sealing windshield

[treed2 at wsu.edu (T. Reed)]

> The glass shops use a black caulk gunk to seal the window(see hardware
> store/automotive parts store).  it's pretty easy to apply, just insert
> the tip under the seal and squirt as you move around the shield.  Wipe
> off any residual and Viola!
>
> It only works for a few months tops.  I have to do it 2 times per year
> on my own.
>
> Mike

Yep, go to the auto parts store and look for Permatex Black Silicone
Sealant in a blue package. I've had good luck with this stuff. Then find
yourself some popsicle sticks and a helper. Park the car somewhere dry for
a few days and try to use a towel to wipe up as much moisture from under
the seal (you will have to pry it up with your fingers) as possible. You
want everything as dry as possible for this to work its best. Warm is good
too.

Now cut the plastic applicator tip and screw it on to the tube. Stick it
under the seal and basically inject the stuff as deep as possible, having
a helper hold the seal away from the metal for you. Be especially generous
at the corners (all four of them) as that is where the seal tends to
shrink away from the metal and cause leaks. I put probably 1/2 cup of
sealant in one of the corners.. there was that big of a gap letting water
in. Ideally you should replace the seal but everybody wanted like $160
for it which was way out of my budget.

Anyway, as your squirting this stuff liberally, your helper should be
wiping up the goo dribbling out the sides.. using the popsicle sticks as
"spatulas". You will still get a thin layer on your paint but this can be
easily removed with standard car wax and a little pressure when you're
done.

After two unsuccessful sealings I tried the method above and that was.. 4
years ago. Haven't touched it since (hope I'm not jinxing myself), and
it's been in ever-rainy Seattle the whole time.

So go for the "filling" approach rather than the "sealing" approach. You
want the seal to look like a cream filled donut when you're done. Try not
to get the sealer stuff everywhere (take your time and be as neat as
possible) because its hard to get off of the rubber (off paint isn't too
bad though).

Good luck,

-Toby