I need to replace the windshield in my '51 F1 with the Extra cab trim. The current one is cloudy at all the edges and VA won't inspect it. I have the windshield and a new gasket.
I intend to cut out the old gasket/trim rather than risk damaging the trim. I hope not to find too much rust under the gasket.
I remember watching eons ago the replacement in my '52 Panel, using a string in the gasket groove and pulling it around the glass to seat the windshield.
I've searched the forums and looked for a tech article, no luck.

Any tips? Do I need to put the trim into the gasket before installing the glass? Start the string at the top or bottom? Use sealant? Use lube (I'm thinking liquid soap)? Take it to a glass shop?

I'd appreciate any tips!

Thanks,
Jonas

 

Jonas,

It sounds like you are on the right track. Do a search here or just scan back over the last several days. There was a thread about replacing a windshield on a 1959 or about needinghelp with it or something, that had great advice in it. I don't remember the actual title of the thread but it was just a few days ago.

Good luck
Bobby

 

Putting just the windshield in the rubber and installing in the frame using the string you mentioned and an extra pair of hands isn't too tough. But I gave up trying to get the trim in it and took it to a glass shop - I knew I'd destroy it if I kept messing with it. The guy at the glass shop fought with it for two hours but finally got it on and looking pretty decent. I have no extra sealing and slight seeping leaks in a hard rain on both sides of the dash so I'd say use some kind of sealant too.

 

Easiest way is to take it to a glass shop.

That being said, I have installed the windshield with the trim piece in my '49 a couple of times. It is a real pain. It's best if you have someone to help because you need at least four hands.

The way I did it is to install the trim piece most of the way around, leaving the ends dangle loose. Get a piece of heavy string, the cord from a plumb bob works best, use a lot of liquid soap in a spray bottle. Wrap the string around the windshield groove from the bottom and meet at the top. Place the window in the opening and have someone from the outside press the window in while you start pulling the string from the inside, making sure the rubber is being pulled over the lip of the opening. Once you have the rubber in place work the loose ends of the trim piece in using a stiff piece of plastic. I use a window tool the pros use but you can make a tool out of a plastic kitchen utensil or something else that won't scratch the paint or window. Then snap on the trim seam cover.

Easy! Yeah right! Just take your time.

Here are the instructions from the shop manual. Note the part about using rubber cement to seal the window to the rubber seal. I didn't do this and every time I wash the truck I get a bubble show as I'm driving down the road. Some day I will pull the window and seal it but it's just a pain to do it.

 

Thanks for the tips and the manual pages. I should have looked there first!
Any thoughts on putting the trim in the gasket before installing the windshield in the cab? The manual says do it after, the thread on the '59 said do it first. Seems you'd be able to better manipulate the gasket before it it's in the cab.

I found some rust in the opening, so I've cleaned that up, applied rust converter, and primed it. In a little while I'll put the finish coat on, and let it sit till tomorrow before I install the glass/gasket.

The manual instructions don't say to put any sealer between the gasket and the cab. I was thinking of running a bead of sealer on the gasket where it will meet the farthest forward part of the cab opening. It seems without that, water would be driven behind the gasket and just sit in the low spots of the channel.

Thanks again,
Jonas

 

From my own experience, I installed the trim first. I tried to follow the manual but installing the trim afterwards was impossible. Installing before hand wasn't much easier but I was able to do that way best. I worked in a big truck body shop for many years and we installed a lot of windows like this and we never used any kind of sealer between the rubber and the window frame. I have a feeling if you did this you may trap more moisture and in the invent you had to remove the window, it could make it harder and you could wreck you rubber. I do recommend using the rubber cement between the glass and the seal. Like said, I didn't and I get leakage whenever it rains or I wash the truck.