Windshield Installation Tips?

amskeptic · Post by **amskeptic** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 7:02 pm

I put a new windshield and rubber surround in two years ago.
Saw some brownish stain last week. Peeked under the rubber along the bottom, RUST! yanked the windshield out singlehandedly, not good.
Sanded the channel and the spot-weld seam, used some rust-converter, then followed with three coats of Rustoleum Gloss White.
Here's the problem, other than lousy after-market rubber from RMMW:
I used black RTV as my sealant. It basically traps water inside the channel. Never again. I want to do it right this time. What is the correct windshield surround sealing material? Do the experts here also use sealant between the glass and the surround? How do we prevent water from coursing down around the top and the sides of the surround opening behind the rubber and pooling along the bottom sill? I thought the RTV would work. It didn't. How can I seal this opening properly AND not have an ungodly mess of sticky black goop as I wrestle the rubber over the spotweld seam? I want to do this right.
Colin

dbcflash · Post by **dbcflash** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 7:16 pm

the rubber gasket IS the seal. You shouldn't need anything else to keep water out. Just make sure the frame is clean and smooth and the rubber lays down propery and no water should get in.

amskeptic · Post by **amskeptic** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 7:39 pm

That was quick. Since that was the factory windshield I pulled out two years ago, I saw a black sealant bead that ran from 3/4 up one side, down across the front and up the other 3/4 of the way to the gutter. It was still flexible and about the consistency of window putty. I assumed that VW used this to handle the 65mph blast of water expected at the front?
Colin