Warspite

I have the dreaded, but common windshield leak that caused my GEM to go intermittent. I see plenty of spots that need to be addressed.

Therefore, would you have a Ford dealer do the repair, or a 3rd party like SafeLite or equivalent do it? And, did any of these fail?

Jbrew

I posted in the other thread your posting in. What can happen with 97/98 vs the Windshield problem. Take a look. If you don't understand something, ask over there since it's of common interest with the OP.

Carcrazygts2

I had mine done 3 times by different glass shops. I got tired of them starting to leak after 6 months. Ended up going to Ford. Was also able to get a Motorcraft/Autolite front windshield. Ford used 7/16" 3m Window weld. They also repaired the to two body seems where the leaks cause rust.

Warspite

That's what I was after. I'll go to the dealer, since they already know about the seams as well. I wanted to get this done before a visit to the paint shop. There's nothing more annoying than rework. And 6 months for a repair to last is like a band-aid on a hemorrhage. With a hefty price tag. Many Thanks!

Jbrew

Great info right there. My windshield needs replaced, looks like a road map. Guess I'll be waiting until after paint to replace and fix mine then, unless Ford will do this repair in the field. I wanted to get it done before paint so know one would accidentally .... oops...lol.

Is window weld a newer 3m product ? Sounds like great stuff! It's 3M.

Man, thanks for that info again, - it was a decision maker for me. I could trailer it there just before paint. The truck has storage insurence since I've been restoring it and insurance is through the roof lol.. Actually, I can , - well I'll figure it out..sorry OP.

Jbrew

Here's a few pics of my findings, -

Mine leaked at both seams (both sides) here at the overlaps or where the body cab sections come together. I water tested. Didn't find a leak at the windshield, but just below, -



____________________________

This is what happened inside the cab from the leaks. Water trapped/pooled in the floor pockets, rotting out that section. This truck was also garage kept most of it's life -

Drivers




Pass Side

Jbrew

I have to get better pics. On the drivers side, there wasn't any evidence left to see if it was finish caulked before paint.

BUT, there was on the passenger side. It was indeed caulked at the overlaps. Caulking was still present but it had lifted from the low side, therefore inviting water intrusion.

This is indeed a problem. I assumed the driver side leaked worse before testing, but it didn't. The passenger side did by quite a bit. Upon further inspection, the only reason why the drivers didn't leak worse was because corrosion had set in.
However, stands to reason the drivers side was the first to leak and at one time, leaked much worse. This truck hasen't set out in the weather for a very long time, this most likely caused a fast corrosion state...rust.

Carcrazygts2

[MENTION=113]Jbrew[/MENTION] There is also another seem righ at the A pillar under the windshield that leaks. Ford showed me when they pulled my old glass. Its about 1" above the Vin plate and thats the one that get the GEM's and Fuseboxs wet.

toddstang

Dam!
I thought I was alone on this.


I bought my truck new in 2001 and windshield started leaking. I called Safelite to look at it. They said window had "FAILED" and needed to be replaced. So Fast forward to Dec 2012. A piece of debris shatters my window on the highway and I call a local window vendor to come replace under insurance claim. They get there and take my window out and the guy about craps his pants. He shows me all the rust around the window frame where Safelite did not align window correctly, plus he shows me that my fuse box is wet, which explains why my electrical system was going to crap. Called the Ins co and my full coverage took care of everything. They had my truck taken to a local dealer ship for all the repairs.
The service mgr said they had issues with windshields on these right from the factory as well. Looked like mine had leaked for years.
All fixed and running great now.
I would recommend the dealer fix yours ..

Warspite

Looks like the Dealer wins by early landslide. They'll have to do more than just put a bead of silicone on it, like some glass shop.