1957 ford windshield install- To glue or not to glue??

Alright, I know this has been answered before but the search function refuses to cooperate!

I'm going to be installing front and rear windshields in my '57 fairlane 500. In the '57 ford manual and in the weatherstripping directions it says to use sealer. But when I paid to have my '73 truck windshield replaced no sealer was used. And I seem to recall some talk of not using sealer on vintage cars because it creates a serious pain if you have to replace the windshield again- And having the glue "gob over" onto the gl*** looks like ****!

So my question is, do I need to go buy sealer to prevent my brand-new windshield(s) from leaking? Or will it be fine w/o glue?
(I'm planning on getting the interior nice and spiffy after I get the gl*** in, so the last thing I want is to have leaks!!)

Thanks!!

 

Modern cars use a sealant/adhesive that hardens and holds the windsheild in place, since it's a structural part of the car. But older cars use a non-hardening, butyl sealant. I install windows and seals dry, then carefully squirt the sealant into the gap between the seal and gl***, then between the seal and body. Here's a link to a good method, just be sure to mask off the body where you don't want sealant.

http://www.route66restorations.com/1.html

 

In theory, windshields and other gl***es using moulded rubber seals should be just fine mounted dry. If they leak, then you have the option of using the butyl sealer to solve the problem but not all around the gl***.

 

I like both answers....

 

I mounted the front gl*** in my first '65 Mustang with a sealer & I never have again. I use WD-40 for lubricant if needed & install them with no sealant. Just like I will be doing on my '57 Custom this winter

 

Awesome!
I appreciate all the replies!

>Justin

 

I hate to even ask, but does it leak? I have owned a few Mustangs and have a hard time believing that the notoriously-leaky Mustang is water-tight with only a little WD-40. The window fit is poor and even the best repro seals aren't perfect.

 

I have installed many of the rubber gasket type seal on windshields with never a leak. I decided to install sealer on my 64 Galaxie windshield. I cracked on install because the sealer would not let it move . Never will I use sealer again.

 

what i do on 57 fords. rubber gasket on the gl***. stainless in the gasket. I use 3/16 nylon rope. after the rope is installed, I draw a 3/16 bead of butyl up the sides and across the top. none on the bottom. lay the windshield in the opening center it and pull the rope slowly while keeping light pressure on the outside of the windshield. after the windshield is set. I use ureathane with the tip cut on a 45 degree angle and seal between the gl*** and the gasket. then I spray gl*** cleaner on the excess ureathane and clean it off with a new single edge razor blade, latex gloves are handy on this part of the job

 

I do not use WD40 or anything else that sealers won't stick to. I do all my sets dry

on mustangs the common leak on the front floor mats is not the windshield, it's those cheap plastic plugs under the fenders.

Mustangs are really easy to install right. one thing that most installers miss, each of those moulding clips need to be sealed before the windshield and back gl*** are layed into the opening. they just can not be sealed after the gl*** is installed

 

Seal both surfaces, especially around the sides at the dogleg. That is where they usually leak.

 

Never leaked