Rear window installation tips needed

WINST10
WINST10 Member
in HUDSON

Hi everybody! I recently had a new headliner installed in my '51 Pacemaker sedan. The person who did the installation removed the rear window as part of the installation process. I furnished a new rear window gasket that I bought from Wildrick so he could reinstall the glass when the headliner work was complete.

Unfortunately, my installer was not able to get the rear window back into the car. He and his helper tried four times and the window kept popping back out. He was using a rubber mallet but he did not want to get carried away because he was afraid of breaking the window.

I now have a car with a beautiful headliner but no rear window. I spoke with a guy at a body shop I have worked with, and he said he knows an old-time glass installer and would try to get in touch with him. Hopefully this will work out...

Does anyone have any experience with this problem? Can you offer me any tips or tricks to get the rear window back into place? Thanks!

Answers

  • ratlee2
    ratlee2 Expert Adviser

    When I did both my 53 sedans, I put flexible gasket sealer on the inside of the glass channel and installed the gasket on the glass. Then I installed the stainless reveal trim followed by duct tape around the perimeter to hold the trim on. I then filled the outside channel of the gasket with sealer. And set in the window opening. I tried to use the rope method but found it much easier to have a helper apply firm pressure from the outside and just pull the gasket over the frame lip by hand going from side to side. It gets difficult about 3/4 of the way up and then it will drop into place. It is messy but cleans up well with mineral spirits if you get sealer on it. You definitely don't need a rubber mallet to install

  • ratlee2
    ratlee2 Expert Adviser

    To clarify once you get about 3/4 of the way up the sides and it becomes difficult, you need to shift to the top by applying pressure from the outside while working the lip of the gasket over the top part of the flange. Doing this will drop the window down into the opening and the sides will be draw in.

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