Windshield sealer (which one)

[nonhog]

About ready to install the front glass on my 66 Corvair. It's thinner than stock and my helper who's done glass install before suggest a tube type sealer/adhesive. 3M has at least 3 types. Wondering if anyone has a recommendation. Doesn't have to be 3M. Thanks!

 

[nonhog]

Mod move as needed

 

[NYBODYMAN]

It's been a minute since I've done any fixed glass work but we always used 3M Window Weld. Which one does your helper recommend?

 

[whateg01]

As I recall, the main difference in the 3M products is the speed with which they set up. If you think you may need some time to fiddle with its placement. I would get the slower one. I am used 3M and I have used other brands. They all seem to do the job. Maybe one of them will last through a hurricane better than another or something but I've never needed to test that I guess. Remember to get the primer. If you buy it online it's much less expensive because you can buy a small can instead of the Giant and that you will never use all of. As soon as you open it the timer starts. So it's not like you can use it for the next 10 years. As with the urethane itself, I have used 3M primer and I have used other brands and I have not noticed the difference if there is one. I guess I would add that if the price is the same, I will buy the 3M product.

Edit number two: if you are looking for an excuse to buy a cordless caulking gun, this is it! Also watch some videos on how to cut the end of the tube to form a triangular vertical bead to make sure you get a seal all the way around

 

[no704]

A ‘66 Corvair. Is it a rope in window? I’ve never used sealant on a rope in. Just silicone spray, IF the paint is all finished.

 

[nonhog]

64 and older were rubber gasket (rope in)

 

[no704]

So is it a butal seal. Or urathane? The butal ropes come in different sizes. And should be used with the proper primer both on the body and glass. With a flowing resealant applied to the edge of the glass on top and sides before snapping the mouldings on.

 

[nonhog]

Butyl in the rear. My buddy wanted to go with urethane in the front. (Or both but I already got the butyl for the rear)

 

[no704]

You can do urathane (I would not) it is a safety feature on modern cars. But you will need the correct height rubber blocks to mantain the height from the pinchweld to the glass while it cures. Urathane also requires the correct primer on both sides but doesn’t require the resealing.

Urathane primer is crazy expensive and has a very limited shelf life. If you’re going this route i recommend taking it to a shop that does this every day or a mobile install guy.

 

[no704]

Great thing about butyl is it is very useful for other things you might want to stick together. Or seal.

 

[no704]

I was a glass tech in a past life like 25 years ago. Id be happy to help if i can.

 

[no704]

If using butyl, prime both sides. Apply the butyl rope to the glass, even with the edge. With the seam center bottom. Then set it in place WITH rubber stops between the more horizontal cowl surface and the glass. It never really sets up and the glass will fall over time if not on stops. There are also adjustable plastic wedges for this.

 

[no704]

Also consider replacing your moulding clips before installing the glass. They often get bent out of shape and don’t snap in as they should. CRL or Aveco are good sources.

 

[WildBill]

I always use one or both of these, depending on application.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000074326/

CRL Black Windshield and Body Sealant | CRL

CRL Windshield and Body Sealant is an economical, non-hardening, water resistant sealing product formulated for use as a sealant and bedding compound for windshields installed in rubber gaskets. It locks out moisture, dust, and cold air instantly. It remains flexible and resilient, and can also...

www.crlaurence.com