Authentic Mopar Glass
Replacing a damaged windshield is a very common repair procedure. No doubt, many reading this article have had to replace a vehicle’s windshield. And, of course, windshields are frequently damaged not just from stones or road debris but also as a result of collisions. As with all repair procedures, there is a right way and a wrong way to do the job. Also, there is the right part and the wrong part to use. Let’s review these two topics: the part and the procedure.
MOPAR GLASS
Windshield glass is actually two pieces of glass bonded together between a plastic film that prevents the glass from shattering when it breaks. Commonly known as safety glass, windshield glass, as well as backlite and window glass, is regulated by federal law. And although the quality of automotive glass is regulated by the government, don’t think that all glass is created equal.
As is the case with other automotive parts, counterfeit pieces are out there in the marketplace. If you think you’re doing your customers a favor by saving them a few bucks on off-brand glass, think again. You might very well be compromising their safety, too. Always insist upon authentic Mopar® glass whenever glass is being replaced.
Mopar glass, and all other Mopar collision parts, are the only parts designed and engineered exclusively for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles. These parts preserve the integrity of your customer’s vehicles and keep these cars, trucks and minivans looking and performing as designed.
Authentic Mopar glass is O.E. quality and the only glass that should be used for replacement on your customer’s Chrysler Group LLC vehicle. While it’s true that most glass suppliers can cut to the size of any window, it is important to remember windshields are significant load-bearing elements on the vehicle and are as important in a collision as an air bag, seat belt or anti-lock brakes. Mopar glass is designed to help prevent the roof from collapsing in the event of a collision or rollover accident (look at the width of the A pillars; that vast expanse across the front of the car from pillar-to-pillar supporting the roof is accomplished by the windshield). In addition, a properly installed windshield can absorb the potentially lethal force of the airbag, and help position the bag in front of the occupant. It helps keep drivers and passengers from being thrown through the windshield in the event of a severe accident. And color matching of your tinted windows is never the problem it might be if you use aftermarket replacement glass.
In addition to the strength factor, the use of authentic Mopar glass can aid in the installation of the windshield. Like any other part, the one that is designed specifically for a particular vehicle will install easier and have a better fit than one that is reverse engineered by another manufacturer. The net result is no wind noise and no water leaks. Installing the glass correctly also helps to prevent these problems.
WINDSHIELD INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
Before we review windshield and glass replacement, a few words regarding installation precautions are in order.
First of all, do not operate the vehicle on which the new windshield was installed for 24 hours after installation. This amount of time is necessary for the urethane adhesive to cure. If the vehicle is driven less than 24 hours after installation, the adhesive might not be cured and the windshield might not perform properly in the event of an accident. Secondly, urethane adhesives are applied as a system. Use glass cleaner, glass prep solvent, glass primer, PVC (vinyl) primer and pinch weld (fence) primer provided by the adhesive manufacturer. Structural integrity could be compromised if these instructions are not followed.
Chrysler does not recommend glass adhesive by brand. Technicians should review product labels and technical data sheets. Only use adhesives that manufacturers guarantee will restore a vehicle to the requirements of FMVSS 212 (the federal standard).
Finally, refer to the manufacturer’s directions for curing time specifications. Do not use an adhesive if the expiration date has passed.
WINDSHIELD REMOVAL
There are two methods that can be used to remove a windshield, the exterior method and the interior method. The exterior method is used when the windshield is broken, while the interior method is used if the windshield must be salvaged. Since our discussion is about replacement glass, we’ll review the exterior method.
Remove the following components:
- The rearview mirror
- Windshield wiper arms
- Cowl cover
- A-pillar trim panels
- Windshield molding (cover the instrument panel and hood first); pull outward on the molding at the bottom of the A-pillars with a pair of pliers
Using a sharp cold knife, cut the urethane adhesive that holds the windshield to the A-pillars, roof header and cowl pinch fence (Figure 1). A power cutting device can be used. Remove the windshield from the vehicle.
WINDSHIELD INSTALLATION
Place the new windshield into the windshield opening. Position it in the center of the opening against the compression spacers. Verify that the glass lays evenly against the remaining pinch urethane adhesive on the weld fence. If this is not possible, the pinch weld fence must be formed to the shape of the new windshield.
Remove the windshield from the opening and place it, inside up, on two padded wood blocks, spaced about 30 inches apart, as shown in Figure 2. Clean the inside of the glass with an ammonia-based cleaner. Next, install the molding to the perimeter of the windshield, then apply Mopar Glass Prep adhesion promoter (about 1-inch wide) around the perimeter of the glass. Wipe the windshield with a clean, lint-free cloth until no streaks are visible. The final step in preparing the glass is applying Mopar Glass Primer (about 1-inch wide) around the perimeter (allow three minutes to dry).
While the glass primer is drying, remove as much of the original urethane, as possible. Be careful not to damage the paint on the windshield fence. Next, apply pinch weld primer around the windshield fence (about 3/4" wide). Allow the primer to dry for three minutes. Then, apply a bead of urethane (about 7/16" wide) on the center line of the windshield fence. Now we’re ready to install the glass.
With the aid of a helper, position the glass over the windshield opening. Slowly lower the windshield to the windshield fence. Guide the molding into proper position, as necessary. Then, push the windshield inward until the molding is flush to the roof line and the A-pillars (Figure 3).
Clean any excess urethane form the exterior of the vehicle using Mopar Super Kleen, or equivalent. Apply several pieces of 2-inch wide masking tape to hold the moldings in place. Space the strips of tape about 10 inches apart. Do not remove the tape until the urethane is cured.
Now you can re-install the trim panels, cowl cover, wiper arms and the rearview mirror. After the urethane is cured, remove the tape strips, then water test the windshield. If the job was done correctly, there will be no water leaks.
