Installing a new windshield

[Jimb]

About to install a new windshield, are there any tricks to seating the rubber seal properly? Not the glass in the rubber, but the rubber gasket along the bottom of the windshield frame that sits against the body.
Jim

[Damini]

Put black silicon for windshields there. You can get it at the auto parts store.

[Jimb]

OK thanks.
Jim

[bulldog4444]

Hey Jim,
I just read last week on artigue.com/fiat/service-letters the factory/dealer procedure to properly replace your windshield. You get to go through the letters and find the right one (there are hundreds).

The bottom line in this, there is a flange built into the bottom rubber seal that the factory/dealer letter says "Do Not Remove" the bottom portion of the seal from the frame or you will have to also remove the frame and the vent panel to properly seat the seal flange back. The service letter discusses removing the seal from the top, sides but keeping the bottom portion untouched. The reason being the windshield will not properly seat causing a possible breaking of the windshield. Leaking is not an issue since these leaked as new from the factory.

Good luck and enjoy reading the letters, this turned out to be a nice addition to my Fiat information stash.

Best, Bulldog

[bulldog4444]

Hello again Jim,
I found the exact service letter for you regarding the windshield. This doesn't let you off the hook for reading the remaining 472 service letters. Good luck.

http://www.artigue.com/fiatcontent/serv ... /701-2.pdf

[azruss]

i'm assuming that the frame is already off the car. getting the bottom seal in the track takes some work. cowling must be off so you can get to the track. I've never tried to change a windshield with the frame on the car.

[Jimb]

Thanks for the help guys. We got it installed now using rope to pull the rubber over the cowl flange. Worked like a charm. And boy does new glass look good.
Up next is a new windscreen I'm building out of 1/2" aluminum tubing. I'll post pics when it's done.
Cheers,
Jim