This makes the moulding stick up a little on the drivers side. It is still water tight but am debating with myself to have them re-do it. Thoughts/comments?



Jim

 

[K_Arts]

Personally I'd make them redo it. Don't forget how important that front windshield is...



Just my $. 02



Kev

 

[MidwestMotorman]

check for leaks

The moulding might droop into place if the truck is parked somewhere warm or in the sun. I would worry about a possible leak or possible wind noise caused by impositioning of the windshield.



Try this simple tip. Take a dish or bucket (about gallon size) and put a glob of dishsoap in it. Add some water, and if there is enough soap, you should get plenty of bubbles. Now, go out to your truck, turn the key on and set the blower fan on high (so it blows air). Shut the doors (and any windows) with the fan running and pour your soapy mix over the edge of the glass. If you see bubbles, like a bubble gum bubble, you have a leak. You will notice the difference between soapy water bubbles and the bubbles caused by air leaks.



I like this method over just pouring water on because you may not notice a little leak. It may run on top of the headliner, in the overhead console, or down the side. If you have a visible leak, it will drip on the dash, the floor, and possibly put a stain in the headliner, and maybe somewhere else you do not want water. You can also be double-sure by using some compressed air with an air gun on the inside of the glass edge to blow against the glass harder, and create more bubbles.



Hope I helped.



P. S. I hoped you inquired about their warrantee on service and the glass. Cheaper service is not always better.

 

[Jim S]

Thanks,

I'll try the soap.

I can live with the molding being out of place but not if the integrity of the vehicle was compromised.

Jim

 

[Jim S]

Funny thing happened today. The customer service dept called me to see if everything was ok with my replacement. Well they made up my mind for me. I told them the windshield was offset and I was not happy about it. They said they would replace it and would have someone call to schedule it. No hassle.



Jim