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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 11:53 PM
  #103 (permalink)  
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SETTER
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 22
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From: Gilroy, CA
Default Re: Roadster rear window problem solved?

I want too check with others as my window seal was also detaching around most of the edge and a small tug would separate it.

It seems there are two edges that are sealed.
1. the 'canvas' edge around the window is 'hemmed' by rolling it around onto the window and this has one adhesive seal.
2. the edge between the seal on the glass and where it rolls back around to the roof.
I think this makes sense as it would transfer some of the tension shear of the roof away from the edge of the seal.

It seems the roof is heat sensitive and shrinks, the hotter it is the tighter it is. Do not do this in the sun.

I completed the reseal this past weekend in two stages. 1st I sealed the edge to the glass and after that set (24 hrs) then from the inside and with the roof partially raised, I added an additional bead between the roof and the seal. I used a popsicle stick to form a bead seat.

NOTE: All caulk guns are not equal and some have different leverage ratios.
The basic cheap gun is only ~8:1 and the caulk is so thick you will have great difficulty extracting it. For about $15-20, you can get better 21:1 from Home Depot and have a much better chance doing this without so much strain.

This stuff sets quite HARD like rubber. I found it best to use masking tape on the glass AND on the roof, and use a goodly amount of caulk so it does squeeze out, then let it set and cut away cleanly after.

Thanks for all guidance, I wish I had a dozen strong magnets I could have used to hold the glass and the roof together. Do your own tests BEFORE applying glue.

EDIT: July 3.
Even though the glass was cleaned and degreased, it was not PRIMED. The glass has detached again. Now I have a harder job removing the set window weld before trying again with primer.
 

Last edited by SETTER; Jul 3, 2011 at 11:49 AM.
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