Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Windshield: Service Precautions

CAUTION:
- Cover the instrument panel in order to prevent possible damage.
- Care must be used to avoid scratching the pinch weld.
- After installing the new windshield glass, the vehicle should not be driven until the urethane adhesive has cured. The curing time at temperatures above 13°C (55°F) and relative humidity above 50% is 12-24 hours. (Refer to the Essex drive away chart for the cure times as the temperatures and humidity vary). Inadequate curing of the urethane adhesive may adversely affect the strength of the urethane adhesive bond.
- All rust found on the pinch weld must be removed and the pinch weld restored to OEM specifications. If surface rust is found, remove completely down to clean, bare metal. Prime pinch weld metal with an OEM recommended curing automotive paint primer and allow to cure. If rust has penetrated through the pinch weld metal, repair the pinch weld sheet metal at a body shop before proceeding.
- If the vehicle is to be driven within 24 hours of urethane adhesive application, urethane adhesive must be used due to its one-hour cure time.
- Open the windows to prevent the windshield glass from being pushed out by air pressure if a door is closed.