Windshield Glass: Installation

NOTE: Raise the setting block until flush with top. Lock the blocks into place after windshield is installed.

Raise the setting blocks.

Fig 1: Locating Setting Blocks

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Dry-fit the new windshield glass on the existing urethane bead on the pinch weld.
- Position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.
- Center the windshield glass in the opening.
- Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil (preferably at the windshield glass setting blocks) on the windshield glass and the body.
After the dry-fit alignment, remove the glass assembly from the windshield opening and place on a stable work surface with the interior side of the glass facing upward.

WARNING: Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left unrepaired may reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

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

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.

Fig 2: Trimming Pinch Weld Urethane Adhesive With Specification

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a clean shop towel, brush or oil-free compressed air, clean the pinch weld area around the existing urethane. Remove any foreign material or water that may have entered during windshield removal.
If reinstalling the same windshield glass, remove the remaining urethane adhesive from the glass leaving a thin layer to bond with the new urethane bead.

NOTE: Inspect the flat foil connectors at the bottom of the new windshield for damage prior to installation. Do not install a windshield with damaged flat foil connectors.

Clean the inside of the new windshield glass with glass cleaner.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface of the blackened border area where the urethane adhesive will be applied.

NOTE: 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 manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
Cut the urethane applicator tip to specification.

Fig 3: Identifying Urethane Applicator Tip With Specification

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 continuous bead.

NOTE: The windshield glass must be positioned within 10 minutes of applying the urethane adhesive.

Apply a uniform bead of urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane bead on the pinch weld.
- Make sure that all gaps in the urethane bead are smoothed into one continuous bead.

Fig 4: Identifying Urethane Adhesive With Specifications

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: Do not drive vehicle until the urethane adhesive seal has cured. Follow urethane adhesive manufacturer's curing directions. Inadequate or incorrect curing of the urethane adhesive seal will adversely affect glass retention. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

CAUTION: Before positioning the windshield glass, open vehicle windows to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the adhesive bond.

Using the alignment marks made previously, position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.

NOTE: The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air and water leaks.

After the urethane adhesive has cured, check for water leaks and add urethane adhesive where needed.

NOTE: Follow the same routing for the electrical connector that was used during removal.

If equipped, connect the heated windshield electrical connectors.
Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
Raise the front portion of the headliner.
Install the interior mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
Install the sun visors, retainers and, if equipped, the overhead console. For additional information, refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE article.
If equipped, install the roof opening panel trim.
Install the RH and LH side A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
Clean the exterior and interior of the windshield glass with glass cleaner.