FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I always thought that some mastic/sealer was supposed to be used when fitting windscreens? Is this correct? or is OK for them to be fitted dry?

fitted mine dry (FROM MEMORY)  and haven't had a problem

Yes Mastic... unless you have cloth on the roof lining and then I use Wurth Dab off  ;D ;D ;D ;D......FC427.......

Windscreen guy told me that u only use glue type stuff on new cars and that the fe if fitted properly should be fitted dry. He said not to use rubber grease either, because this will encourage the glass to jig slightly and thus wear out the rubber. He has 30 years experience.

Fellas this video is good. They make it look too easy though  :P. With truck ones we used to fit we didn't use thin wire as many back yarders suggest on forums but smooth boat type rope. Crucial to ensure that trim is flush as they suggest, but your correct it is mastic if u do use it but should not be necessary if prepared correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpXbpUb8GO8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The GMH Shop manual pages 25 & 26 gives a good description on how to install.

Apply sealer to base of glass channel all round.

Apply cement around perimeter of glass.

And they have several diagrams.

This is just what's in the book, experience is a whole other story !

Cheers Stewy   8)  

The story is that I pulled my screens last night for a new rooflining to go in, I was expecting to have to clean up a black sticky mess afterwards.
I am glad I don't now, but I am a little miffed that I paid someone to do this job thinking it was complicated and messy  :-[

I have been a windscreen fitter for around 36 years and I was taught on the old holdens, fords & valiants. We always sealed the screens when we fitted them, if anyone has removed an original screen, they had a grey sealer between the screen/rubber & the rubber/ body. These days the sealers are somewhat sloppier than the original so they can make a mess, but if you take steps to stop the sealer being pulled through with the rope then you don't have much to clean up. When I refit my screens, they will be fully sealed as it is a real pain in the bum to have to redo the job for the sake of some cleaning up. The video is a bit misleading as it doesn't  tell the full story, anyone who has fitted an aftermarket rubber knows what I am talking about, also the fact that the car didn't have a roof lining also would impede the fitting.
My thoughts anyhow.
Jim

Yeah definitely the roof lining adds to it. We never put sealer on truck ones but perhaps they were different. Im just relaying what I have been told, but I would add sealer myself but there are plently that dont. But I wouldnt cake it on when i do mine. Its a great discussion though.

Depends on who & how you are taught, most trucks use a self draining rubber so they don't need sealer as they have holes moulded in the bottom of the rubber to drain out the water. Sooner or later the water will find it's way through either the glass or the body, or both, that is the reason for the sealer if Holden wanted them to be dry seals then they would have put holes in the rubbers, but they used the sealer as it was the best way to keep the screens water tight.
Regards Jim