Treating Rust Behind Journey Windshield

[p00ches]

After reading posts on this subject, and having had one windshield replaced, I know I'm on borrowed time with my 2003 Journey. I need to know how best to prolong the inevitable windshield replacement. I'm toying with selling this rig for other reasons, and getting a gasser.

The folks who replaced one windshield at the Perry FMCA Rally did their best to treat the rust at the top before installing the new glass. I believe it may last a few years. The other one started leaking shortly thereafter, so I dug out as much rust as I could with the glass in place, and squeezed in some rust inhibitor behind the glass knowing I didn't get all the rust out. It's already leaking again. Is there a temporary fix short of replacing the glass?

Thanks, ..........Doug

[RedGrizz]

As you have probably found this is a common problem with the glued in windshields, Our 2005 Voyage was leaking at the top and after pulling the rubber trim away I could see the issue, Dirt and debris get against the rubber seal and the steel frame eventually starting rust at the glued portion of the windshield and causes a separation of the glass from the steel frame. I pulled both windshields, (very difficult if you don't have the proper cutting tools) I scraped the loose material away then used a small angle air grinder with 2" roloc disc to sand the surface smooth. 3M Roloc Discs - Sandpaper & Abrasives painted the surface with POR-15 POR15, Inc. - Stop Rust Permanently - Repair Gas & Fuel Tanks I then had the mobile glass installers install the windshields. Check the grooved channel that holds the rubber trim, its a good idea to replace that also as it has a sticky back adhesive meant to be used once.
Hope this description helps.
RG

[smlranger]

Doug,

If you saw my post and pics related to my windshield replacement, I don't think there is any way to properly 'fix' the problem short of removing the glass and dealing with the rust. Like others, when I first got my coach (it was 3 yrs old at the time), I caulked along the top edge of the glass (after removing the rubber trim) to try and keep water from getting to the metal behind the glass. Did it delay the inevitable? Who knows?