How to Weather-Seal a Leaking Chrome Framed Car Windshield

If your windshield leaks and you are tired of ending up with water on your lap every time it rains, you can fix it yourself and make it look good, too. NOTE: The technique listed is specific to chrome- or metal-framed windshields normally found on older cars. Most newer models use a rubber molded trim that serves as a weather seal and is meant to be replaced when worn and leaking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lacquer or paint thinner
• 1- to 2-inch flat metal scraper
• Clear windshield sealant in a tube (found at auto parts stores)
• Masking tape, preferably 2 inches wide
• Razor blade box cutter tool and flat razor blade
• Scratching awl
• Q-Tips

1. Clean the entire windshield area with basic soap and water and dry thoroughly.
2. Tape off surrounding chrome and nearby painted areas and lay tape along the windshield edge. Your tape line should leave open only the area in which you will be applying your sealant. Make sure your tape is pressed down tightly and has a good seal. You can also apply a second layer of tape to insure that you don't scratch your paint or trim while cleaning out the area.
3. Pick out any old loose rubber sealant or debris with your scratching awl. Your scraper and razor blades may also be helpful tools here. Then using lacquer or paint thinner on your Q-Tips, remove any coatings or wax in the area. You should end up with a open groove or crevice between the trim and the windshield in which to lay the sealant. Blow out any remaining dust or debris.
4. Test out the sealer now on a piece of cardboard to see how it flows. The sealant is a bit heavy and though it is thick it will tend to run a bit.
5. Let the sealant dry until it is sticky to the touch and carefully pull off the masking tape. You should have a pretty straight line and no mess. If there is sealant residue, wait until the area is completely dry, overnight ideally, and use a razor blade to carefully cut off the excess.

Tips & Warnings

• You can seal the area where the leak is, if you are "sure" you know where it was coming from, or re-seal the entire windshield. Just be sure the groove is cleaned out enough so your sealant will have a place to lay. To be effective, the sealant can't be put flush over an existing molding; it must lay within a groove or be able to flow down into open crevices.
• You can also seal the windshield from the inside as well, but you would have to remove the inside moldings to get at it.
• If by accident you end up with the sealant on your painted finish, don't try and scrape it off. Use WD-40 spray or Goo Gone to loosen and remove the sealant to avoid damaging your paint.