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on a 79 f150- what is the correct way to install the windshield ? is there a (best way) to do it without risking breaking the glass or damaging the gasket / ( with locking strip ) .
I started at the bottom, when I did mine, and worked my way up both A-pillars and around the top. Work slowly and carefully. I did see a few videos back when I did the job, but none of them were a Ford truck.
Mean, you're a brave man. I watched two professionals struggle to install my windshield, and I quickly realized I never want to tackle that task.
thats the reason im asking. i have had 2 different companies try to install this thing and still cant get it right. i didnt think you were supposed to be able to use a cord on the front glass ?
the last one broke it after about an hour and a half struggle. now on to the third try.
Did my front and back a month or so ago. Wasn't that bad. Lock strip all installed first and taped with blue painters tape. 1/4" cotton cord in channel before the tape. Cord coming out at bottom of window. Leave a couple feet both sides. Soapy water in a spray bottle. Get the cord and channel good and wet with it. Spray some on cab opening. Marked center of window with a sharpie. Make sure window is centered side to side and close up and down. Had a friend on outside pushing on the glass. Start pulling the cord making sure the seal is coming up over the lip. A ball end seal tool is helpful if you have to help it. Was really easy to top of pillars. The tight corner up there is tougher. Use some pliers to grab the seal and work cord over them while you hold the seal. Go back and forth. Grab it, pull cord around. Move the pliers. Pull cord around. Out of the corner just keep pulling the cord and pulling seal over. Pull the cord straight back at you. Took about twenty minutes to get it in once it was set up. Really wasn't bad. Good luck.
I watched those two installers put some pretty hard hits on the windshield. I was surprised that it didn't crack. I'd much rather hire it done. They can break 20 windshields, but I only pay when they're successful, and I only pay for One windshield.
I never really hit mine until the seal was all seated, and then I just gave it some light hits around the perimeter from the outside. I think working with these old-style windshields and backlites is something of a lost art nowadays.
A big tip I can give for any rubber seal windshield is a whittled toothbrush, like a prison shank. Any nylon or tough plastic stick will do. Make a tapered, flattened point and work the rubber with it around the tight areas. Ive installed a few windscreens this way with a bottle of hot soapy water to give some encouragement along the way.
The front windshield is easier than a lot of people make it sound. I used coated clothes line cable. A lot of dawn dish soap. My wife and I did it in about an hr. Start at bottom center and work to top center. A set of metal picks worked awesome as well. They were a must have. I planned on going thru a couple windshields but just needed the one. The glass was only $75 at local car quest
putting the chrome trim in seal before hand was way more taxing. I had to walk away a few times.
Just bought the tool that puts the thin chrome lock seam in. Once I got the hang of it was super simple. Put windshield or rear window and seal in first then the lock.
Did the rear window the other day. Was a B to put the lock in first but that’s how I did it. windshield is 4 straight runs and will be much easier to do the lock afterwards.
