Changing the windshield seal

[pablo_o2]

After reading all concerning threads I started the job Yesterday morning. It was indeed necessary to call in a second pair of hands. I found it very difficult to put on the new seal even when put in soapy water. The window always popped out the seal and because of the special bent shape of the windscreen the seal did not stay in place. After numerous attempts I finally succeeded but I had to tighten the seal by using several tensionbelts. This I let rest for a couple of days to dry out the soapy water. After this I put in the new alluminium moulding this evening, which again costed a lot of effort because of the pre shaped bents. It now is in place yet is not tight against the seal in the corners. When I bent the window corners a little inwards it's ok. Is this normal and does it come ok when I install the windscreen with seal in the frame? I do not want to install before I'm sure the result is satisfactory. Any help and advice is welcome.

Paul Haems
'68 280SL

[bpossel]

Hi Paul,

I will be having a new windshield installed soon and from what I understand, with the windshield on the groung you install the rubber seal around the window, then install the aluminum trim, then install the windshield.  So in summary, you install all pieces together at the same time.

I also undertand that if you start the windshield installation by setting the lower part of the windshield in first, then letting the top fall back into place, the gravity helps to pull it into place.

Anyone else with direct experience?
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[pablo_o2]

Thanks Bob, so far I am, but now I am worried about the fitting of the chrome in the seal and if it has to be thight against it "before" installing in the frame as this is not the case in the four corners. Love your picasa album btw.

Paul Haems
'68 280SL

[graphic66]

This is one job you may want to call in a pro. The job is tricky and is the only thing I have ever had to hire someone for on my car, excepting tire mounting and balancing. The glass company that did mine sent out a guy, he looked at it and left and came back with another guy. The first glass guy didn't even attempt it. It took all three of us holding on the rubber with tape,and our hands. Before installing your windshield make sure your dashwood fits perfectly as any fitting needed is way easier with the windshield out. The chrome piece is probably flexible enough to fit the contour, but it must be perfectly in place in the gasket and on the windshield before installation.  You then place the windshield, gasket and chrome into the car from the outside with the bottom fitted and then use a piece of string to pull the gasket into place. I put mine in with no sealer. No leaks after 3 years. I paid the glass guys $65.00, and they came to my house. A great deal for sure.

[pablo_o2]

Installed the windscreen today! It was not so hard to do. After some more informing, my restorer advised to lubricate the seal with engine oil because this way it slides better into the frame. And right he was. If you use soap it dries out after a period of time. And the proces of installing the windscreen takes some time (1,5 hour with two people). Everything fits fine, I'm very pleased.

Paul Haems
'68 280SL

[graphic66]

We used silicone spray. I believe the motor oil will break down the seal after time. I would guess brake fluid would be good or even the silicone grease product Syl Glyde. Great job you did it yourself. Patience is a great thing. I don't have much of it, so I called in experience.