Rust problems
200PlusClub
06-22-2005, 01:14 AM
I have some rusting right where the windshield meets the roof and am not sure what to do. I was considering finding some silicone that can bond rubber and steel, but in the winter should any water penetrate then the freeze/thaw might make this worse. Any suggestions?
Arnoldtheskier
06-23-2005, 12:27 PM
TOUGH CALL there bro!..Window/windshield channel rusting/rotting.
There are experts a plenty who say to NEVER ever seal this up with silicone.This will effectively seal the area and perhaps the silcone will find it's way into other places..preventing it from "breathing"..drying it out.And it will effectively rust/rot faster and further from the inside out.Classic car restorers go CRAZY when they see this..fixing this/getting it out of the channel..other problems.
The water that gets in there now can at least dry.
You can be pretty much SURE that IF water is getting in here..a visable hole..THEN it is getting in elsewhere too! Trapping it can be a BAD idea.
I did this on another car years ago.Sealed what I thought was a no big deal hole/crack/rust hole..with silicone.At the roof windshield joint.It was ALSO leaking elsewhere where I couldn't see it.= ROTTED out the cowl.
Personally..as water IS getting in there now..AND has been for some time..I would break out the water..hose/spray/garden hose and PUT some water in there and see where it goes.Does it dry out? Is there anything else rusting/rotting? THEN I would go around the windshield CAREFULLY..looking for cracks..hard mouldings will do it too.A little rubber lubricant might help.THEN I would put the water to the other areas and see if it is getting in. After this..make a decision whether to do it or not.Please factor in that once you do this IF you ever sell the car and someone sees this..the value goes DOWNNN.
I use regular silcone..premium hardware store stuff..Exterior grade GE is good..cheap.Clean the glass/and the TINY area with a cloth with some lacquer thinner..then put the silicone.IF you are picky there are many different colors of silcone sealer.It is best to smooth it with a wet finger and NOT try and cut the excess off after it has dried.This often pulls it out of the crevice.
Good luck with this.
IF you goober this stuff all over THEN need a new windshield..EXPECT probelms from the installer/instalation
There are experts a plenty who say to NEVER ever seal this up with silicone.This will effectively seal the area and perhaps the silcone will find it's way into other places..preventing it from "breathing"..drying it out.And it will effectively rust/rot faster and further from the inside out.Classic car restorers go CRAZY when they see this..fixing this/getting it out of the channel..other problems.
The water that gets in there now can at least dry.
You can be pretty much SURE that IF water is getting in here..a visable hole..THEN it is getting in elsewhere too! Trapping it can be a BAD idea.
I did this on another car years ago.Sealed what I thought was a no big deal hole/crack/rust hole..with silicone.At the roof windshield joint.It was ALSO leaking elsewhere where I couldn't see it.= ROTTED out the cowl.
Personally..as water IS getting in there now..AND has been for some time..I would break out the water..hose/spray/garden hose and PUT some water in there and see where it goes.Does it dry out? Is there anything else rusting/rotting? THEN I would go around the windshield CAREFULLY..looking for cracks..hard mouldings will do it too.A little rubber lubricant might help.THEN I would put the water to the other areas and see if it is getting in. After this..make a decision whether to do it or not.Please factor in that once you do this IF you ever sell the car and someone sees this..the value goes DOWNNN.
I use regular silcone..premium hardware store stuff..Exterior grade GE is good..cheap.Clean the glass/and the TINY area with a cloth with some lacquer thinner..then put the silicone.IF you are picky there are many different colors of silcone sealer.It is best to smooth it with a wet finger and NOT try and cut the excess off after it has dried.This often pulls it out of the crevice.
Good luck with this.
IF you goober this stuff all over THEN need a new windshield..EXPECT probelms from the installer/instalation
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