Windshield Glass and trim, best way to reseal?

[eightynine4x4]

Hi everyone,
1989 4x4 Auto
Anybody have any experience or info regarding resealing the perimeter around the windshield glass?
I pulled the old trim, and I have a replacement set.
I have some minor water leaks, so need to figure this sealing approach out.
Best type of sealant to use?
Remove old gunk?
Is detaching the whole windshield a terrible plan?

thanks!!

 

[JoshT]

Best?

Best would be to pull the windshield, clean the flange, treat any rust areas, run a new bead of polyurethane, and reinstall.

Sounds like you are looking for something a little simpler though. You can try a silicone sealant, some have had atleast temporary success with that. About the same process except for removing the windshield. Clean out the window channel really well. Treat and protect any rust and bare metal. Use a silicone like this to reseal the areas that are leaking.

 

[eightynine4x4]

So removing the windshield is as simple as cutting away at the black polyurethane goop until it frees the glass?
Doesn’t seem like a very complicated project overall. Toughest part might be getting the windshield free’d.

Side note.. I have a set of black replacement trim. I was told that all windshield trim is “silver” underneath this black. So is the trim aluminum to the core? And can I use a paint stripper if I wanted to remove the black?

 

[JoshT]

I didn't say that removing the windshield was easy, I just said that it was the best. It could turn bad quick if you find severe rusting around the flange, but removing the windshield is the only way to get to and repair that properly.

Check some YouTube videos on windshield replacement. You'd need to get a tool to basically saw through the poly all the way around the windshield. Really need two people to do it. I wouldn't even try to reinstall it myself, I'd call a local glass company to do that. Actually, any windshield that I would remove to reseal, is likely getting replaced as well. So there is that to consider

Couldn't tell you about the trim. I've never had the black trim on my trucks, and it's been a very long time since I paid much attention to the bright trim.

If it is aluminum, the shiny aluminum is likely anodized (or similar) for protection to prevent it from oxidizing. Removing the paint may also strip the protective layer, requiring more frequent polishing. Just something to be aware of. Considering the appearance and the way it bends/flexes, that trim may be stainless instead of aluminum. I know older trucks like my F-100 were stainless.

 

[SenorNoob]

I make it a rule to get windshields replaced. My last new one (in my Ranger BTW) was $125 a couple years ago. The price shouldn't have changed much since then.