Windshield Gasket

[JJSZABO]

What is the difference between the windshield rubber standard and windshield rubber custom?  I need to get new rubber for the windshield and rear window.  I do not have the chrome trim.  When I removed the old windows, there was a lock band around the window but no trim.  Which do I need?

Thanks for the help.

[Blazin]

I don't know, so i am shooting from the hip here. I would say the custom has the chrome locking zipper, the standard has the rubber locking zipper? I have removed a few that didn't have the locking zipper at all. They were like the ford L series cab windshields. You had to pull the rubber into the cab metal with the windshield in the rubber with a rope.

[VileZambonie]

I would assume it means with locking strip which can be chrome or black or without locking strip. You need with locking strip. whether or not you get chrome is up to you.

[JJSZABO]

Thanks guys.  I will order with locking zipper.  Now can I install it myself???   That is still up for debate.

I dont understand where to put the rope.  Do I need to use weatherstrip adhesive?  When i took the windshield out it had adhesive.  The rear window didn't have it.

[Captkaos]

Yes you can put it in yourself.  It makes it REALLY easy if you have the tool to reinstall the locking strip, although I have installed one with a plastic body filler blade and the channel soaped down.  The didn't come with adhesive from the factory and I have never used it.

I actually had the last one installed by the glass company because if he broke it I was clear, it had a 30 day warrantee (not sure why) and he charged me $25 extra to install it.

[VileZambonie]

Any company that installs a replacement windshield by law has to put it in using Urethane. GM issued a TSB also stating to use Urethane on all windshield replacements. Some states have strict fines if you do not do this and there are a lot of law suits from people from improperly installed windshields. Using the urethane keeps the windshield from popping out in a rollover which adds the structural integrity to the roof so I would suggest using it even if you do it yourself. It can also help prevent water leaks.

I would just hire someone to do it because if you break it you're SOL. Most glass guys will do it on the side for ca$h around $100-$150  bucks with the glass around here.

[Captkaos]

Law must not apply in Alabama.  The last 2 I had installed professionally (last year) received no urethane and it came with a warranty.  I even asked them about it because I had one installed that they guy coated it down and filled the weep holes and he had to come back and pull it back out and fix it ( I wasn't supervising)

[VileZambonie]

We had an instance where our Suburban windshield popped out due to no urethane on the replacement windshield so I contacted the NGA and here was their response:

Hello,
My name is Bruce Gates and I am a technical instructor for the National
Glass Association. I am pleased to answer your question.
In regards to the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban, there are four choices for the
windshield depending on whether or not it has an antenna and/or rear view
mirror button. 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) were becoming more
stringent General Motors started to add Urethane to the Backside of the
gasket prior to installing the windshield into the gasket. Vehicle
manufactures don't spend any more than they have to when building a
vehicle, so it is necessary to put it back. There has already been one
lawsuit involving this windshield and an installer who failed to use
Urethane in the Gasket see
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BJK/is_1999_Sept/ai_56024743

It has been many years ago, but General Motors issued a TSB dictating the
when an early installed windshield (non Urethane) when 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

And the National Glass Associations (NGA) Auto Glass Technical Institute
(AGTI) Instructs to always use Urethane unless the Vehicle Manufacture
dictates otherwise. see us at http://www.glass.org/edu_train/ag_ov.htm

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. Also the other installers are right. the windshield does offer
retention, roof support and more.

Sincerely,

Bruce M. Gates (M.A.G.T.)

[Captkaos]

I am not doubting you at all.  I am just saying that of all the windshields I have replaced or had replaced, only 1 used Urethane and as far as I was concerned didn't put it on correctly.  There is no telling how many of these are still on the road today with 30 year old gaskets..  I was just speaking of my experience.

If you want to install urethane, I am all for it...

[VileZambonie]

I wasn't arguing I hope you didn't take it that way, I was just trying to clarify what every glass company we've ever used has told me. All of my windshields were always glued in so I bought the winshield removal tool from snap-On. The latest company we are using says up to a $10,000 fine if they incorrectly install. Not sure who fines them but anyway the reason why I inquired about it in the 1st place was because we had a company put the glass in the Suburban and he said they never use urethane which I wasn't buying. When the truck was in an accident the windshield partially came out which ticked me off so I sent that response to them and advised them maybe they should reconsider their procedures....

[JJSZABO]

Great info and debate.  That's what I like most from this site.

I can get a windshield from the local bone yard for 50 dollars or have the local glass Co. install one for 200.00 (price of glass, gasket and labor).  I would want to use urathane adhesive for the reasons stated - and besides it really isn't that much more.  I heard the same thing about windshields and lawsuits from one of the nightly news programs years ago.  I also have to install the rear glass.

Do I save some money, and do it myself or have the local Co. do it?   I'll think about it.

Not ready to do it this second - toooooo cold temps in the 30's and lows in the teens.  Garage is COLD!!  I think I'll wait till it warms into the 40's again.

[VileZambonie]

Warmer is better plus if you are using a new gasket you better soften it up first! Most glass places will have someone that will do a cash job for less than that. Just go in and talk to one of the installers. I've never paid over the counter price on glass.

[JJSZABO]

Ok thanks Vile.

[Captkaos]

No, I didn't take it that way.  I was just clarifying that here, on the 73-87's so far only one place used it and it was back in the 90's.
My Burb had a busted glass and my 87 had a cracked glass, both were the factory stuff so they weren't glued in.  IF they put urethane on it, I wouldn't have cared on way or the other....

Jeff,
If I was doing it, I would get a NEW glass mainly because if it is old, it is probably scratch or etched.  With a new one you know it is clear...  When it is time to put glass in my Project truck, it will have new glass put in it.

[Blazin]

If you have the glass guy come do the windsheild maybe for a few bucks cash and your help he will do the rear one with out the company knowing?