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Does anyone know the step by step instructions for installing a windshield on my 59 desoto. It's been 10 yrs since I started the resto. Tried to install the rubber seal & can't figure out how to get it to stay. Don't have any of the interior done except for paint.
I have never done one of these windshields but am thinking the installation requires a 1/4"+ or - black rubbery/tar type of seal in the installation somehwere. It is very stickey. It will definitely hold your windshield seal. However there is another issue. The seal may have a mold release on it (as evidenced by a thin gray film. This film must be removed. It will prevent any bonding/sealing of the seal to everything. They usually have teflon in them.
Usually the windshield is installed with the gasket attached by "roping' it into place. A butyl sealant is then applied between the rubber gasket and the windshield pinchweld.
Most headliners are glued to the windshield pinchweld before the glass is installed so if your headliner is not installed yet, it would be wise to forestall the glass installation.
You may want to get an "old timer" glass installer to do this or at least help you. Wrap around windshields can be difficult to install. We're blessed here in the Cincy area to have a "well experienced" guy that loves to help us car lovers. He cut and installed all the glass in my chopped '42 pretty much at 1942 prices ($2.00/hour flat rate). He wouldn't even let me buy him lunch!
I have never done one of these windshields but am thinking the installation requires a 1/4"+ or - black rubbery/tar type of seal in the installation somehwere. It is very stickey. It will definitely hold your windshield seal. However there is another issue. The seal may have a mold release on it (as evidenced by a thin gray film. This film must be removed. It will prevent any bonding/sealing of the seal to everything. They usually have teflon in them.
I'm using the old rubber seal. When I cleaned the old seals, I found a soft tacky gray sealant in the body grove & black rubber type in the upper corners of the back window & windshield groves..
It sounds like Paul is referring to butyl tape, where as the front and rear glass on our Mopars uses an extruded rubber seal.
Most of these forward look era mopars require that the rubber is placed on the pinch weld of the body, and then the glass is inserted into the rubber. The rubber then has a locking strip which is closed to hold in the glass.
Liberal use of a 10% solution of soapy water helps.
The factory service manual should have a body section to show what you need to do.
OH! I remembered I had put up a video. It's related to '55 and '56, but I think it applies to your car, too.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
