Windshield Glass Installation Tips?

I got the replacement windshield gasket/mounting rubber from Walck's and took my windshield frame to a local shop. They weren't able to mount the new glass in the frame so now I'm home trying it myself. I looked up a few youtube videos but they don't exactly match what I have. Any tips on how to DIY this thing? It's pretty frustrating trying to keep the gasket on the outside edge of the glass while finessing it into the frame. It either pops off the glass or the frame and results in a startover. Any tips?

 

A local windshield shop couldn't get a windshield in the frame? That's crazy

 

Let's just say I watched a pro windshield shop install my new glass, and I was SO GLAD I could watch that. It looked like a real PITA. There were three technicians working simultaneously.

 

Mine was a nightmare too. I thought it was because I welded on the frame so much and the opening was too small plus an old gasket. I would measure and see if it will fit. Glass + seal = opening size . Iv done quite a few other cars that went in fine. Might have to shave a bit off the frame

 

I would try another shop. Mine did it no problem. Cost me $100 but I felt that was a reasonable price for their expertise

 

Yep. I've taken them my dad's cj3b a few years back and they got it done without a fuss. But this time around they just couldn't figure it out. First they called me and said the gasket didn't fit 1/4" glass and I needed to order a new gasket. I knew that wasn't right so I drove back up there and showed them how to put the gasket on, and of course it went right on. So all they needed to do at that point was mount it in the frame. I called later and they were still trying to say the gasket didn't fit the glass, which basically told me they didn't know how to do it it or didn't want to. So I picked it up and am going to try it myself now

 

I just did a CJ5 one for one of my friends, piece of cake if you have the right tools.

 

lets see if I understand this
original glass and frame
or was the frame replaced
the reason I ask is
my original glass didn't fit the aftermarket frame
but I also paid to get it done

 

Haven't done one of these yet, but have installed more than a few windshields in old VW Beetles. It takes two people. We would put a cord into the groove of the rubber across the top and down both sides, then pushing the bottom of the windshield rubber onto the flange on the frame to get it started. Once the bottom of the rubber is on the flange, with one person gently pushing the glass against the frame, the other person pulling the cords out to pull the lip of the rubber over the flange, it would pop right in. Helps to soap up the seal dish soap.

I don't see why the same thing wouldn't work for a Jeep winshield.

 

This guy did a decent job at home. Willys Jeep Windshield Glass Install! - YouTube
I'll be doing this myself as soon as my glass is delivered. Local windshield places wouldn't even return calls. Only interested in insurance work.

 

What Oldpappy says: cord and soap.

 

As mentioned above, aftermarket frames typically have smaller/un-even openings as compared to originals. I’ve used a 4-1/2” angle grinder to adjust the dimensions.
-Donny

 

I'm assuming this is the seal with the locking strip, Here's how I did mine...

I found having the assembly on the jeep or standing up on a bench - on about the same angle as on the jeep - makes getting things started easier. Start with seal on the frame. Put glass into lower part of the frame then work around with plastic tools (body trim tools from Harbor Freight or these from WM https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...pDP8aP7AhWBL0QIHdaSCIUQ9aACKAB6BAgBEBU&adurl= ) to get the seal around the glass. I don't have any tricks or tips except keep the frame mostly upright and keep working with plastic tools.

Locking strip is possible but hard (took me over an hour with wife helping) if you dont have the tool. With the tool the locking strip takes under 5 minutes. https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-47000-...t=&hvlocphy=9011684&hvtargid=pla-496786570532

 

I'll also be doing this myself soon. My friend who has a body shop called yesterday to tell me he had my frame painted.

 

I realize it's not something most would want to do, but if I have to replace the windshield on my 3B again, I'm going to get the glass cut larger to fit the indent in the frame and glue it in like any other modern glass. No leaks and you would gain at least an inch more of usable glass in both directions. You could likely add 1.5" to the wiper blade length.

 

Original frame new glass

 

Thanks for all the replies. I did find that more in depth youtube video that is the same gasket I'm working with. I ordered the tools he used and will be giving it another try this weekend. Will update on how it goes!

 

Question for the forum- is the rubber gasket from Walcks as good as any, or are there better/worse options? I'm assuming that most are omix or crown products.

This question also applies for the under-windshield cowl gasket as well.

 

I’ve bought nice rubber glass gaskets as well a soft proper fitting frame base gaskets from QTM when Matt owned the business (a few years ago). I don’t know if their current products are the same quality anymore.
-Donny