Installing w123 windshield - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ricardobs84 · #1 03-07-2009, 04:22 PM

I got a new seal, new chrome moldings(after I bent the f@&% out of the original ones) and a new used windshield. Now I'm putting it back into the car, but I can't get it in all the way. I was told that I have to put the chrome pieces with the seal and windshield together. I also have the rope wrapped around the seal an a good amount of 3M window weld.. it makes a mess, but I rather clean it now that have it leaking.

OK, now my question is basically how to put the windhsield? SHould I just push it n or put the bottom first?? When do I have to pull the rope??

leathermang · #2 03-07-2009, 04:30 PM

Good Luck. Are you doing it as a one person job ?

ricardobs84 · #3 03-07-2009, 04:31 PM

no, I'm here with a friend

leathermang · #4 03-07-2009, 04:39 PM

Did you read the FSM instructions first ?

leathermang · #5 03-07-2009, 05:17 PM

Well, I am going to try some predictions...
You have a real mess on your hands.
By the time you applied that 3M and then decided to get on the computer to ask the question it was probably already skinning up... which would increase your friction factor way past reasonable.
As far as I know most windshields are installed with water or a drop of detergent and water ... then sealant is applied after it is installed.
My possibly faulty memory of the description in the FSM seems to bring up that image.
I predict that you will either break the not new glass if you continue... and need to buy a new seal and start completely over to get a satisfactory result.
I hope I am not right...but I have dealt with a few glass installation situations in the past and cleanliness, speed, friction, extra helping hands, and luck are needed to avoid the first try needing a ' mulligan' ( do over as in Golf ).....

kerry · #6 03-07-2009, 05:34 PM

Haven't put one in myself but I have watched Safelite do it twice. Chrome goes in after everything else is done. Sealant goes under rubber once glass and rubber are installed.

Biodiesel300TD · #7 03-08-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Haven't put one in myself but I have watched Safelite do it twice. Chrome goes in after everything else is done. Sealant goes under rubber once glass and rubber are installed.

The FSM says to put the rubber on the window then install the trim then put it in the car.

kerry · #8 03-08-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

The FSM says to put the rubber on the window then install the trim then put it in the car.

I could be mistaken as my memory gets less trustworthy as I age, but I'm pretty sure I watched the Safelite guys pick up the trim after the glass was in the car and pound it into the gasket with rubber mallets.

Biodiesel300TD · #9 03-08-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

I could be mistaken as my memory gets less trustworthy as I age, but I'm pretty sure I watched the Safelite guys pick up the trim after the glass was in the car and pound it into the gasket with rubber mallets.

I've never watched someone do it, I just know what the manual says.

Did you trim get all bent after he hammered it in? It's pretty flimsy stuff so I'm not sure I'd want to hammer it in.

mobetta · #10 03-09-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

I could be mistaken as my memory gets less trustworthy as I age, but I'm pretty sure I watched the Safelite guys pick up the trim after the glass was in the car and pound it into the gasket with rubber mallets.

X3. I watched the tech do my windshield two years ago. and in my short stint in an autobody shop, we Never put the trim in first. not saying it cant be done the other way, but the trim functions as a lock, and it seems it would be harder to do first, without it the seal can flex way more.

when I did the 3'x4' pieces of flat windshield in my step van SOLO

, i installed the lock trim last- that was a plastic trim piece that went in- I did buy a nice tool to get it installed easier- but that is not relevant for this application.

anyways- is it done yet?? success??!!

ricardobs84 · #11 03-07-2009, 05:52 PM

You are mostly right leathermang. Whole thing is a freaking mess now. However I did manage to save the seal and "not new" windshield. I have to remove the 3M(big mess) and start all over again.
I actually have the laptop with me at the garage, so i can check everything right away.

Whats FSM?? Fast Sticky Mess??

leathermang · #12 03-14-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricardobs84

"not new" windshield.

He did not have to do anything wrong for it to crack... this is the norm for old glass. That is why it is not recommended.

leathermang · #13 03-07-2009, 05:53 PM

Kerry , Was that on one of our old MB's ? I think on ours the trim ( which I think is brushed aluminum ) is in the rubber when it goes on... much the opposite of my intuition and other cars...
One ( or two people ) would push on the area where the two ends of the rope are installed ( mid lower or upper ) ... as they will be pulling the rubber lip in first..

kerry · #14 03-07-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Kerry , Was that on one of our old MB's ? I think on ours the trim ( which I think is brushed aluminum ) is in the rubber when it goes on... much the opposite of my intuition and other cars...
One ( or two people ) would push on the area where the two ends of the rope are installed ( mid lower or upper ) ... as they will be pulling the rubber lip in first..

Yes, a 123.

leathermang · #15 03-07-2009, 05:55 PM

LOL,,
FSM FACTORY SHOP MANUAL ....
EEEEAAAAAKKKKK... 3M on your keyboard ?