MTFCA Forum

I need help installing the windshield frame rubber gasket for my 1927 coupe. The attached photos will help in explaining the situation. It is going to be difficult to insert the gasket into the small grooves.

What lubricant should I use? I would appreciate learning what others have done to install it.

If you use any lubricants now there is the possibility any later painting will not adhere properly to the adjoining metal and the gaskets are not usually painted anyway. I would install all gaskets after painting.

MichaelPawelek wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 4:44 pm

If you use any lubricants now there is the possibility any later painting will not adhere properly to the adjoining metal and the gaskets are not usually painted anyway. I would install all gaskets after painting.

After paint. a silicone based lube, like 3 in 1 silicone.

Mine went in without anything as a lube, pulled it thru with pliers. If you have to lube, soapy water would be OK, do not use silicone, you will have serious issues painting later, not just the windshield frame, anything in your garage and anything you touch. Silicone mist, drips, wiping, and fingerprints will cause fish eye when you paint. Install the rubber after you paint and after the glass is installed.

When I did mine back in 1971, after priming and painting, I slightly pried the opening open and, once it slid in I closed it onto the gasket with a brass hammer. I am mounting my tires now and have found that baby powder acts as a great lubricant for rubber. Makes it real slick. I suggest putting baby powder on the rubber gasket and in the groove. I’ll wager that, if it is anything like my tires,it will slide in very easily. When washed off, it will leave no residue to impede the paint. Good luck. Jim Patrick

After paint or powder coat, be sure channel is cleared, then silicone paste is the way to butter that strip edge to pull it in place.

I don't like to have silicone anywhere near my shop--it causes all sorts of painting problems!

david_dewey wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 9:43 pm

I don't like to have silicone anywhere near my shop--it causes all sorts of painting problems!

I don't disagree, but there's no law that you have to install the weather-stripping in your shop. I agree with those who suggest installing the weather-stripping after painting or powdercoating.

Try using some dish soap with water mixed in.

Here is what I did to get the rubber seal into the windshield frame, after painting.

First, I lubed the bottom piece with soap and water and pulled with pliers, couldn't get it in.
Second, I lubed it with baby powder (corn starch--talc not available), couldn't get it in.
Third try, lubed it with silicone, couldn't get it in.
Fourth try, spread the channel with a screw driver (used a plastic pad to protect the paint) and added more silicone, couldn't it in. I used a twisting motion with the screw driver.
Fifth try, spread it some more, got it in with a lot of hard pulling with the pliers.

To install the two side pieces, I spread the channel with the screw driver and pushed it in without any lubricate. I then used a hammer and small diameter rod to tighten the channel.

I hope this helps someone in the future.

I know this sounds silly but plain old rubbing alcohol works great as a lubricant on rubber. This is what Harley Davidson recommends when installing rubber foot boards. bobt

I am a contractor and install storm doors frequently. I have the same issue with the small rubber scrub on the bottom sweep of the doors. What I have learned is:
start the weather strip by sometimes using silicone dab on the very end of the strip
grip the strip with pliers
NOW THE TRICKY PART-once you start moving the strip in the track, DO NOT STOP. Only one pull but if you stop, you need to start over.
This works for me and may help in your situation.

Dick, Yes, don't stop once you start a pull. I found what you said to be true.