Replacing cracked windshield

[ComancheBSJ90]

On a 1989 Jeep Comanche. I was interested in swapping the metal trim for the plastic used on XJs. Can some one tell me what year XJ is compatible with my truck.

 

For those who had converted, is it worth the hassles to try to convince the glass people that it can be done.

 

And do I just need the rubber trim from the XJ or is there other hardware from the XJ that I also need?

 

Part Numbers!!!

 

Thanks in advance for sharing the knowledge :D

[Pete M]

I believe it's a gasket from a 97+ XJ. :thumbsup:

[JeepcoMJ]

1995+ cherokees use a rubber gasket. you can put it in in your truck, but you need to cut all the little nubs for the metal clips off first.

 

I just replaced my windshield on the 87 with a windshield out of a 95, but there was nowhere open to get the 95 gasket, so I just used the metal trim.

 

it was easy with a heat gun and a $20 windshield cutting tool from advance auto, and $20 tube of glue for it.

[mfpdm]

1995+ cherokees use a rubber gasket. you can put it in in your truck, but you need to cut all the little nubs for the metal clips off first.

 

Have to call you on that one Pat. I had mine done and the nubs did not have to be cut off. The rubber wraps the window just like the rear one does so there is no interference with those little nubs.

 

Far as the OP's question about is it worth the hassles to try to convince the glass people that it can be done. Yes. It's actually easier for them because they don't have to fight those dumb clips to get the trim back on. When I asked my glass guy, I just told him I wanted the newer style rubber and he said no problem. The only thing that bothers me just a little bit is that the top corners don't lay as well due to the differences between the XJ and MJ roof lines.

 

 

 

:cheers:

[JeepcoMJ]

lol. thanks paul...learn something every day.

 

 

I did mine myself...first time, perfect with no leaks. tape the heck out of it when you're done and leave it sit for half a day.

 

I ground ALL of the old sealant out with a drill and wire wheel, then took the small amount of surface rust out the same way, and then taped off the body and primer'd the inside of the windshield frame. here's how it came out.

 

[bigalpha]

I replaced my black trim with the chrome trim, but the trim doesn't sit flush with the windshield at the very top. Can that introduce leaks to the cab?

[mfpdm]

I replaced my black trim with the chrome trim, but the trim doesn't sit flush with the windshield at the very top. Can that introduce leaks to the cab?

 

The trim even when on right doesn't stop water from flowing through it. It's just for looks as it covers the gap between the windshield and the body. The black goo that holds the window in is what stops water from coming in.

 

:cheers:

[bigalpha]

That's what I thought. Strangely, after replacing the black trim with chrome trim, I noticed that I was getting water in the floorboard on the passenger side. Must be leaking from around the door.

[mfpdm]

The trim does impead the flow of water a little. Could be that now the water is flowing over an area where the sealant is poor and the previous trim didn't allow as much water to pass. You difinitely want to find the source of the leak and fix it. You don't want to end up with this.

 

 

:cheers:

[bigalpha]

Yum, that look so tasty.

 

When I replaced the trim, there was a significant amount of organic material built up underneath (leaves and such). I suppose I need to take the water hose to it.

 

Thanks for the guidance.

[watchamakalit]

Ok I would love to make the move to the 95+ gasket as apposed to the old black goo/trim option. If I am reading everything correctly all I need is the new style rubber gasket, correct? Just don't wanna go rippin out a windshield and not have all the stuff to put it back in. How difficult is it to remove the old "goo" from my existing windshield? I have worked with glass and windshield before just never in an xj, mj.

[mfpdm]

Getting it off the windshield once it's out is not too hard. Getting it off the window channel is a PITA and time consuming. You will still need the black goo when going to the newer gasket. As mentioned before, the gasket just wraps around the glass and the goo seals it to the truck.

 

:cheers:

[watchamakalit]

Getting it off the windshield once it's out is not too hard. Getting it off the window channel is a PITA and time consuming. You will still need the black goo when going to the newer gasket. As mentioned before, the gasket just wraps around the glass and the goo seals it to the truck.

 

:cheers:

Sweet. sounds like one more project for the list. Any recommendations to make the goo removal easier?

[ComancheBSJ90]

Thanks to all for sharing the wealth on knowledge.

 

I decided to not put any unnecessary stress on my window installers and continue to use the metal trim, but mine being in poor shape I wanted to buy new black metal trim.

 

I've made call after call and word is is that they don't make it anymore. Is there a place on the Internet that you know I could order it from?

 

I live in Canada, but any suggestions would be helpful... Yes I already searched Ebay,

 

Thanks again :)

 

This message is for those who had ordered new metal trim, other wise I will do my research and post the results or give up and go plastic.

[Carl'sMJ]

I decided to not put any unnecessary stress on my window installers and continue to use the metal trim, but mine being in poor shape I wanted to buy new black metal trim.

 

How does this put unnecessary stress on the window installers? :huh???:

 

Is the windshield already out? As previously stated, you don't have to mess with the plastic tabs that hold in the metal trim anymore if you use the new rubber trim... It just wraps around the windshield.

 

IMHO it is a much cleaner look with the rubber and I would definitely make the switch.

[JeepcoMJ]

I decided to not put any unnecessary stress on my window installers and continue to use the metal trim, but mine being in poor shape I wanted to buy new black metal trim.

 

How does this put unnecessary stress on the window installers? :huh???:

 

Is the windshield already out? As previously stated, you don't have to mess with the plastic tabs that hold in the metal trim anymore if you use the new rubber trim... It just wraps around the windshield.

 

IMHO it is a much cleaner look with the rubber and I would definitely make the switch.

 

you DO have to ditch the plastic tabs. you don't have to cut the metal tabs off that hold on the plastic tabs.

[Rymanrph]

I took my Jeep to the glass place and asked him about this. He said they would have to come remove the windshield and then I would have to cut off the tabs (he made it sound like they were metal that would have to but cut/ground and then possibly fill in some holes). After I did this they would come back and put in the new windshield. I'm not sure I understand correctly, but if they're only plastic, it doesn't sound very complicated. Can someone help me understand a little better?

[DJM/78]

I took my Jeep to the glass place and asked him about this. He said they would have to come remove the windshield and then I would have to cut off the tabs (he made it sound like they were metal that would have to but cut/ground and then possibly fill in some holes). After I did this they would come back and put in the new windshield. I'm not sure I understand correctly, but if they're only plastic, it doesn't sound very complicated. Can someone help me understand a little better?

 

No they won't have to cut the tabs , but there is more clearance for the glass and its easier to cut the old urethane out of the pinch

weld that way .

 

Pinch weld prep is key to a good seal and a flush seat on the glass .

Get that pinch weld as clean and smooth as possible , any rust or unsealed metal should be sanded cleaned .

 

Use a professional pinch weld primer , it works allot like POR 13 and seals the metal preventing and almost stopping rust already in the

metal . Any nicks or chips in the paint can be easily coated , creating an almost permanent bond with the surface under the primer .

The primer is also designed to bond to the urethane . I usually put a light coat on the glass before running a urethane bead and

installing the glass as well .