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Sealing Windshield Frame to Cowl

pcf_mark

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
3,641
I removed an old rubber gasket from this area when I took the frame off as part of my paint project. The seal looks ok and Jeff's did not carry it when I ordered my windshield gasket and hinge seal. Question - what are you guys putting in this area?

I could re-use the seal. Or should I put some seam sealer in there before I bolt it on and wipe off the excess? Or something else entirely? I suspect it will be a very long time before that comes off again and I do not want it leaking if possible.

Just to be clear - this is not the hinge seal.
 

bknbronco

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 17, 2011
Messages
4,378
Loc.
North Metro, MN
If your talking the seal under the hinge (not the seal between the hinge), then what i used was some rubber tar-like stuff i got from the guys when i had my windshield cut. I was looking for the same thing as you and when i picked up my glass i noticed they had huge rools of flat thin rubber. upon further inspection i noticed that this rubber was more of a tar like rubber. The guys gave me a bunch for free and they said once its on for a while you have to scrap it off with a blade. Seemed perfect for under the hinge.

They told me its used to attach glass to the crank mechagnism in old cars. Similar to what the broncos use to attach the window glass to the lower arm that moves when you crank the crank. I wish the bronco vendors would sell something similar because its asked about on here alot. I think alot of guys use silicon before screwing or riviting down the hinge but i think that would squeeze out and not provide as good of seal as the stuff i found.

The rubber i have came on a big roll and i had to trim it down about 1/4" narrower with a sissors. Its really thin, maybe 1/16". It is kind of sticky so its rolled up with powder on it to keep it sticking to itself. i have enough left for another frame, but maybe i can call them guys and see exactly what it is and how to get a roll. if it sounds like you would like to try some let me know and i can send you what i have left, or get more.
 
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allenfahey

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 18, 2004
Messages
2,672
You can get butyl tape at any body shop supply place. Also called dumb dumb. I've only used it for one purpose. Works great for sealing air fittings in antifreeze jugs for attaching to air hoses. Lets say it's VERY loud.
 

Madgyver

Contributor
Bronco Madman
Joined
Jul 30, 2001
Messages
14,904
I used silicone in a tube because that's what I had. I ran a bead down the length and let it skin for awhile and then screwed in the ss hinge down. I made my hinge removable.
 
OP
OP
pcf_mark

pcf_mark

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
3,641
I'll give the body shop store a check and possibly home depot since your butyl example may be a roofing/flashing/bath product. The old one I took out even had the holes punched in it and was real rubber. Maybe this is unique to the early Broncos with the fold down windshield. I know they all fold but the early ones actually wanted you to do it! Steve83 really went after it! I'll study the photos a little more before I finally place it.

I should have the pieces fabbed up to repair the bottom section tomorrow and primed on Friday. It would super-duper to have it back on this weekend. Last item on my post paint list it will be nice to drive it for the first time in 7-8 months!
 
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