installing the rubber on a windshield frame..wtf!

wtf! i been wrestling with the windshield frame to body rubber for a 32 coupe and i cant seem to get the thing on...any advise, any clues? any one have a sure fire way of installing these dang things..

 

how are you puttin it in? my experience is...fit it on the windshield, put some nylon rope in the body channel, fit one lower corner into the body, slowly fit in upper corner side pullin out rope as ya go and as you come around the far corner push and gradually fit in the top run. as you come around the far lower corner, slow down and push gently as you corner. come down the lower corner slow and yer in the home stretch!!

 

Also, go buy some silicon spray. There are two types, the type that dries eventually, and the type that doesn't, it says which one it is on the can. You want the one that dries eventually. Spray it LIBERALLY all around the edge of the rubber that will slip over the body.

And it helps a lot if you have a buddy there to push on the windshield while you pull the rope from the other side to set the seal.

 

Windshield gasket installation: First do not attempt to install the gasket with the frame bolted to the vehicle. Remove the frame, make sure that all the old gasket and any adhesive or sealer is removed from the small channel that runs around the frame, this should be cleaned out completely.

Lay your gasket out flat and detemine the front and back side of the gasket.

Next is to get Ivory liquid dishwashing detergent, any brand will probably work. This is used as a lubricant to aid in the installation of the rubber gasket. Spray silicone, WD 40 or other similar lubricants are not as effective so don't even bother to try them. At this time you will also need a popsicle stick or a small bladed screw driver with the edges rounded off.

Begin with the windshield frame facing down and install the gasket so the back side of the gasket points up. Start in one corner, apply a liberal amount of detergent to the gasket. The gasket has a "t" shape lip that hooks into the frame, so position the lower edge of the "t" in the track and with the blade of the popsicle stick slowly push the top edge of the "t" into the groove to lock it in. Slowly work the gasket in around the windshield to the corner. Stop when you have gotten about 3/4 around the top and go to the bottom of the frame and install the bottom edge to the corner. Go back to the top and finish to the corner. Avoid pulling on the gasket to stretch it, when the gasket is installed you can then go around and insure that there are no pulls in the gasket. Take your windshield frame into the shower and wash off the detergent, dry and you ready to install the frame back in the car.

 

ok Dick,i will try that ..soap cant hurt, i was thinking of using cooking oil but i know some rubber and oil dont mix it will make the rubber fail..

 

Id use extra virgin olive oil if i was gonna do that just in case you miss dinner
Dave

 

mmmmmm, extra virgin

 

i use windex and a putty knife trimmed down to about 1/2"

 

Sounds silly, but I use KY Jelly to install windshield gaskets. It doesn't have any petroleum products in it so its safe for rubber, its very slippery, and it washes off easily.