Around 1960, automakers began installing laminated windshields in the interest of safety. It's layered-a sandwich of glass with PVB plastic in the middle. During an accident, it starbursts and cracks, but it stays together to prevent injury.
A Word About Sealers
John Sloan at The Eastwood Company set us straight on windshield sealer. There are two basic types-soft and hard. Rubber gasket windshields and backlights call for the soft stuff known as 3M Windo-Weld Resealant (PN 08634), which is the nastiest sealer to work with. It's black and gooey-use it sparingly and watch where it drips. Despite the mess, it seals well and cures to a flexible consistency. It moves with the glass and gasket without cracking and tearing.
For glue-in windshields and tempered side windows, use 3M's Windo-Weld Primerless Super Fast Urethane (PN 08609). Super Fast Urethane is a glue and sealant. When it cures, it bonds like no other. Count on security and sealing with this. Don't use Super Fast Urethane on a rubber gasket windshield or backlight. Use it only where glass is to be glued in place, such as tempered-glass side windows.
Another brand of sealer for rubber gasket windows is R900 from Adcoseal, available from most autobody paint supply stores. It works the same way as 3M's Windo-Weld Resealant. It's nasty but effective if you use it properly.
Side Glass
Wing, side, and quarter-window glass replacement is straightforward once each assembly is removed. Due to space restrictions, we can't go into the step-by-step removal and installation, although we show how each window type is assembled. Quarter-window glass is easy to replace once you get it out. The quarter-window frame is a combination of stainless steel, chrome-plated die-cast metal, and rubber. A flexible gasket provides a cushion between the glass and frame.
 These kind of corners can...  These kind of corners can bite you if not perfected. Headliners should be firmly glued into place. |  It's a good idea to do a gasket...  It's a good idea to do a gasket test fit first to ascertain proper fit. |  Seat the gasket and inspect...  Seat the gasket and inspect it all around, inside and out. |
 Sparingly inject 3M's Windo-Weld...  Sparingly inject 3M's Windo-Weld Resealant into the inside (glass) groove. This is challenging and mandates a helper. Don't use too much or it will ooze out when the glass is fitted. A thin film of sealant will do. |  Lay the glass/gasket assembly...  Lay the glass/gasket assembly in place first. Use a nylon string around the outside groove to pop the lip inside for seating. Believe it or not, this can be done without string. Pop the lip carefully around the perimeter using a small screwdriver. All you need is patience. |  Windshield and backlight installation...  Windshield and backlight installation is a team effort with someone outside leaning on the glass and someone inside pulling the string and popping the lip. Again, use soapy water around the perimeter to ease installation. |
 With moderate pressure outside,...  With moderate pressure outside, pull the string and pop the lip. Sometimes the string can bind, causing frustration. Make sure it has a smooth path. |  Although the Ford Shop Manual...  Although the Ford Shop Manual suggests injecting sealant in the outside groove, this makes installation very messy. Seat the glass, then inject sealer deep between gasket and body. Let it settle and cure, which takes at least eight hours. |  Add a fresh layer, making...  Add a fresh layer, making sure it flows into all cracks and crevices. Make sure you have a solid bead of sealant between gasket and body. This stuff is fluid and flows nicely. |