1997 Toyota Land Cruiser
By Alfredo Calva
FW662 GBN
DOT # 459
VIN #: JT3HJ85J1V0171710
1 This is a tedious installation that requires skills, experience and patience. When working on older vehicles, a thorough pre-inspection is necessary since there’s a high chance you will encounter possible damage or rust from a previous unsafe installation.
2 It’s obvious from this photo that the windshield wasn’t installed properly. It is offset, and the gasket wasn’t installed correctly using urethane. Be sure to record this in your pre-inspection report.
3 The glass shifted toward the passenger side, and the outer lip is not making contact with the body of the vehicle.
4 This installation shows signs of leakage and rust, and the gasket didn’t lock correctly.
5 Time to begin working on the vehicle. Start by removing the windshield wipers and take note of where they park.
6 To remove the cowling, take off the screws and gently slide the cowling off the gasket by pulling toward the front of the vehicle. Be careful not to hit the hood.
7 You can use a number of different techniques to remove the windshield glass. If the windshield had been installed properly, it would be easier to just cut the windshield out of the gasket. Since the previous installation did not use urethane, you could use the normal technique of pushing the glass out by creating a separation between the gasket of the pinch weld. Create an opening and work your way around, separating the gasket from the pinch weld. There are tools that make this process easier.
8 Upon removal, rust was found throughout the pinch weld area. Record the damage in writing and with pictures, if possible.
9 To remove the remnants of urethane that the factory applied, I used a plastic scraper. It prevents scratches to the paint.
10 Remove the rust. The goal is to see bare metal.
11 Make sure you don’t miss any areas that need to be treated.
12 Prepping the body is time-consuming, and takes patience. Taking your time will give you peace of mind, and you’ll know you did your best to prevent further damage. Plus, it’s satisfying to see the results.
13 The body of the vehicle is now ready. Follow your adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations for treating bare metal.
14 It is time to prepare the windshield. Start with a thorough cleaning on the edge of the glass since it’s going to bond with urethane onto the gasket. Same with the gasket, clean the area where it is going to bond to the windshield. Next, install the gasket onto the windshield, make sure the two lower corners of the gasket are squared correctly, and stretch the gasket if necessary. This part is important; otherwise, the gasket will not set correctly during installation. To install the rope inside of the gasket, I feed it through using a urethane plastic nozzle.
15 It is important to tape the remainder of the rope to the glass to prevent it from falling into the urethane.
16 Use pliers to squeeze the tip of the nozzle to allow an easier urethane application between the windshield and the gasket.
17 For this step, it is easier to have an extra set of hands to help hold the windshield and prevent the gasket from slipping off. Take your time to make sure you don’t miss anything.
18 Reshape the nozzle to apply the urethane directly onto the gasket.
19 Follow your adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct urethane procedure needed to properly bond to gasket sets. Apply the urethane to both sides and the top of the gasket. Refer to the picture to see where urethane needs to be applied.
20 There are two openings on the bottom of the gasket. One of which is where the cowling fits into the gaskets. Do not apply the urethane in the wrong location. Refer to this picture for the proper urethane application location. Applying the urethane in the wrong location could compromise the installation.
21 I would recommend getting help with the setting and installation; it makes it so much easier. It is still possible for one person to do the job, but not as easy. Before pulling the rope in, ensure the windshield is centered and that the exterior bottom corners of the gasket look correct.
22 You’re finally ready to install the windshield. Start roping it from the bottom center while someone pushes from the outside. If you’re doing it by yourself, use suction cups on the inside and pull in on the windshield as you would on the rope.
23 Close the gap, and squeeze the excess urethane all the way around the gasket.
24 Make sure all four corners of the gasket are over the body. Press down on the gasket to avoid any gaps.
25 Remove all the excess urethane that squeezes out.
26 To reinstall the cowling, open the hood and slide it in between the windshield and the hood. Align it on the gasket opening and push it in from one end to the other. It’s easier if someone helps you hold one side while you push it to the other end.
27 This is the cowling after installing it correctly. Once everything is fitted properly, reinstall the screws and the windshield wiper.
Alfredo Calva is the president of Alfredo’s Auto Glass in Corona, Calif.
alfredosautoglass@hotmail.com.
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