Windshield install sealant??

[1967KaiserM715]

about to install windshield, it seems the Glass Standard is to put sealant between rubber and cab, is that absolutely necessary? Or can I install dry with no ill effects? From what I understand, it is so the window don't pop out in the event of a rollover.

[VileZambonie]

All glass companies are required to use urethane to install the windshield. If you are doing it yourself you don't have to but I recommend it but if you are doing it yourself it can get tricky and messy. Sometimes you're better off just having the glass company install a nice new one.

[GMCMedic]

I had a guy that does glass install do mine on the side. No sealant but he did say if I found a leak down the road to call him and he will give me some of the stuff they use. So far no issues.

I could see why they would want the glass to stay in place during a roll over but its really a coin toss if that will help or not.

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[VileZambonie]

The windshield provides structural integrity to the cab and without the urethane sealant the windshield can be ejected. Glass companies can be held liable if they do not use urethane and any competent installer should know this. Here are some things to consider if you are replacing your windshield.

This windshield when originally designed in 1973 was simply installed in a rubber gasket with a locking strip and no adhesive. However with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)  becoming more stringent General Motors started to add Urethane to the gasket prior to installing the windshield into the gasket. There have already been lawsuits involving this, installer who failed to use urethane in the gasket, just google windshield urethane lawsuit.

General Motors issued a TSB dictating that when an early installed windshield (non Urethane) is replaced.. shall be upgraded to include Urethane bonding to the rubber gasket.

Also the ANSI AGRSS standard dictates Urethane usage, You can download a copy from their website at http://www.agrss.com/standard.php

The National Glass Associations (NGA) Auto Glass Technical Institute (AGTI) Instructs to always use Urethane unless the Vehicle Manufacture specifically dictates otherwise.

To sum it up if the windshield is installed without Urethane, it is not installed to industry standards and is a potential lawsuit waiting to happen  should an occupant become injured in your vehicle and the windshield is ejected.

[1967KaiserM715]

I ended up using some free flowing silicone, that was what I found, holiday weekend, maybe they were out of urethane. But the gasket and windshield are in. I picked up an extra tube in case of leaks down the road.




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[Dr_Snooz]

Eek. Silicone would be my last choice. Unless you used RTV silicone, expect it all to release from one surface in the next couple years, especially with UV exposure. It will stick like iron to the other surface and you'll have to chisel it off before you can reseal. I hope it works out better for you than it ever has for me. I abhor silicone and avoid it like the plague.

[GMCMedic]

Well I expected it would be the case, my windshield leaks so Its getting pulled back and sealed. 

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[ehjorten]

Can someone with more knowledge than me comment about urethane and covering up the 2 drain holes in the lower corners of the windshield opening?  As I understand it there are 2 drain holes and usually they get covered up by the urethane.  I asked my glass installer to not do that, but they said they couldn't guarantee anything.

[VileZambonie]

You shouldn't be applying urethane there.

[ehjorten]

Yeah, well I remember having this conversation with the glass shop and they were not helpful.  I don't know if on my '77 the drain holes got gooped up or not!

[burbboysgc]

So if you don't get the rubber in correct the first time, with urethane you're pretty much screwed? Last time I had a window installed in my burb a couple winters back, the installer used no urethane. My window did leak that following summer. I'd rather do it myself and do it the right way, if this is how these companies are doing business.

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[philo_beddoe]

Wow, after reading all this, sure glad i called A&R Auto Glass.