How to Glue in a Windshield

The safety of your driving depends on the windshield that protects the passengers and the driver of a car from the elements, bugs,debris and wind. Auto mechanics use an adhesive made out of urethane to seal the windshield in place. The urethane is mixed with a chemical that bonds with the glass to keep the windshield secure. Once the glue is hardened, it is difficult to remove so it is important to glue the windshield in place correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • New windshield glass
  • Masking tape
  • Butyl rubber seal tape
  • Ammonia cleaner
  • Urethane adhesive
  • Solvent cleaner
  • Set the new windshield into the opening in the car and arrange it exactly where you want to it sit once it is installed. Use masking tape to mark the alignment corners.

  • Peel off the protective backing from the butyl rubber seal and apply to the window frame, paying attention to the masking tape markers.

  • Move your car out and park so your car is facing the sun. Leave the car in the sun until the seal becomes very sticky and warmed. While waiting, clean the new windshield thoroughly with ammonia cleaner to remove any spots or dirt.

  • Have a friend help you lift the new windshield and hold it directly over the opening and set it carefully in place. Do not press it down until the entire piece of glass is set down.

  • Start at the lowest edge of the glass in the middle of the window and use your hands to press the glass into the sealer, working out and around until the glass. As you push down, the sealer should spread out and fill the gap between the glass edge and opening of the window.

  • Surround the window opening with masking tape to protect the finish of your car. Make sure the car is covered on all four sides of the opening.

  • Fill in the gapes and dips using the urethane adhesive until it is all covered over. Let the adhesive rest for at least 12 hours to cure as fully as possible.

  • Peel off the masking tape after the adhesive has cured and clean up any stray marks with a solvent cleaner. Finish installing your windshield by applying whatever trim you have purchased.