Installing Windshields and Backlights

1 We had the good fortune of working with JR Distributor International for window glass for Project Reclaim from Mustangs Plus. Windshields, as well as side glass and backlights, are available both clear and tinted for classic Mustangs. Smoked glass is available for side glass and backlights only. Windshields are laminated. Side glass and backlight are tempered plate glass for safety.

2 There are several types of sealer for rubber gasket windshields and backlights. The Restomod Shop uses Adcobond's R-900 sealer, which is gooey non-hardening black, available from auto body supply stores. It is very effective when used properly. There's also 3M's #08634 Windo-Weld Resealant for rubber gasket windshields and backlites, which is available from The Eastwood Company. We're also familiar with #08509 Bedding and Glazing Compound (do not get it confused with #08609, which is also a flexible, non-hardening sealer for rubber gasket windows). Sealer is injected into the inside groove in modest amounts.

3 Richard Bramlett mates gasket and glass, which takes practice. You want all of the air pockets out and the glass seated perfectly. This is the best time for clean up using benzene to remove unwanted sealer.

5 Windshield and backlight molding clips require special attention. They must be scratch and chip free to prevent corrosion. They must also be placed in enough locations so the trim is secure for 360 degrees. The factory didn't always use enough clips, which is why you will likely have to add some. When clips need to be added, use a 1/8-inch drill bit and a stainless steel screw.

6 Visit your favorite lawnmower repair shop or home improvement center to pick up several feet of starter cord, which is perfect for roping in windshields and backlights.

7 You'll want to fill the gasket perimeter tracks with sealer, which fills the area between gasket and frame.

8 Windshield installation begins at the bottom where the gasket straddles the pinch weld, then the windshield is laid in place for the rope-in.

9 Richard does the rope-in while a helper presses on the glass. As Richard makes the rounds, the lip pops and the windshield seats. Spanking and pressing the windshield seats the gasket. Moving the car outside into the hot sun helps keep the sealer/gasket pliable for additional seating.

10 The seated windshield and gasket should look like this. Expect excess sealer as the gasket and glass seat.

11 Aside from sealer between the glass and gasket, the area between the gasket and body is crucial to leak prevention. Stick the sealer tip deep in this cavity and pump a lot of sealer in there. As the sealer cures, fill this area again so you cannot see the body. This cavity should be completely full of sealer so water doesn’t stand a chance.

12 Trim installation requires the utmost of care, latching onto the clips without paint damage. The windshield marks are where clips are located for ease of installation. Trim usually needs a certain amount of tweaking to ensure smooth installation.

13 Plastic trim removal tools are effective for protecting paint.

14 These tools are also effective at mating the trim and clips.

15 For the backlight and side glass, Mustangs Plus decided to go with smoked glass, which gives a restomod an air of mystique. A soft green tint is also a nice option.

16 Fastback backlights are the most challenging to install because they're the most chronic leakers. The Restomod Shop is going to show you how to get it done leak free. R-900 is injected in the inner glass groove where Richard goes deep with the tube. You want sealer between the glass edge and the gasket.

17 The gasket is then installed around the backlight perimeter, taking care to burp the edges and achieve a good seat. As with the windshield, the backlight's perimeter gets sealer for 360 degrees.

18 Also like the windshield, starter cord is laid in the outer groove and bundled inside the glass to rope in the glass. It may comfort you to know this is exactly how Mustang assembly plants did this a half-century ago.

19 The backlight is seated at the bottom and laid in place the same way as the windshield.

20 Richard pulls the rope and pops the inner lip while a helper seats the glass. As with the windshield, this outer perimeter between gasket and body must be completely sealed with a flexible sealer. This gap is key to keeping water out.

21 Trim is carefully pressed into place. If you pound or become impatient, you will damage both trim and paint. Press where the retaining clips are and feel for the

22 Richard cleans up the glass and trim with a petroleum-based degreaser and a razor blade, which cuts right through any stray sealer.