I've gotten to the point of installing the windshield. My question is do I calk the seal to the windshield and let it cure, before attempting to install in car. Using 3M 08509 compound, also using strip caulk around pinch weld seam. This is a 56 nomad, using a Danchuck seal. Been reading threads here on doing this job and i want to make an attempt soon. Any advise would be appreciated.
front windshield install
mattnomad56
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I've gotten to the point of installing the windshield. My question is do I calk the seal to the windshield and let it cure, before attempting to install in car. Using 3M 08509 compound, also using strip caulk around pinch weld seam. This is a 56 nomad, using a Danchuck seal. Been reading threads here on doing this job and i want to make an attempt soon. Any advise would be appreciated.
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I live up here in Buffalo NY. With the weather starting to get better, I need to get hustling on this car, next major step is welding in side motor mounts. BUT... need to do this windshield while the motor is still out. Then I can get up close and personal with this install.
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couple pointers
new rubber from a quality supplier.
Only do this on a warm day, the hotter the better.
before you attempt to put the rubber on the glass toss it out in the sun and let it bake till it is hot to the touch.
Lubricate with sudsy foamy style glass cleaner during install, you can never use too much lube.
long handle hook tools are a godsend.
new rubber from a quality supplier.
Only do this on a warm day, the hotter the better.
before you attempt to put the rubber on the glass toss it out in the sun and let it bake till it is hot to the touch.
Lubricate with sudsy foamy style glass cleaner during install, you can never use too much lube.
long handle hook tools are a godsend.
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29 Posts
Are these long handle hook tools something i should work on fabricating
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5,470 Posts
Snap on and Mac sell them, I think Proto has them.
Location:
North Alabama region, Tennessee River Valley
Windshield installations are NOT difficult.. given that you have the correct windshield.. 
there are several videos online which will help you understand the process... easy peasy~
there are several videos online which will help you understand the process... easy peasy~
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4,424 Posts
The best install instructions I found were on Danchuk's site.
Stretched out 3M strip calk & applied it around the outside perimeter = thin layer.
Used 500lb test parachute cord to pull the weather strip lip over its smaller diameter than clothesline, 10 cents a foot @ Home Depot bought 20'.
Lathered everything with a paint brush & 50 / 50 mix of Dawn liquid dish detergent & water = slippery.
Stretched out 3M strip calk & applied it around the outside perimeter = thin layer.
Used 500lb test parachute cord to pull the weather strip lip over its smaller diameter than clothesline, 10 cents a foot @ Home Depot bought 20'.
Lathered everything with a paint brush & 50 / 50 mix of Dawn liquid dish detergent & water = slippery.
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2,367 Posts
Mark the center of the roof and the center of the glass along the top so the glass is positioned correctly. Good luck with the Danchuk seal
Centering the gasket and trim is helpful, but did you notice he had more trouble with one side of the installation process than the other? Thats because he didn't center the WS in the opening of the car. The shop manual shows how to check for proper fit of the WS after collision repair, but it is also important to check the fit of after market windshields. I had one that wasn't even close, and while checking the fit you can also put a mark straight across from the body to the WS, at the bottom where the WS and gasket is first set in the opening during installation. I install them alone easily.
Should use at least 4 of these to lay the WS on in the opening. Made from hardwood.
Does this look correct for dimensions? I don't have any wood handy but I can 3D print them quickly.Centering the gasket and trim is helpful, but did you notice he had more trouble with one side of the installation process than the other? Thats because he didn't center the WS in the opening of the car. The shop manual shows how to check for proper fit of the WS after collision repair, but it is also important to check the fit of after market windshields. I had one that wasn't even close, and while checking the fit you can also put a mark straight across from the body to the WS, at the bottom where the WS and gasket is first set in the opening during installation. I install them alone easily.
Should use at least 4 of these to lay the WS on in the opening. Made from hardwood.
![Image]()
Nylon 6. Good stuff, but can be a bit of a sponge with water.
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Eldon - since you posted that video, I'll aim this question your way - but I obviously welcome pertinent suggestions from anyone: The installer in that video puts bedding compound in the gap the glass sits in, as well as in the gap for the pinchweld, along with the cord. Danchuk and others reference using only strip caulk in the vertex of the pinchweld and base where the seal sits - and only a small amount of that. I have had my seal installed on the glass and the stainless set in the seal for some weeks, letting the seal get used to how it's supposed to fit on the glass and with the stainless. I also have the strip caulk placed carefully around the perimeter as shown in the Danchuk instructions. So...should I use additional compound/sealer in those gaps? Using just strip caulk almost doesn't seem like enough...?
JR
Location:
North Alabama region, Tennessee River Valley
JR, I've installed a few windshields using NO SEALER at all which resulted in no leaks. On my most recent 57 Nomad WS install, after finally obtaining the correct windshield for my car, I ended up only using a very small amount of 3M strip caulk around the base of the pinchweld. I think clean/new rubber on clean painted pinchweld seals just fine in most cases.
It’s been advised by Mikey on the sport sedans to do some sealant on the back window, but I am planning to do some on both. I’m planning on driving mine like a daily driver so I will inevitably get caught in a rain downpour or two. I just consider it extra insurance.
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