Author Topic: Windshield seal (Read 11380 times)

badali · « **on:** August 19, 2011, 02:05:08 »

I am thinking about changing the windshield seal because it leaks a little in the rain. It looks like I have to take out the wood and the pilar trim. Is there anything else I should be aware of. Will the metal trim piece be reusable? I am wondering if this will turn into a major project.

Garry · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2011, 03:07:13 »

Brad,

One recommendation, make sure you use a OEM replacement seal, the others offered by some don't work as I learnt to my cost. it is a relatively quick, cheap and easy job for a windscreen replacement company if you use them. They can reuse the trim if taken out carefully. Some that have done it on their own have messed up the insert but carefully removing the screen and the insert can be done at home, just a bit more care needed.

Mine was done by others with the wood in-situ

Garry

pagoden · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2011, 08:12:22 »

Regarding the wood trim at the base of the windshield, my impression from previous posts is that it's the other way 'round; that is, the wood comes into it only because it's the perfect time to give it whatever service is needed, as it's such a bear to R&R the wood trim -- with it's imbedded, nasty-pointed trim "screws" -- out and back in past the dash upholstery with the windshield in place. Having the windshield out then becomes the best time to refinish the wood trim in that narrow cranny where the glass normally meets the dash upholstery. Can others with the hands-on experience confirm this?
[Separating in time the removal of the windshield from its refitting will have its own inconveniences, I'd imagine.]

Luck with it; I'll be there too one day.
Denny

Mike · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2011, 12:06:12 »

Hi Brad. This is a pretty simple job for an experienced glass installer. The metal trim piece can easily be re-used. Strongly agree with the comments re using MB seal and not one of the numerous aftermarket ones available. My installer made me take out the wood piece before he would reinstall the glass.

badali · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2011, 12:49:58 »

I stopped by the glass shop down the road yesterday and he did say to take out the wood. I think I'll do this in the winter. They will take out the glass in my garage. I'll order the gasket from the classic center.

The wood was refinished by the prior owner inside the car so this will give me a chance to finish it properly. I hope I don't damage the vinyl while removing the wood. It looks like it is stuck to the vinyl in spots.

Thanks for the input.

zoegrlh · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2011, 00:39:29 »

Yes, take out the wood trim first. I have my seal replaced (factory MB) a year ago by a auto glass shop. They were great, glued-in the seal when glass was placed in. Charged me $85.
Bob

IXLR8 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2011, 01:47:40 »

Hi--

If you are sure that you are going to replace the present seal with a new one, the easiest removal without damaging the bright trim is to use an X-ACTO knife from the inside. Slice the inside gusset down to the glass all the way around the windshield circumference.

Peel off the rubber you have just cut off.

Then, push the windshield slowly but firmly from the inside and the outer rubber seal with brightwork and windshield will come out as a unit.

I used this same approach with the hardtop side windows.

I will have a professional reinstall them when I am ready.

Joe

SilverSpear · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2011, 10:04:21 »

Yes... I know it is an old post. Thought to ask here instead of starting "another" windshield seal thread.

Anyone knows a good source (good price) for this?

Another question, anyone had problems installing a URO brand trunk seal?

George Des · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2011, 12:05:25 »

Yes, you need to use an OEM seal for this. I had trouble finding a glass installer I had any confidence in to do this right. In the end, my wife and I installed it in the garage using the cord trick described in some of the manuals out there. Not that hard to do.

George Desiderio

SilverSpear · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2011, 16:16:43 »

Ooops, not elaborated myself well, yes I am looking for an OEM windshield seal. I know there is no better replacement for it. Anyone knows a good source with a good price?

As for the URO brand, did anyone install it for his TRUNK and found a problem with it?

badali · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2011, 18:21:40 »

I used an aftermarket seal in the trunk and it is fine. I think it was $39. It does fit well but I don't remember the manufacture name. The winshield I will use an oem seal.

Atazman · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2011, 20:45:56 »

I recently installed the Uro trunk seal, and it fits great. About $45 from Autohaus.

SilverSpear · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2011, 21:21:34 »

Thanks for the feedback.

The reason I ask about the trunk seal is because a friend of mine just finished overhauling his pagoda and he mentioned that the URO seal made his trunk boot higher than it should be..

Iconic · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2011, 00:10:59 »

Please do a search on this subject - trunk seal.
Some members have had good luck with aftermarket seals, some have not had good luck with aftermarket seals.
BUT, I have not heard of anyone having a problem with an OEM seal from the Classic Center.
So, in IMHO, OEM is the way to go.
If you know someone who thinks the URO seal made his trunk boot higher, why would you consider anything else but OEM?

hank sound · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2011, 02:12:23 »

The difference in the cost of a proper OEM Windscreen seal, compared to that of a repro seal is - - what? - - the cost of a nice dinner? Give that dinner a mere 24 hours, and we'll see what its "outcome" will be

Bud's Benz, Millers and others here in the "Vendors" section of our website, have what you need. Especially with our windshields, we shouldn't skimp - IMHO.

Happy New Year,

Hank

KevinC · « **Reply #15 on:** September 17, 2013, 18:48:16 »

I'm reviving this thread with a question...or perhaps even to take a poll...

I want to change a windshield seal/gasket due to the current one being dried our and cracked. It just looks poor cosmetically next to a new paint job...TWO local independent installers both highly skilled demanded the dash wood be removed prior to the work. Reading the Tech Manual, nothing is mentioned about the wood removal.

Is this a "must do"? The gasket itself came from SLS.

Jordan · « **Reply #16 on:** September 17, 2013, 19:26:54 »

Kevin, I had my windshield seal replaced last year (as well as the windshield) and the wood dash did not come out. Mind you the installer I had said it wasn't necessary. If your installer says it has to come out then you should probably remove it (he'll blame you if the wood gets damaged) or find another installer.

66andBlue · « **Reply #17 on:** September 17, 2013, 20:03:36 »

The Mercedes way is to remove the wood otherwise it will be very difficult getting the rubber seal to fit inside.
Of course, if the wood has been trimmed away from the rubber by a PO or installer then it could work.
See instructions here at bottom of page: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/ChassisBody/Windshield
Looks like your installers know what they are doing, Kevin.

KevinC · « **Reply #18 on:** September 17, 2013, 23:38:56 »

Thanks Guys. All in all, since I have to replace the heat/defrost levers, I'll need to be in the dash area anyway!

66andBlue · « **Reply #19 on:** September 18, 2013, 00:38:34 »

Quote from: KevinC on September 17, 2013, 18:48:16

....The gasket itself came from SLS.

Kevin,
does it have preformed corners or is it just one circle?
If the gasket is without corners you might warn your installers that they have to do a bit of massaging and some fill-in work.
See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18882.msg131913#msg131913

KevinC · « **Reply #20 on:** September 18, 2013, 13:56:55 »

Alfred,

This one DOES have corners. Good tip, though...I had to check to be sure!

Kevin

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Author Topic: Windshield seal (Read 11380 times)

Mike

IXLR8

George Des

hank sound

KevinC

KevinC

KevinC