Windshield gasket replacement

[hickeybill]

I have a 97 Holiday Rambler Imperial with a split windshield. The glass company is having trouble installing the new gasket without it puffing out at the top corners. Is there a procedure to installing new gaskets that the average automotive glass company wouldn't know about?

[RV Wizard]

Hello hickeybill and welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join u here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums. Good luck and keep us posted.
My question back to you is, how many class A RV windshields has the company installed before? Both windshields may have to be removed if one has shifted. Sometimes they can be a real bear but if the front cap is distorted from an accident or twisted from improper leveling; repairs will have to be made to correct the front cap before successful windshield install can happen.

[azloafer]

Originally Posted by hickeybill

I have a 97 Holiday Rambler Imperial with a split windshield. The glass company is having trouble installing the new gasket without it puffing out at the top corners. Is there a procedure to installing new gaskets that the average automotive glass company wouldn't know about?

After the experience I had with my former Monaco coach...yes the window should be installed by a company that deals with RVs. I first went to a local glass company to have a new window ordered and installed after mine cracked. When the window arrived the installer looked at the coach and said that I would have to sign a waiver releasing them from any problems after the installation. My insurance company said no waiver. The glass company decided to pass. I ended up calling the RV dealer where I bought it and they came and picked up the windshield and the coach and did the install. I also noticed that there are ads in the Motorhome Magazine for nation-wide RV window installers. That might be something to consider if you pass on the RV dealer. Joe

[hickeybill]

Originally Posted by RV Wizard

Hello hickeybill and welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join u here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums. Good luck and keep us posted.
My question back to you is, how many class A RV windshields has the company installed before? Both windshields may have to be removed if one has shifted. Sometimes they can be a real bear but if the front cap is distorted from an accident or twisted from improper leveling; repairs will have to be made to correct the front cap before successful windshield install can happen.

Thanks for your reply. Let me give you a little more detail.

Prior to the drivers windshield cracking, I had no leaks and the windshield seemed to fit just fine. Our insurance company referred us to this auto glass company to install the replacement glass, which they did. We took the coach on a trip and noticed leaking from the new glass.

Took it back, and after inspection the guy said that his installer had cut our old gasket trying to get the glass back in. They ordered a new gasket and that's when the trouble started.

After they removed the old gasket, they noticed the center arm was not attached to the top of the roof. They drilled out the rivets and I took it to a welder who welded back a piece of aluminum that had broken off. They then pop riveted it back on with no problem.

The two fellows they sent out spent 5 1/2 hours getting the old gasket out and installing the new gasket and one glass on the passenger side. I noticed that the gasket was pushing out at the top left corner of the window. He said that once he got the glass in it would pull it in and eventually seat after the sun got to it.

When he started to seat the gasket on the right side, he said it was pulling "in". He said the roof was out of align and quit. He said to call a body shop.

When they put the gasket in, the coach was not level and it was cold out.

My question is: If the coach was not level would that have a bearing on it. And, shouldn't the gasket been warmed to make it a little more pliable?

[Gary RVRoamer]

Level is a necessity if the front cap tends to shift under stress (and some of them do). It also sounds like your front cap has sustained some damage, due to stress or accident (the popper center strut).

But I would be concerned about the installers skill/experience too. However, you may be stuck since they are trying to fix a job they already have been paid for.

I would have called a company like RV Glass Solutions and let them send an experienced RV windshield tech. I'm rather surprised your insurer did not do that - those insurers who have motorhome experience usually know they need a pro to handle RV windshields.

[hickeybill]

Here's the conclusion to my gasket problem. Had him pull the windshield, leveled the coach and reinstall both windshields. Both fit perfectly.

They brought in another glass company familiar with RV Windshields, and he zipped and unzipped the gasket, applied adhesive at the bottom, applied a sealer along the top of the gasket, rezipped, cleaned up and left all within ONE HOUR.

It pays to have someone with experience work on these big coaches.

Thanks for all your advice and help.

Bill Hickey
97 Imperial