I'm trying to install the lower door glass channel without breaking the glass.
Can I just tap it on with a hammer? Silicone spray 1st?

 

A little engine oil will help a lot.. it will allow the rubber to slip on and than swell the rubber for a monster grip.. I just did my windows last month.. a light tap with a hammer ok as long as the other end on wood... Or rubber..

 

Greg

I use soapy water, heavy on the dish soap.

 

I'd use a rubber mallet (prefered) or a block of wood between the channel and a steel hammer.
I was once told by a glass installer to use gasoline as a lube since it will melt the surface of the rubber making it slippery then will glue it in place as it evaporates. Don't use silicone or any lubricant that won't soon dry or the glass could end up slipping back out at an inopportune time.

 

All is correct per AX, NO lubes, gas/or VOC solvents are ideal. I never use mallets or hammers. I just use 2 of those long "Quick Clamp" ( brand) of woodworking/shop vise. Pipe clamps work the same. Very easy,wont jump out. And, if you like,or your part is old, you can squeeze it tighter before mounting it to the glass and when the solvent dissipates, it will stick like grim death. Guaranteed. Have fun .

 

Good idea El C! Hadn't thought of clamps. Just use a cushion of rubber or wood between the metal clamp and the edge of the glass. Glass is amazingly strong, it's just brittle if you put a lot of localized pressure on it with a metal tool or torque it too much. The new electric window regulators I put in clamp the glass with bolts so I didn't have any problems putting them back on, taking off the original ones was a real job tho.

 

I have always used a pad under the glass, a rubber mallet to force the channel over the glass, but I have never used any lubricant. The glass guy that showed me how didn't, so neither have I. I have never broke any, ok , I have only done 8 pieces.

 

Thanks guys. Channels are on the glass and no cracks.

So far, so good!

 

Purple

Cool, it's a nervous moment whenever you force glass.

Jonathon

That clamp trick is forum idear of the week IMO. I've been closing my eyes and wapping it with a rubber mallet for years.

 

we used the gas trick on my old bosses golf clubs the metal was rapped with double sided tape and the grip would slide on and the gas evaps and the grips were permanent. eD ke6bl

 

Please send the forum "idea of the week" prize very soon. I still need the Glide Engineering seat frame. Actually, the glass idea was taught to me my my late father and was a common trick to avoid breaking glass since money back then was scarce and most could not afford to waste any. My old man was a creative hot rodder with a lot of cool tricks for the financially challenged. He built many A's, model B's, V8's, and many others at his Standard Oil service station.