1997 K1500 Windshield

[chassenj]

I have a 1997 Z71 K1500. Over the years I've had multiple windshield replacements. Unfortunately, I now have water coming inside my truck. I pulled the headliner as I don't know how to pull the windshield. I've found that the winshield is no longer sealed as rust got through/in between the windshield and the windshield surround (the metal that the winshield sits in and gets glued to) or whatever it's called. Can anyone walk me through removing the windshield so I can repair the rust problem and reinstall the windshield. Thanks for any help.


Chassen

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by chassenj

I have a 1997 Z71 K1500. Over the years I've had multiple windshield replacements. Unfortunately, I now have water coming inside my truck. I pulled the headliner as I don't know how to pull the windshield. I've found that the winshield is no longer sealed as rust got through/in between the windshield and the windshield surround (the metal that the winshield sits in and gets glued to) or whatever it's called. Can anyone walk me through removing the windshield so I can repair the rust problem and reinstall the windshield. Thanks for any help.


Chassen

the windshield removal requires special tools and practice ...to remove with out cracking is gonna be a very very lucky day for you ..

with windshield replacing these glass guys hack up the painted metal , then they apply solvents that eat at the painted metal..this is the problem ...the glass repairer made this issue ....

with the windshield removed use of fiberglass is best ...if real bad horse hair fiberglass...been there done that on past vehicles .....now when I get a windshield replaced I make sure they don't damage the paint ...if they do , they know they are gonna wait for ME to repair the damage ....

I would try dow 795 sealer for the stopping of the leaks ...rather than remove the windshield ,,,seal the complete edge...this product has tremendous ability to flex and stick ,,,,use gloves ....after 3 days it is fuly cured ..this is the glazer caulk that they use in the glass install on buildings with metal steel concrete...does not damage bare metal etc....

with your 1997 how much longer can it last ...this should work for a few years...

[jdmccright]

If the rust-through is only along the windshield edge and small (~1/4"), they could be filled with Bondo or fiberglass. Another option would be to use a torch to fill the small holes with brazing, or even better, use a MIG welder to fill them. Severely rusted edges will require replacement of the metal with new sheet stock welded in. Remember, the A-pillars and roof line are a structural component of the truck's safety. I wouldn't cut corners here.

As for windshield removal/reinstall, I'd give a call to the local shops that come to your house to replace them. They might do the cutting for you and when you're done reinstall it. They'll have the best chance of saving your windshield.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

If the rust-through is only along the windshield edge and small (~1/4"), they could be filled with Bondo or fiberglass. Another option would be to use a torch to fill the small holes with brazing, or even better, use a MIG welder to fill them. Severely rusted edges will require replacement of the metal with new sheet stock welded in. Remember, the A-pillars and roof line are a structural component of the truck's safety. I wouldn't cut corners here.

As for windshield removal/reinstall, I'd give a call to the local shops that come to your house to replace them. They might do the cutting for you and when you're done reinstall it. They'll have the best chance of saving your windshield.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

bondo should not be used to fill holes ...esp. in this area where the rate of metal /glass expansion and shrinkage with temp changes would cause the bondo to fail in a very short time ...

[jdmccright]

I'll yield on that point made...alot of complex forces at work there...thanks for catching that brain fart.

Welding is best. Just make sure there's no wires running near the holes you're going to fill.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

I'll yield on that point made...alot of complex forces at work there...thanks for catching that brain fart.

Welding is best. Just make sure there's no wires running near the holes you're going to fill.

If this member can weld he will be able to repair this nicely ....

bondo that product is only good for smoothing out 1/8in defects in the metal work ...no metal ,,, its gonna crack anywhere its used ...

the hack body shops don't practice this proper usage ..

[chassenj]

Thank you for all the info. I have removed windshields in the past when the seals were easier to figure the removal. My biggest question is the seal. Is it integratted with the windshield or does it come out on its own? I do know how and have a MIG welder so that's how I plan on repairing the rust issues.

[jdmccright]

As I recall, its a black pressed in trim piece that goes around the edge. Unsure if that is discarded and a new one used or it is kept. But it should pull out to reveal the gap for the cutting tool.