windshield instlled wrong update
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: forest park il
windshield instlled wrong update
well aaron auto glass co located in chicago came back out to our shop today to try to fix the problem they cerated the end result was my corvette sitting in the parking lot without a windshield . the tech couldnt figure out what the first tech did wrong so i had them remove the windshield there was so much glue between the windshield frame and the windshield you could have paved a road with it. I showed the tech the factory service manual that said to use 1/8 bead of sealer 3/16 wide and he didnt understand the measurement so i went to my tool box removed a 1/8 and3/16 drill bit he still didnt get it so he loaded the windshield into his truck and went onto the next install. the aarons manager told me i had the wrong wiper blades on the car and i pointed out they worked with the org windshield . i asked for a refund they are sending it tomarrow . my next idea was to call D & M corvette located in downers grove and tom in the service dept refered me to there glass co we will see what happens tomarow
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
I believe the bed of adhesive to hold the windshield to the frame is much larger than 1/8"-3/16" between the glass and windshield frame. I watched my original windshield removed from my car and there was clearly about 1/2'' of adhesive there. If was cut down about 1/4" all the way around and another very heavy bead of adhesive was applied before the windshield was laid down. The original screw holes in the windshield frame were used to re-attach the windshield/weatherstrip retainers so the windshield was in exactly the same position/height is was before it was removed. Maybe the previous installer didn't install it in the same position it was before...
Art
Art
Last edited by MrRenoman; May 22, 2006 at 09:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
I too recently had a bad experience with a windshield install. The glassman failed to seal between the frame and A-pillar weatherstrip retainers. As a result I had buckets of water pouring into the cabin, literally. The water was leaking behind the retainer and into the car. I went to their shop. The manager and the guy who installed it tried to blame it on the weatherstrip I supplied. When I had them pour a gallon of water on the windshield with the manager in the car, they concided. His glassman then began bitching and complaining about having to do it all over again. I decided to leave before I blew my temper. They asked me to bring it in the next day. On the way home, I decided to fix it my damn self as I did not want any of these guys touching my car again. Bought some glass silicone, and laid a perfect bead down each edge. No more leaks. Never showed to their appointment to fix it. And my f'n wipers now hit the hood also.
Last edited by 86PACER; May 22, 2006 at 09:42 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
The windshield and weatherstrip reveal moulding/retainers have a thin sealant tape installed by the factory. Windshield installers who know what they are doing may use the urethane adhesive to seal the side reveal mouldings and the top reveal/weatherstrip retainer to the frame and then seal the side weatherstrip retainers to the side reveal mouldings. Sealing is very important. The only problem with the windshield adhesive is that it bonds and seals so well that future removal of these parts may damage them due to prying and bending during removal. The sealant tape the factory uses worked pretty well to seal out water and isn't difficult to remove. I think the windshield installers are just trying to install them as quickly as possible and the windshield adhesive is plentiful and handy. This adhesive is not your everyday silicone type adhesive. It's designed to bond, hold, and cure solid.
Art
Art
