I have a 1986 F150 and there appears to be a leak around the windshield at the top on the passenger side. Can someone tell me how to remove the trim and what sealant I might use to caulk that part of the windshield so it doesn't leak? Pictures would be a great help if you have links to any.

Rick

 

You probably have a rust problem between the cab and the adhesive that holds the windshield in. The best way to fix it is to remove the windshield, clean up the rust, put a rust encapsulator on it then reinstall the windshield with new adhesive. It's pretty tough to get the old shield out without breaking it. I guess it would be worth a shot to try to seal it without removing the old windshield like you're thinking though. There are clips that hold the trim on and a tool to release the clips but I've never done it myself so I'll let someone else advise on that. I think that sometimes the clips are imbedded in the adhesive so you need to be careful not to break them.

 

The original moulding clips are plastic. You should go to the wrecking yard and pick up some metal ones from a newer 1992-1996 truck and use those for replacement.

As for windshield leaks, it may not be the windshield or seal that is leaking but the caulking around the seams of the cab. The seam between the A pillar and the roof are notorious for cracking and passing water through them. Also the seam from the a pillar to the firewall is also a notorious place for leaks. If you find out that it's leaking through the seam, you can use 3M all around body sealant to refill the seams. You can also get a pint of touch up paint mixed to repaint the seams the right body color at the same time. You can get both of these at auto paint stores. The sealant takes a caulking gun. Do not use silicone based sealants as this can cause rust, and silicone is caustic to unprotected steel.

Remove the windshield trim and inspect all around the "A" pillar to roof seam, and the "A" pillar to firewall seam. While you are at it, check the "B" pillar to roof seams, and the seams that go along the drip rail. If you see cracks, this could be an indication of a problem. I've seen the "B" pillar seam leak in the back, and follow around the top of the cab down the "A" pillar and drip in the floor in the front. I've also seen where the "B" pillar seam leaking has cause cab rot in the cab corners as well. Use a garden hose and isolate the leak to a specific area.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks. I checked the seams and did see some cracking that was actually worse at the back of the truck. I also noticed there had been a repair of the sealant and painted over in the gutter over the passenger side window. How do I remove the windshield trim without damaging it?

Rick

 

You need to get the tool. You can do it with a screwdriver, but damage can result if you are not carefull. You can practice on a junk yard truck, as this will also be your source of metal clips as well. With the tool you pry up underneath the moulding on the outside edge untill you find a clip, then the special tool will push it off position and the moulding will POP up. This usually breaks the original plastic clips. As I said you can use a small flat screwdriver a gently pry up along the outside edge, but it is a risk. You can also use the moulding from any 1980-1996 truck, so if you do damage one, a replacement should be pretty easy to get.

As for the cracking sealant in the seams. This looks like your problem areas. I'd especially look at that repair that was done to the passenger side. It might have been repaired well in your case, but possibly it wasn't. And then what about the drivers side?

Good Luck.

 

Permatex makes a flowable RTV sealer that works: Amazon.com: Permatex 80050-12PK Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant - 3 oz., Pack of 12: Automotive I used it on my dad's truck and it doesn't leak at all. But, you do have to pull the trim, as others have stated. I didn't have any prob's doing it.

 

I've never had any issues pulling the trim off of one of these trucks with my hands, you just have to be careful you don't kink it. Best to practice on a donor truck.
I've also never had one of these trucks apart that had anything but steel molding clips other than for the bottom trim piece, but, that doesn't mean there aren't plastic ones out there.

 

Thanks. I do have a donor truck from which I have been taking non-essential parts. I will try it out on it first.

Rick

 

On my 86 it was leaking & what happened was the polyurethane had dried out & the trim was about all holding in the windshield.

Craig

 

Most of the ones with plastic clips have probably been changed out already, but mine still had them.

Like I said, using silicone sealants is a bad idea as it's caustic (corrosive) to unprotected steel and can cause severe rust issues.