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Rear Window Seal
#1

The rear window seal on my 88 TC is in dire need of replacement. I've call multiple shops/mobile services and no one will do just a window reseal (from what I was told by these companies, new rear glass doesn't exist). Does anyone know of a mobile service in the Rockaway, NJ area that would do just the rear window seal? Has to be a mobile service as the car is currently on jack stands. I even welcome links to universal window seals that would work and tackle it myself if needed. Thanks everyone
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#2

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Please forgive my ignorance, BUT....... isn't the glass simply glued in place with a urethane sealant, then a multi-piece stainless molding snapped on around the perimeter? I can't think of any newer cars with a "window seal" ~ except possibly some pickup trucks.  <shrug> 

If it's held in place and trimmed as I described, virtually any glass shop should be able to remove the stainless trim pieces, seal the glass in place w/o removal, and then replace the trim. What am I missing?  <slaphead>
Placerville, California
(former)  '78 2.3T Courier w/blow-thru Autolite 2bbl carb ~ (current)  '87 2.3T Ranger w/PiMP’d EFI
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#3

My understanding is that there are different trim designs based on the year turbo coupe. I believe 87 and early 88 cars had a multi piece gasket design while late 88 vehicles went to a one piece seal. I don't know if these are urethaned in or not. I can confirm that my 88TC does not have stainless steel trim pieces. The outside seal is dry rotted and breaking in several spots.

As noted in my first post, I cannot take the vehicle to a shop as it is on jack stands at the moment.

I know there are people who have had universal seals installed so any responses about that would be greatly appreciated.
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#4

Many glass shops are mobile and will come out to your house to do the work. Just had a guy come out to my house and install my windshield and rear window on my '54 for $150 a hole. I provided my own seals through an aftermarket vendor though. Search the internet for a mobile glass shop locally, call and explain your situation and get a price.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Thunderstang (DECEASED)
'27 Model 'T' w/2.3T
'54 Ford Customline 5.0/AOD
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#5

I have called a few places already and each one said no. They wouldn't do a reseal without new rear glass. I'll keep making phone calls
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#6

Have you thought about doing it yourself? ie: remove the glass and re-install it with the proper installation kit.
I also believe it is 'glued' in with a butyl rubber seal if it's like my fox Mustang windshield.
I did the windshield in my '84 GT Turbo 'vert, it was a real pita but I took my time and made it through the process. This was back in 2012 so the details are a bit fuzzy...
Once the glass is out, you need to clean everything with the proper chemicals and then set the glass back in.
iirc the Butyl is a 3/8" diameter 'rope' that you lay in and set the glass on and there was two little blocks at the base that positioned the glass

I don't think re-sealing it with the glass in the car would be very successful and it would be hard to put the trim back in with the channel full of 'goo'.
The place that said 'no reseal' without new glass is most likely because they're afraid of cracking the old glass when removing it and don't want to take the chance (or responsibility).
(2) 84.5 TurboGT 'verts/84.5 TurboGT hatch/(3) 86 SVOs
86 LX 2.3 (project Ratstang)/04 SVT Focus #1276
77 F-350/40 Ford Sedan/67 Fairlane GT 'vert
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#7

I have thought about doing it myself. This car is a project of how ridiculous I can make the modifications so there's a ton of work on it and a ton left to do. A lot of which I am learning for the first time (welding, building the motor, etc.). I was hoping for a glass company just due to time and convenience. Last year, I was even floating the idea of doing Lexan. We'll see, depends on how much I can get done in the next couple of months
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#8

(09-06-2024, 02:59 AM)Paul LeDuc Wrote:  1. Have you thought about doing it yourself? ie: remove the glass and re-install it with the proper installation kit. 

2. I don't think re-sealing it with the glass in the car would be very successful and it would be hard to put the trim back in with the channel full of 'goo'. 

1. In the hands of a DIY'er, using the tool that most glass shops/techs use to remove auto glass (Harbor Freight version shown below), often results in broken glass ~ sometimes, even when used by a professional - but...... YMMV! I've done it myself in a self-serve J/Y when trying to remove a Ranger w/shield. I broke two - then, was successful on the 3rd try (practice makes perfect, lol). Moral of the story? I wouldn't even ATTEMPT it, w/o a nearby source for replacement glass!

[Image: 6HGCPy6.jpg]
2. AFAIK, the "goo" that most glass shops use is urethane sealant/caulking that is usually dispensed from "caulking-gun tubes". Tim Imhoff, a good friend of mine and fellow TF member, used to own a glass shop in Colorado, and I accompanied him on several occasions when he replaced auto & truck glass (mostly cracked windshields). Altho I never saw him "reseal" one of 'em w/o replacement,  I know it's done occasionally ~ and, embedding the stainless trim into the uncured urethane and wiping/cleaning off the excess isn't all that difficult. BUT..... "Pity the fool who needs to remove that trim at a later date" (ala, 'Mister T'), lol.   Big Grin
Placerville, California
(former)  '78 2.3T Courier w/blow-thru Autolite 2bbl carb ~ (current)  '87 2.3T Ranger w/PiMP’d EFI
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#9

My windshield was already cracked so I had nothing to lose, and I got the old one out without making the crack any worse.
A very warm day, a heat gun, piano wire, and a lot of patience got me through the process.
(2) 84.5 TurboGT 'verts/84.5 TurboGT hatch/(3) 86 SVOs
86 LX 2.3 (project Ratstang)/04 SVT Focus #1276
77 F-350/40 Ford Sedan/67 Fairlane GT 'vert
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#10

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I've never used the "garotte" (piano wire) method and, of course, I didn't have access to a heat gun at the J/Y. Not having to worry about cracking an already-cracked window certainly takes the drama & worry outta the removal process. How/where did you get the replacement glass? The OP said that nobody in his neck of the woods had one, which is why I cautioned about the potential for cracking upon removal.  <shrug>
Placerville, California
(former)  '78 2.3T Courier w/blow-thru Autolite 2bbl carb ~ (current)  '87 2.3T Ranger w/PiMP’d EFI
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