Back Window Glass: Service and Repair
REAR WINDOW GLASS REMOVALDetachable Hardtop
NOTE: The rear window molding is a replacement part.
1. Remove the rear window molding.
2. Apply protective tape along the edge of the body to protect it from damage.
3. Remove the rear window glass installation nuts.
4. Make a hole through the sealant and the dam from the inside of the vehicle using an awl.
WARNING: Using a SST (piano wire) with bare hands can cause injury. Always wear gloves when using a SST (piano wire).
5. Pass the SST (piano wire) through the hole.
6. Wind each end of the SST (piano wire) around a bar.
NOTE: Use the entire length of SST (piano wire) to prevent it from breaking when cutting through the sealant.
7. Working with another person, saw through the sealant around the edge of the glass, being careful not to damage the body.
WARNING: Using a razor with bare hands can cause injury. Always wear gloves when using a razor.
8. Use a razor to cut the places of rear window glass installation nuts where the SST (piano wire) will not cut.
9. Remove the rear window glass.
10. Remove the dam.
REAR WINDOW GLASS INSTALLATION
Detachable Hardtop
WARNING:
- Using a razor with bare hands can cause injury. Always wear gloves when using a razor. Caution
- To prevent the sealant from cracking or the glass from being pushed out by air pressure if a door is closed, open all of the windows and leave them open until the sealant has hardened.
1. Cut away the old sealant using a razor so that 1 - 2 mm {0.04 - 0.07 in} thickness of sealant remains around the circumference of the frame.
- If all the sealant has come off in any one place, apply some primer after decreasing, and allow it 30 minutes to dry. Then put on new sealant to create a 2 mm {0.08 in} layer.
2. Clean and degrease an approximately 50.0 mm {1.97 in} wide strip around the circumference of the glass and the bonding area on the body.
3. Securely bond a dam around the circumference of the glass 8.0 mm {0.31 in} from the edge.
CAUTION: Keep the area free of dirt and grease, and do not touch the surface or the primer may not properly bond to the surface of the glass and body which may cause leaks to occur.
4. Use a brush to apply primer to the bonding area of the glass, the body and the molding within the region shown. Use only glass primer on the glass, and body primer on the body and the molding. Allow it to dry for approximately 30 minutes.
5. Once the primer is dry, apply sealant around the entire circumference to fill the gap between the dam and the edge of the glass with a 11.0 - 13.0 mm {0.44 - 0.51 in} high and 5.0 mm {0.20 in} wide bead of sealant.
6. Align the bolts and install the glass onto the body.
7. Press firmly on the glass to compress the sealant.
8. Install the nuts onto the bolts.
9. Use a scraper to smooth away any sealant that oozes out. Add more sealant to any points of poor contact. Adjust the sealant as shown if necessary.
10. Before the surface of the sealant has hardened, install the rear window molding.
11. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove any excess sealant.