How-To Windshield and Rear Glass Replacement

4: Using a soft plastic homemade tool, Frank Dohs pops the rubber gasket lip over the windshield, beginning at the bottom. Instead of using a rope to pop the rubber lip inside the body, Frank pops the outer lip instead, using the plastic tool to get there. The inner lip is already inside.

5: Frank firmly presses the windshield in place, which seats the glass and squeezes sealer around the edges. He suggests firm pressure, but not too much.

6: With the glass firmly pressed in place, Frank runs a bead of sealer around the perimeter between the glass and rubber gasket. Lacquer thinner and a razor blade are used to clean off the excess sealer.

7: Sealer is applied between the rubber gasket and body as shown. This ensures water won't leak between the rubber and body. This is the vintage Mustang's most common leak area.

8: The sealer between the rubber gasket and body is spread to fill out the space and keep water out. Sometimes, the molding will breach this seal, causing leakage. If this happens, you have to remove the molding and seal again.

Closing The Gap
Mustang windshields leak mostly in the upper corners because installers frequently fail to fill the huge voids with sealer. Water tends to collect there, finding its way down the A-pillar to the dashboard and kick-panel area. This area must be filled with sealer and properly spread in all directions before the molding is installed. Water needs to be channeled away from this area, down the outside of the A-pillar to the bottom where it safely passes away from the interior. When it does, your feet stay dry.