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Window Seal Flapping on 2003 E350

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Old May 3, 2020 | 11:01 AM
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Window Seal Flapping on 2003 E350

I have a 2003 E350 van and the window seal/grommet is curving up causing a loud noise while driving. The win bounces in and out of the channel created by the curve. I understand that the rubber is not really a seal, rather is decorative. The sound is annoying! I took a photo of where the noise is coming from. It's difficult to take a good photo with a camera phone as I cannot zoom in. Look at the photo and imagine that the weather stripping is peeling upward like a lip.

I can have the entire windshield replaced for $200 including the rubber weather stripping. I thought about filling in the channel with GE clear silicon to buy some time before replacing the windshield. The curved lip from wear and weather cannot be bent back into place.


 
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Old May 4, 2020 | 04:35 AM
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Ahh new information! As we discussed the surrounding molding has a metal spline and is part of the windshield when its made brand new---replacing it requires as much time and expense as a simple full replacement. If the metal spline has been twisted or otherwise slightly deformed and cannot fit back into its original space you can consider using something like Gorilla brand adhesive tape to temporarily hold it as close to its normal location as possible and stop the flapping noise. If you're handing with arts & crafts sorta work making this look acceptable would be easy.

The $200 full replacement price is fair, a bit less than I'd charge but I do a few extra steps that warrant my additional cost. Brand name of windshield, inspecting the pinch weld which might entail a slight bit of rust removal and using a special primer to prevent future rust. If those steps are part of the quoted part then that's not a bad price at all.

HTH
 
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Old May 4, 2020 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by JWA
Ahh new information! As we discussed the surrounding molding has a metal spline and is part of the windshield when its made brand new---replacing it requires as much time and expense as a simple full replacement. If the metal spline has been twisted or otherwise slightly deformed and cannot fit back into its original space you can consider using something like Gorilla brand adhesive tape to temporarily hold it as close to its normal location as possible and stop the flapping noise. If you're handing with arts & crafts sorta work making this look acceptable would be easy.

The $200 full replacement price is fair, a bit less than I'd charge but I do a few extra steps that warrant my additional cost. Brand name of windshield, inspecting the pinch weld which might entail a slight bit of rust removal and using a special primer to prevent future rust. If those steps are part of the quoted part then that's not a bad price at all.

HTH
We are driving through Ohio in June. Do you know any good automotive glass installers? I am serious!! It’s part of the Keeler family annual road trip. Maybe pick up a Michelin to match my rear wheels!

 
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Old May 5, 2020 | 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted by coolfeet
We are driving through Ohio in June. Do you know any good automotive glass installers? I am serious!! It’s part of the Keeler family annual road trip. Maybe pick up a Michelin to match my rear wheels!
Give me a call sometime soon with your schedule and perhaps I can guide you to an outfit I'd trust. Not sure if that $200 quote you've already received would apply as I don't know who quoted that price and what brand of windshield they'd use.

 
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Old May 5, 2020 | 08:59 AM
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The quote is for an aftermarket windshield from China. Factory OEM is $300. This guy does light rust removal and paints with rust resistant primer.

I may try the Gorilla tape as a temporary fix before the 6000 mile trip as I seem to get a rock chip/break on every trip! If I get lucky, the crack will be large enough for the insurance company to cover.


Mark
 
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