Date:         Thu, 24 Jul 2003 01:07:35 EDT
Reply-To:     THX0001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Goff <THX0001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: New windshield installed
Comments: To: maurio11@COMCAST.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 7/23/03 2:21:31 PM, maurio11@COMCAST.NET writes:

<< Is there anything I should tell the repair guy? Should he have used a
sealant? >>

David,

Unfortunately, anything you tell the installer may be ignored by him or
insulting to him.  After all, in his mind at least, HE is the expert.

I've had two windshield replacements in Vanagons.  The first was done at an
auto glass house, the second I did myself.  In fact, because it was nearly new,
I used the windshield from the glass house the second time around.  At the
glass house they used the 15 year old rubber with no sealant and the windshield
never leaked.  When I went to install the windshield in another van, I
followed their lead and installed it with no sealant.  I did clean the windshield
opening flange and the seal scrupulously.  The windshield does not leak.

Only after I had already installed the windshield did I bother to read the
section of the Bentley manual which calls for applying an exactly sized bead of
sealant to the gasket.

While I do not want to discourage you, a friend of mine tells the tale of
having a leaking replacement windshield in a Rabbit redone by Safelite five times
before he gave up in disgust and took it to the VW dealer where they got it
right the first time.

George