Windshield seal: to lock or not to lock

[Scaryfastatx]

That is the question...

So my windshield seal is leaking at the corners.

Thinking about doing this myself, what is better, a seal without the locking strip or with the locking strip?

Looks like the previous owner removed the locking strip and that's why it's leaking but Im not sure if want to reuse the seal and just get a new locking strip, as it's gotten a bunch of junk in there and it was sitting out in the desert sun for so many years

Thanks everybody

[Captkaos]

Were is it leaking to?  Inside the truck? or?  There is a shelf at the windshield and there are weep holes, are you sure they are not clogged?
Without the lockstrip nothing is "locking" the gasket in.  You can get a new one but It would be best to understand what is causing the leak and where is it coming from.
Many of these leak from the cowl.

[Scaryfastatx]

Thanks for the reply Captain
It's leaking at the lower corners, because it has no locking strip right now, and was sitting in the high desert sun for who knows how long, the outer edges in the lower corners have pulled away from the body and water collects between the seal lip and the glass and it starts working it's way in and starts dripping inside right above where the VIN plate is on the driver side and right at the corner on the passenger side. But I'm pretty sure it's the seal.

Once I fix that if it's still leaking I'll start checking the cowl

[Captkaos]

I can say that most people have issues with installing the self locking windshield seal.  Let us know what you find out.
We sell the windshield gaskets also: http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=7&Category_Code=WTHR

[Chevygold]

Mine was a desert truck, Arizona, and needed a new screen, had to cut the old seal out as it was so hard. Fitted it with the lockstrip seal and that was hard enough so can't imagine how you'd do it without that! still haven't fitted the lock strip as waiting for the weather to warm up a bit to help to get it in. We've had some serious rain recently and it's still dry inside.
Graham

[VileZambonie]

You know how hard it is to find someone to install a windshield correctly in one of these trucks? Now think about how many millions of windshields were replaced on these trucks back in the day. Goes to show how weak society is... I digress. I use the locking strip gasket, plus it gives you the option of the chrome or black look.

[ehjorten]

There is also a tool for installing the locking strip

[Rapid Roy]

Installing a new locking strip is a job. I installed one a few years back and the cheap one I got has deteriorated since. Have a new one and a tool just waiting for warmer weather to install. Really want the new one, but not looking forward to doing it!!!

[Scaryfastatx]

I can say that most people have issues with installing the self locking windshield seal.  Let us know what you find out.
We sell the windshield gaskets also: http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=7&Category_Code=WTHR

yeah Im guessing the locking strip version is more forgiving, cool thanks for the link, will take a look

You know how hard it is to find someone to install a windshield correctly in one of these trucks? Now think about how many millions of windshields were replaced on these trucks back in the day. Goes to show how weak society is... I digress. I use the locking strip gasket, plus it gives you the option of the chrome or black look.

is it a pretty simple job?
yeah, its unbelievable how poor craftsmanship is nowadays

There is also a tool for installing the locking strip

I have been hunting for the tool that I see all teh glass guys on youtube using, seems like its different than the ones I see for sale online

[78 Chevyrado]

Go locking strip.  you get to put the glass in a little looser and then lock it in tight with the lock strip.   the self locking one sounds like an absolute misery to install.   If you don;t want a chrome strip thats okay, there are chrome and black lock strips.