Resealing front window
Discussion
A couple of months ago the front seal that runs round the top of the window popped up when I was travelling at speed (with the roof off, obviously). Then a week or two ago I got water in the driver's footwell so I put two and two together and decided that the front seal must be the cause.
Since then I have cleaned, recoloured and waterproofed the roof (probably not the cause but it needed doing anyway). I've also run some sealant around the break fluid reservoir on the advice of the 'bible'. However, I wanted to get the window seal sorted first as it's the most likely cause, and if not then I'll start troubleshooting further.
The problem is I glued the front window seal back in place, but the lip sits up from the window in places, especially around the top corner where it's become wrinkled. I've spent countless evenings applying silicon sealant to try and create a strong seal that also doesn't look to shabby. The problem is that the sealant isn't adhesive enough to hold it in place so the only way to apply it is to plug the gap between the seal and the window.
I've now realised that it's never going to look perfect with my current approach - the sealant is clearly visible and is inconsistent around the window frame. While it might solve the leaking problem in the short term, I'd like to know what the long term solution is:
- Are there any products more suitable for the job than multi-purpose sealant that would stick the rubber seal down and create a seal between that and the window?
- Would a new rubber seal help or will I just end up with the same problem?
- What would a garage be able to offer if I took it in, and how much would I be expecting to pay?
Any help much appreciated!
>> Edited by crazylegs on Friday 21st October 20:57
Since then I have cleaned, recoloured and waterproofed the roof (probably not the cause but it needed doing anyway). I've also run some sealant around the break fluid reservoir on the advice of the 'bible'. However, I wanted to get the window seal sorted first as it's the most likely cause, and if not then I'll start troubleshooting further.
The problem is I glued the front window seal back in place, but the lip sits up from the window in places, especially around the top corner where it's become wrinkled. I've spent countless evenings applying silicon sealant to try and create a strong seal that also doesn't look to shabby. The problem is that the sealant isn't adhesive enough to hold it in place so the only way to apply it is to plug the gap between the seal and the window.
I've now realised that it's never going to look perfect with my current approach - the sealant is clearly visible and is inconsistent around the window frame. While it might solve the leaking problem in the short term, I'd like to know what the long term solution is:
- Are there any products more suitable for the job than multi-purpose sealant that would stick the rubber seal down and create a seal between that and the window?
- Would a new rubber seal help or will I just end up with the same problem?
- What would a garage be able to offer if I took it in, and how much would I be expecting to pay?
Any help much appreciated!
>> Edited by crazylegs on Friday 21st October 20:57
Big Al. said:
Sikaflex, It's not the run of the mill silicon.
Available from Auto factors PARTCO here in the south.
It's also available from marine chandlers.
Avail in different colours, it's not cheap but the best never is.
Aha! Searching for 'Sikaflex' returned loads of topics from people asking exactly the same!
Thanks, I think I'm going to give it a go.
OK, I have my Sikaflex (I used marinestore.co.uk, it was only a tenner with three quid delivery and a very prompt service) and I'm all ready to get this problem sorted once and for all at the weekend!
However, the rubber seal is wrinkled* in the corner of the window and I imagine the Sikaflex isn't going to fix it, even though the gaps the wrinkling has created might be sealed. Therefore, I was thinking that if I want to do a real proper job, should I really be replacing the seal? If anybody has done this have they been happier that it looks neater than leaving the old seal on?
If so, how do I get one, where do I get one from, and will I be able to get one before Friday so I can still do this job at the weekend!?
As uaual, all comments much appreciated.
* I assume this description is adequate, but I can get some pictures uploaded if not.
However, the rubber seal is wrinkled* in the corner of the window and I imagine the Sikaflex isn't going to fix it, even though the gaps the wrinkling has created might be sealed. Therefore, I was thinking that if I want to do a real proper job, should I really be replacing the seal? If anybody has done this have they been happier that it looks neater than leaving the old seal on?
If so, how do I get one, where do I get one from, and will I be able to get one before Friday so I can still do this job at the weekend!?
As uaual, all comments much appreciated.
* I assume this description is adequate, but I can get some pictures uploaded if not.
When you apply the Sikaflex to need to try to pressure the wrinkles out, masking tape?
A block of wood to put pressure on the wrinkled place held in place with masking tape ...getting the picture?
If you can get the wrinkles to depress while the Sikaflex is curing your problems are solved.
Give some thought to holding the wrinkles down, the Sikaflex will do the rest.
Hope this helps.
A block of wood to put pressure on the wrinkled place held in place with masking tape ...getting the picture?
If you can get the wrinkles to depress while the Sikaflex is curing your problems are solved.
Give some thought to holding the wrinkles down, the Sikaflex will do the rest.
Hope this helps.
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