I've got a '78 F1150 that was recently painted. since they put the winshield and seal back in it is leaking like crazy. Here is the question - they didn't put the chrome windshield molding back in. If I install the molding will that stop the leaking or do I have a more basic problem with the seal itself?

 

From my experience its most likley just the seal. do you have gaps in it?

 

There are two different types of windshield moldings. I believe the change over occured in 78, but might be mistaken. The 78-79 used a plastic strip that goes in a wider channel in the molding sort of locking it in place. If this is the style you have, and they did not put that locking bead in, it would most likely leak. The 73-77's had a wide stainless strip that was more for looks I believe. Either way, unless it is a new gasket without any locking bead or ss trim, the orginal pieces should be put back in. Is it the same seal that was used prior to paint?

 

the seal is as you described. it as a groove that runs down the midle and then the molding presses into the middle and is held in by four clips.

I don't see any gaps in the inside or the out. It looks like it is laying pretty flush, but it is the old seal, they didn't replace it.

 

It sounds like you have the correct seal for your 78. Putting molding back in will no doubt help your leaking problems.

 

D7TZ-1003110-B .. Windshield Weatherstrip-Use with one piece flexible plastic chrome windshield reveal moulding (D7TZ-1003148-A).

The one piece flexible plastic chrome moulding has an adhesive backing. Once it's peeled off, the moulding glues into the groove in the weatherstrip. There are no clips of any kind!

Applications: 1977 F100/350 from serial number O80,001 / 1978/79 F100/350 & Bronco.
Since the moulding glues into the groove of the w/strip, once it's removed, it cannot be reused.

You'll have to buy a new moulding, the windshield will have to be removed from the truck to install it.
================================================== =========================
1973/76 and 1977 F100/350's before serial number O80,001: The w/shield reveal mouldings are stainless steel, there are 8 total: 1 each Right & Left, Upper & Lower and 4 corner joint mouldings.

The weatherstrip used with these mouldings is D3TZ-1003110-E
---------------------------------------------------------------
Note: There is another windshield weatherstrip: D3TZ-1003110-F

1973/79 F100/350 & 1978/79 Bronco: Use without windshield reveal mouldings.

The weatherstrips, chrome plastic flexible moulding (there is also a black plastic flexible version: D7TZ-1003148-B) have been reproduced, available from Dennis Carpenter and other repop sellers.

If y'all had Carpenter's 1967/79 truck parts catalog, you would have known all this jazz. Carpenter uses Ford part numbers/applications. Call 800-476-9653, order the puppy, it's free.

 

Does the shop still have the molding ?...

 

It doesn't matter if the shop has the OP's original flexible plastic chrome moulding or not.

It glues on, and once it's removed from the weatherstrip, it cannot be reused again.

D7TZ-1003148-A .. Flexible Plastic Chrome Moulding-Comes with an adhesive backing.

 

To the OP, how was the windshield removed? Did they cut the gasket at all to ease removal of the windshield? You can get a new lock strip and put it in with the windshield in the truck. Post some pictures of where the gasket meets the cab on the outside and the inside.

 

Pardon me ... I was wondering if the gasket had been changed to the locking strip type ...Without looking at it , I guess we will never know ...

 

My 76 had no molding ...

 

Ford partsman for 35 years (1962/97), this is the first time I've ever heard of this moulding called a "lock strip."

Carpenters 1967/79 truck catalog on page 84: D7TZ-1003148-A Windshield Chrome Plastic Moulding.

Ford truck parts catalog: D7TZ-1003148-A: Flexible Chrome Plastic Moulding.

 

Lisle 47000 47000 - Windshield Locking Strip Tool

Either way, lock strip or moulding it does not have an adhesive backing nor is it glued in place. The windshield also does not need to be taken all the way out to install the moulding/lock strip as you suggested.

 

I was told that the plastic strips are there to help lock the windshield into place also? But let's face it, I've been told a lot of BS before. Lol

 

Did the paint shop ask for a new molding before installing the glass ? I would have thought if they removed it they would have said something about not being able to use the old one . If they are very old then they are not worth putting back in, time for a new one.