Rear glass question

[MAYHEM]

Quick question. I'm putting in a new rear glass hatch weather seal on a ‘77. Is it easier to put the seal on the window (glass) first and then hatch? Or vis versa? Any tips?

[EScanlon]

Put the rubber seal on the glass first, then carefully install the chrome strips, then mount on to the hatch.

When mounting onto the hatch, wrap a rope around the rubber seal, where the hatch flange fits into. Place the glass/seal onto the hatch in the right location. Have a friend give firm but careful support to the glass as you, from the inside, begin to pull on the rope. As you pull on the rope, you'll be pulling the rubber lp to the other side of the metal flange. Work your way around the opening, making sure that you don't cut the rubber, nor allow the curvature of the window to pop the back side out.

FWIW

E

[MAYHEM]

Thanks for thr instructions. Is there any type of sealant used?

[EScanlon]

Well......

The "book" (read as FSM), does not call out for any.

For the most part you should not NEED any. The gasket seal and the shape of the metal are such that the gasket / window will fit in very neatly into the metal opening and grip the metal flange wel. Mounted properly, (i.e. no kinks or tears in the rubber, and the corners aligned right) on a hatch that hasn't been tweaked out of shape or alignment, you shouldn't have any leaks.

But here's one of the areas where, depending on the condition of your hatch, I vary from the book.

If the flange had to be worked on due to damage, rust, or simple repair, then I would use a small amount of sealant. But...., this is a judgement call, and it's been years since I used any sealant and I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending one over another.

But, as far as characteristics....

-Try to find one that does not need to be exposed to air to cure. It is going to be sealed around the edges.

-That stays soft and supple (i.e. has give) after cured. You don't want it to be hard after it cures. It will only cause problems when you're exposed to the sun and the glass expands. (Not to mention the hazzle if you should ever have to remove the glass/seal).

-"Liquid" enough to be pushed into the space(s) available by the pressure of the glass/weather, but not so liquid that it runs and drips.

I'm sure some of the other members will have some suggestions.

The key thing here, is to remember that it is DESIGNED to not need any type of sealant other than the weatherstrip. If the basic integrity of the hatch and rubber have NOT been compromised, then using it is more of an "overkill" situation. Sometimes it's desireable, sometimes it proves to be it's own problem.

2¢

Enrique

[mriz]

What might also help is to keep a spray bottle of slightly soapy water around to keep the gasket slippery and less prone to tearing as you pull on the rope . You may not need it but somtimes it can help get the rubber over the flange.

[MAYHEM]

Thankks for your input EScanlon.

Also for yours too, mriz