[DeTomaso] Windshield Install

[John Taphorn]

Mike

The installer did not recommend sealant and I didn't push it because the gasket design would make the application hit or miss if applied before the seal was in place.  Most likely, sealant applied to the channel where the window sits would be pushed out as you pulled the lower gasket flap out through the channel over the edge.  Of course, this sealant would end up all over your dashboard and contribute to one hell of a mess.  

Now that the seal is in place, I could see it possible to apply sealant if you had a basketball needle type injector.

I was keen on the idea of using sealant - I simply had forgotten the gasket's design.

JT
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: MikeLDrew at aol.com 
  To: jtaphorn at kingwoodcable.com ; detomaso at realbig.com 
  Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 8:11 PM
  Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Windshield Install



  In a message dated 4/26/10 18 02 8, jtaphorn at kingwoodcable.com writes:

  >With those fresh memories in hand and on the advice on several private responses I received, I decided to not use any sealant.

  >>>Oooh, bad idea.  This is one place where you don't want to take any shortcuts. :<(



    The installer came by this evening and made me feel better, It took him two tries and two hours to get it in place.  It was among the most difficult installations he had to do.  It was a well spent $95.

    Window is in and looks great.



  Did the professional use sealant?  I certainly hope he did!!!

  FWIW I was in Seattle a few weeks ago and they were telling me about a club drive they went on, when they got caught in a downpour.  All but one Panteras had leaking windshields.  Several suffered flooded gloveboxes (and one had a camera that was destroyed in the glovebox), and one car suffered a shorted-out fusebox and died on the side of the road.

  The one car that was water tight, I BELIEVE, had the windshield properly sealed with windshield sealant.

  Seattle guys--please correct any inaccuracies in my recollection of the story you told. :>)

  And JT--good on you for deciding that discretion is the better part of valor on the installation itself.  Although I might be able to get a windshield in with the help of friends, there are some jobs best left to the professionals, and this is one of them I think!

  Mike