Windshield install Options

[matteyp]

Hey guys so I was wondering if I could get some insight on windshield installation. I've read in the lupwalli threads that if u use the black rubber seal you need to paint the edges of the windshield so it doesn't show or something. Is this true? Also do u need to fill in all the clips holes with silicone or something? Do u also still need to use the butyl? Thanks for the info.

Matt

[Eric_Shea]

I installed mine as per the factory manual. It works well if (like everything) you prep well.

One of the things I would recommend if you decide to do it this way is to "dry fit" the windshield before you put the butyl down. Do this with a friend and measure the gaps on each side. You may even want to make up some spacers out of wood (shaved dowels etc.) so each of you have the same gap. When we did mine, my friend Dave and I got to that "oh shit" moment where we had to guess and call out from across the car... "I've got about 1/4" you? Yup same here." "Plop..." into the butyl it went. Luckly, our eyeball measurements were pretty much spot on.

Start with a very clean track. You can see some of the last butyl remnents in this shot. All of that was cleaned out with a heavy solvent:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net-1110-1298573634.1.jpg)

Another tip. Use new clips. I used a 5mm socket to push them in. Makes it much easier and no wasted. broken clips.:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net-1110-1298573634.2.jpg)

Rubber blocks are under the windshield and you can see the new clips on the side:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net-1110-1298573634.3.jpg)

Make sure your butyl is the proper thickness. If it's too thick, the trim will sit too high and wont want to snap into the new clips you just installed:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net-1110-1298573635.4.jpg)

Hope that helps.