I got a new windshield gasket last year and never put it on. I got it out of storage and was planning to do it this weekend.

On the way home from work, a rock came up and chipped the windshield. It is down low by the wiper blades. The chip is accompanied by a tiny crack a little over 1/8" long in 3 different directions.

If I repair the chip (with a resin kit) is it safe to replace the gasket? Or will the windshield flex and crack all the way across?

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

after many failed attempts at removing windshields without gaskets, I would recommend you learn how how to properly caulk a joint...

or get a new windshield.

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Get a new windshield and put in the gasket, you have glass coverage (insurance)?

Sounds like the crack is only going to get worse. I agree, check with your insurance about coverage and get a new windshield.

Be sure to get the MB non hardening windshield sealant. Do not use what you can pick up at the local auto parts store. You can order the sealant from Phil here on the forum or get it at a MB dealer. It was about $30 for a tube. Well worth it.

Do a search on windshield replacement here on the forum. There have been some good discussions. I gathered that the folks who have been convinced that you can put the windshield in dry with the new gasket have been very disappointed at seeing leaks soon after the installation.

Richard

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85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60

I went with Safelite, they have the option to sell you their seal or use yours. They do have the non hardening sealant (urethane).

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Wow... This is old.

I finally got this done today. I went with SafeLite. I removed the old windshield and cleaned it all up before they arrived. It took about 3 hours to remove the old gasket and all the sealant without messing up the paint. That stuff was really on there!

I already had the gasket. It was a Meyle gasket I got of this site a couple years ago. Anyway.... The tech comes out and starts pushing the new gasket into the frame on the car??!!! He says he has done them before (I think he was lying, but gave him the benefit of the doubt). I explained that the gasket goes ON TO the windshield "OUT OF THE CAR". Then the trim locks the gasket onto the windshield. After it is all put together, then you install the entire assembly into the car "As per the FSM". He looked at me as if I was an Alien. But, in the end he agreed without arguing and we had the thing installed in under 30 minutes. The whole job was surprisingly easy.

We used a foam window cleaner as the lubricant. We layed it in, lined it up and started pulling the cords from the bottom. First the Pass. side, then the Drivers side. Once we had the bottom in, I pulled down hard on the top and he went up the drivers side with the cord. same for the passengers side. After that he pulled the rope out across the top and that was basically it. We spent about 5 minutes on each side at the top getting the trim and the gasket to line up properly. No biggie and the Meyle gasket worked great.

It looks perfect and does not leak. Thank for those at the GTG for the advice on doing this.

The tech thanked me for the advice and made a mental note (I'm sure) on the "proper way" to install one of these windshields.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

You should have gotten it at least with some sort of discount!

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

As i am right in the middle of this project, did the tech use any sealant on the seal between the metal and the rubber or the rubber and the glass?

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1983 300D ..... So little time, so much work.

I also am in the middle of my project. my euro 123 4 speed 300 na had a bashed out windshield. the gasket is new looking and very supple. I thought about reusing it. perhaps cleaning and heating it. with a new windshield. anyway, the metal around the window had MINOR rust forming, so I'll be cleaning and POR-15 treating the entire window seat. I'll leave it por-15 no over coat, I think. not 100% on that. I may want body color. ... anyway, my point is the clay like sealant that was in the window tray was a little chalky, so I'm putting fresh in. trying to decide if I should just use urethane or get MB window sealer...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

No sealant. I was so ticked off at the amount that I had to remove, I wanted to try it without sealant first. I do have a tube of MB sealant. It is relatively easy to put it on there with a plastic tool to lift the lip. I just opted not to do it. You will need to remove the trim on the sides of the windshield if you plan to put the sealant under the sides. Just 3 screws and a hard yank upwards breaks the trim free.

I'm not kidding about the amount of time it took to remove the old sealant. It was a serious PITA.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

I second the time it takes to remove the old sealant. I will also try without and see what happens.

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1983 300D ..... So little time, so much work.