So basically, whenever I drive on the freeway the weatherstripping comes out of the channel in the top of windshield, which is a huge problem because it is barely holding on when it comes out of the channel, as in it could fly off my car at any moment. The reason for this is, by what I gather, that the windshield was installed wrong. From the looks of it, there are two problems. The first being that when the windshield is installed, you are supposed to install it with the weatherstripping clipped onto the windshield, as it slides under the edge of the glass. When it was installed, they didnt do that. Now normally, you should have been able to just make it sneak its way over the lip on the windshield anyway. However this is where the 2nd error comes in, when the windshield was installed they used WAAAY too much glue/caulk/sealant, so much that it goes PAST the edge of the windshield, so there is no ledge to hook the weatherstripping on.
Here is a picture to show you what I'm talking about, and how it should be.


But this is where it gets wierd. This is the factory windshield, the windshield was never replaced for the life of the car. Do you think that since this was a manufacturing defect, the repair of the windshield (it has to be removed then reattached) could be done as a "good will" repair by a dealership?
Or is there something I'm overlooking and I'm totally wrong, and it should be like this.
Or is there an easy fix that I'm not thinking of?

thoughts?

thanks for your replies.

 

I agree this does appear to be a manufacturing error; no ledge to secure the trim to window. Is this true over entire width of windshield or only part of window? Does trim initially seat and then slide out under air pressure or can't be installed in place at all?

You might be able to trim some of the rubber away w/ a "heated knife". I've watched windshield replacement and that's what is used to remove the oldglue after cutting the windshield off w/ a wire. Perhaps a small chisel heated w/ propane torch might be able to clear enough path for the trim pieces.

good luck

 

thanks for the reply.

I was actually thinking about finding a way to trim it down, but the problem is that the fitting for the weatherstripping is very tight on the windshield, And I wouldnt be able to trim the glue off tight to the glass. I guess its worth a shot, but I dont think I'm going to touch it until after I talk to a dealer, though.

The weatherstripping fits in the slot where the window goes, but comes out very easily because it isnt secured to anything, its just the lateral forces of the weatherstripping pushing the sides of the channel that hold it in. It also seems to push upward and out of the channel a small amount.

I cant tell if the glue runs like this along the bottom half, But it definetly is put on like this for the whole top side of the window, and a foot or two down each side.

 

What I had in mind was a thin drywall spatula bent/cut to make a scoop on the end. You also might use some thin sheet metal to make the tool and then clamp tool to a screwdriver w/ small hose clamp. Heat and try to scoop out excess sealant.

When I saw this done the hot tool cut through the sealant like butter.

good luck