Windshield Installation Help

[69NovaYenko]

Need some advice on ways to glue windshields in. I have used Micro-scale Micro Krystal Klear which did not stick worth a darn or the bond is VERY weak not to mention it was MESSY. Even though I used a toothpick to apply the white glue. Then someone told me it will stick better if you scrape the paint off around the window opening. After the pains taken time spent to carefully paint the headliner I would prefer not removing the headliner color. Have also used Testors Clear Parts Cement. Cannot get it to stick well I was able to pop the glass out when I was cleaning for my fingerprints.  Additionally, it seems like my worst problem is getting a tiny bit of glue on the glass as I either drop the glass in place or I try to square it up in the window opening. Hopefully someone out there can help me. I am soooo close to completing this build.

[John Pol]

I use transparent tape for my windows that way if I deside I want to rebuild it the windows are easy to come out

[snacktruck67]

Your best bet for the install is Future wax (Pledge).  Dries super clear and has great holding power.

 

 

[bismarck]

Your best bet for the install is Future wax (Pledge).  Dries super clear and has great holding power.

 

 

Yep!! I use it almost exclusively.

[oldnslow]

I've used clear fingernail polish to install window glass, dries fast and clear.

[BigTallDad]

I've used clear fingernail polish to install window glass, dries fast and clear.

Careful...there are still some lacquer-based fingernail polishes and I don't think they would play well with plastic window glass. An acrylic-based polish might work better.

[69NovaYenko]

Your best bet for the install is Future wax (Pledge).  Dries super clear and has great holding power.

Yep!! I use it almost exclusively.

I've used clear fingernail polish to install window glass, dries fast and clear.

Need some additional info on the methodology applied when using the Future or the clear nail polish. Do you paint the Future /clear nail polish around the window opening then attempt to set and align the glass and you do smear it on the glass in the process or do you set set and align the glass the carefully apply the Future /clear nail polish around the edges of the already seated glass.

P.S.

Big Tall Dad thanks for the heads up about using an acrylic-based fingernail polish.

Edited March 19, 2016 by 69NovaYenko

[bismarck]

I generally just use a small brush and lay down a bead of Future around the inside of the window opening and carefully place the glass in place. Time and careful handling are the key. The stuff dries pretty quickly, so you won't have to "baby sit" it for too long.

[snacktruck67]

I generally just use a small brush and lay down a bead of Future around the inside of the window opening and carefully place the glass in place. Time and careful handling are the key. The stuff dries pretty quickly, so you won't have to "baby sit" it for too long.

Not only that, but if you make a mistake the future will wash off with water.

 

 

[bismarck]

So true!! Darn good thing too. I've made my share of goof ups on clear parts, and Future is VERY forgiving.

[StevenGuthmiller]

I know you said you had problems with clear parts cement, but that's all that I use & I've never had problems with it.

The method that you're using may be more the issue.

I place the glass where it's supposed to go & then fasten it in place with a few thin strips of tape.

When I'm happy with the positioning, I run a bead of the clear parts cement all of the way around the glass on the inside of the body, staying away from the tape of course.

Then just set the body aside upside down for 24 hours & let it dry.

Once it's dry, carefully remove the tape & you're good to go.

Where most people run into trouble with glass installation is when they apply the glue to either the glass or the body & then try to position it with the glue applied.

If you do manage to get it in position without smearing glue all over, then you're stuck holding it in place with your fingers until the glue at least sets.

A perfect recipe for having glue seep under your fingers & completely ruining the glass.

By setting the glass in place & then taping it there, you'll avoid all of those issues & then the type of glue you use matters little.

As long as it's transparent & non-fogging.

 

Steve

 

[Harry Joy]

I use CA glues for all windows. But if you are having issues making a mess with other glues, I don't recommend it. (I dip all transparencies in Future before installing, so fogging is not an issue.)

[Belugawrx]

Gotta agree with Steve,...position your glass, tape it in place,...away from where the glue will go,...then apply Testors clear parts cement

Hasn't failed me yet

[om617]

Micro Krystal Klear does require many hours to heal but when it does it is quite strong. 

I use tamiya masking tape,first i lay two stripes of masking tape over the inside of the window (this tape does not

leave anything on the glass) and then position the glass onto the body,then tighten the tape so the glass is in the 

correct position,with some pressure from the tape. Then i use a toothpic and smear little dots of MKK around the

window,making sure the glue touch both the edge of the window and the body. Then put it away for it to heal.

 

The time i use for waiting (10-12) hours or so i use for blackwash and little touch ups here and there on chassis and 

interior. 

[oldnslow]

I just set the piece in the opening, adjust the fit to where I want it and use the polish brush to put drops along the inside of the piece. It dries almost instantly, by the time you work your way around the piece its set.

[Miatatom]

I use transparent tape for my windows that way if I deside I want to rebuild it the windows are easy to come out

Now that's another one of those "it's so simple, why didn't I think of that"? Great idea. I also use this trick for holding it.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Now that's another one of those "it's so simple, why didn't I think of that"? Great idea. I also use this trick for holding it.

That's quite the handy dandy little tool!

Great idea!

 

Steve

[69NovaYenko]

Thanks everyone for the hints and tips.

[carrucha]

I usually use white glue.  I let it get tacky before laying the glass in the body.  The good thing about white glue is that any excess that gets on the glass can be wiped off immediately with a water soaked paper towel.