Topic: Rear Glass installation


MG    -- 05-30-2012 @ 12:40 PM
  I did a search on this forum but could not find the information I require. The original rear window glass in my '34 Fordor Sedan is fogged to the point that it must be replaced. When ordering the new glass, do I need to order anything else necessary for a correct/leak free installation of this glass? Is silicone/RTV an option? Is there a reference available I can refer to?


supereal    -- 05-30-2012 @ 3:06 PM
  I'm not familiar with the '34, but we used "glass setting tape" to put the rear glass in Model A's. It is 1/32" thick by 1/2 inches wide. C&G has it as B-37193-A. You wrap the tape around the entire outer edge of the glass, and put it in the frame. Then, using a sharp utility knife, remove the excess. Installing the glass in older Fords can be a bit tricky, as the original glass was mostly plate, not safety glass, so the thickness can be quite different. When you tighten the frame, be careful, as it is easy to crack the glass if too tight. I wouldn't use RTV to set any glass. The only place we use it is on some modern gaskets. If used in fuel lines, etc, it can cause lots of problems.


thirtysixford    -- 05-30-2012 @ 4:23 PM
  Back in the early 70's I had a part time job at Burroughs Corp.building memory banks. Back then they were the size and shape of a refrigerator. I'm sure a modern "chip" has way more capacity than these big machines had.

Anyway, part of my job was to install the glass window in the door so you could view the tape drive operating. We used Dow Corning silicone grease to lube the seal to make the install easy and also used it to lube the gasket around the door.

I recently replaced the glass in my 36's windshield I found some Dow Corning High Vacuum grease on eBay and using the tape Super mentioned (comes in 3 sizes) I lubed the frame channel and had no issue installing the glass. I also used it to install rubber seal around the outside of the frame. No leaks.

Silicone grease not silicone adhesive or RTV.




1934 Ford    -- 05-31-2012 @ 5:36 PM
  As I remember, there is a rubber seal that surrounds the rear glass and the whole window and seal are held in place by the rear window molding.
I put black window sealant in the rubber seal, but not on the outside of the seal. I used pressure to seal the rubber to the body. No leaks so far in 8 years of regular use.


trjford8    -- 05-31-2012 @ 7:30 PM
  Get a new rear window seal from Drake. Use masking tape to tape off the paint on the outside of the rear window opening. Install the gasket on the new rear glass. I would not use silicone as a glass sealer. Go to Napa Auto Parts and get their black glass sealant, part #4121, Put sealer between the glass and the gasket and sealer on the inside of the window opening. Put the entire assenmbly in the opening and tighten down with the garnish moulding. The excess sealer will squeeze out and onto the masking tape. The sealant between the glass an gasket can be removed with a razor blade. Let the sealer set up before trying to clean it up.


MG    -- 06-01-2012 @ 5:44 PM
  Well, I tackled the job today and '34 Ford' & 'trjford8' are correct with respect to "a rubber seal that surrounds the rear glass." I found this rubber seal to be Ford Part #B-704220. "Glass setting tape" is not used in this application on a '34. Thanks to all of you who responded.......MG

This message was edited by MG on 6-1-12 @ 6:18 PM


MG    -- 06-11-2012 @ 5:51 PM
  Update here.....

I removed the old glass (original 1934 glass) and found that the rubber seal was not glued to the glass. There was no glue/sealant in the channel of the seal/gasket. Rather, there was sealant/glue between the rubber seal and the inside of the window opening (car body). I install the new seal just as it was done at the factory. I got the new glass from 'Sandres Glass' up in Washington State and had them put the correct 'bug' on it. The glass was cut perfectly as it matches up to the original glass I removed.

This is an original un-restored car and I hated to replace this glass as it added to the patina of the car. But, the glass was fogged up to the point where the car was no longer safe to drive, especially backing up. No more 'Rouge Awards' for this car now......MG


trjford8    -- 06-12-2012 @ 7:39 AM
  MG, you bring up a good point concerning the Rouge classification and safety. The rules were recently changed regarding old unsafe wiring. It's posible they may need to modify the rules for glass that is no longer safe. You might want to write a letter to the National Chief Judge and ask if the changing of one piece of glass will disqualify you from the Rouge class.


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