Urethane Adhesive Installation of Stationary Windows

2002 Chevrolet Chevy Express G3500, Van Passenger Extended, 8.1 GSECTION Urethane Adhesive Installation of Stationary Windows
WARNING: When working with any type of glass or sheet metal with exposed or rough edges, wear approved safety glasses and gloves in order to reduce the chance of personal injury.

Important:  Remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in) of the existing bead of urethane adhesive from the pinch-weld flange.

  1. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive from the pinch-weld area.
  2. If the original window is being reused, remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive from the window surface by using a clean utility knife or razor blade scraper.
  3. Inspect the following components for the causes of a broken window:
    • The flange of the window opening
    • The window reveal molding
  4. Inspect for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the window:
    • High weld
    • Solder spots
    • Hardened sealer
    • Any other obstruction or irregularity in the pinch-weld flange

    Important:  If corrosion of the pinch-weld flange is present or if sheet metal repairs or replacements are required, the pinch-weld flange must be refinished in order to restore the bonding area strength. If paint repairs are required, mask the flange bonding area prior to applying the color coat in order to provide a clean primer only surface. Materials such as BASF DE15(R), DuPont 2610(R), Sherwin-Williams PSE 4600 and NP70(R) and Martin-Semour 5120 and 5130(R) PPG DP90LF SPIES/ HECKER 3688/8590 - 3688/5150 - 4070/5090 STANDOX 11158/13320 - 14653/14980 products are approved for this application.

  5. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following steps:
    1. Remove all traces of broken glass from the outer cowl panel, seats, floor and defroster ducts.
    2. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the window with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
    WARNING: When replacing stationary windows, Urethane Adhesive Kit GM P/N 12346392, or a urethane adhesive system meeting GM Specification GM3651M, must be used to maintain original installation integrity. Failure to use the urethane adhesive kit will result in poor retention of the window which may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury.
  6. Verify all primers and urethane adhesive are within expiration dates.
    WARNING: Failure to prep the area prior to the application of primer may cause insufficient bonding of urethane adhesive. Insufficient bonding of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury.

    Important:  Do not apply the black #3 primer to the existing bead (1) of the urethane adhesive on the pinch-weld flange. Apply the primer only to nicks, scratches or the primed surfaces.

  7. Shake the pinch-weld primer black #3 for at least 1 minute.
  8. Use a new dauber in order to apply the primer to the surface of the pinch-weld flange (1).
  9. Allow the pinch-weld primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
    Fig 1: Applying Primer To Surface Of Pinch - Weld Flange
    G01736795Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. If installing a windshield (1), install the spacers (2) as needed and the VIN plate filler strip, if equipped.
    Fig 2: Installing Spacers
    G01736796Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Install the new windshield acoustic strip (1) to the windshield (2), if equipped or damaged.

    The acoustic strip aids in reducing noise.

    Fig 3: Installing New Windshield Acoustic Strip To Windshield
    G01736797Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. If installing a new window reveal molding starting in the center and work toward each end pressing firmly in to place.
    Fig 4: Pressing Molding Into Place
    G01736798Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. With an assistant dry fit the window (1) to the opening in order to determine the correct position.
    Fig 5: Fitting Window To Opening To Determine Correct Position
    G01736799Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Using masking tape in order to mark the locations (1) of the window (2) in the opening.
  15. Cut the masking in the center and remove the window from the opening.
    Fig 6: Marking Locations Of Window In Opening
    G01736800Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Use care when applying glass prep clear #1 on the window. This primer dries almost instantly, and may stain the viewing area of the window if not applied evenly.

  16. Use a new dauber in order to apply glass prep clear #1 to the area approximately 10-16 mm (3/8-5/8 in) around the entire perimeter of the window inner surface.

    Immediately wipe the glass primed area using a clean, lint-free cloth.

    Fig 7: Applying Glass Prep Clear #1
    G01736801Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Apply a second coat of the glass prep clear #1 to the same area of the glass.
    Fig 8: Applying Second Coat Of Glass Prep Clear #1
    G01736802Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  The glass primer black #2 is effective up to 8 hours after applying it to the glass. The primed surface of the glass must be kept clean.

  18. Shake the glass primer black #2 for at least 1 minute.
  19. Use a new dauber in order to apply the glass primer black #2 to the same areas (2) that glass prep clear #1 was applied.
  20. Allow the glass primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
    Fig 9: Applying Glass Primer
    G01736803Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Cut the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of 12.7 mm (1/2 in) wide and 12.7 mm (1/2 in) high.
    Fig 10: Cutting Applicator Nozzle
    G01736804Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  22. Use a cartridge-type caulking gun in order to apply a smooth, continuous bead of urethane adhesive.
    Fig 11: Applying Urethane Adhesive
    G01736805Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  23. Use the edge of the window or the inside edge of the reveal molding as a guide for the nozzle in order to apply the urethane adhesive (1) to the inner surface of the window (3).
    Fig 12: Applying Urethane Adhesive To Inner Surface Of Window
    G01736806Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  24. With the aid of an assistant, place the window in the opening.

    If installing a windshield place the windshield on the lower supports (2), if equipped.

    Fig 13: Placing Windshield On Lower Supports
    G01736807Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  25. Align the masking tape (1) lines on the window (2) and the body.
    Fig 14: Aligning Masking Tape Lines On Window & Body
    G01736808Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  26. Press the window firmly into place.
  27. Tape the window to the body in order to minimize movement until the urethane adhesive cures.
    Fig 15: Pressing Window Into Place
    G01736809Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  28. Clean any excess urethane adhesive from the body.
    Fig 16: Cleaning Excess Urethane Adhesive From Body
    G01736810Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Do not direct a hard stream of high pressure water to the freshly applied urethane adhesive.

  29. Use a soft spray of warm water in order to immediately water test the window.
  30. Inspect the window for leaks.
  31. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.
  32. Retest the window for leaks.
    WARNING: Insufficient curing of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury. 
    • For the moisture-curing type of urethane adhesive, allow a minimum of 6 hours at 21°C (70°F) or greater and with at least 30 percent relative humidity. Allow at least 24 hours for the complete curing of the urethane adhesive. 
    • For the chemical-curing type of urethane adhesive, allow a minimum of 1 hour. 

    Do NOT physically disturb the repair area until after these minimum times have elapsed. 
  33. Maintain the following conditions in order to properly cure the urethane adhesive:
    • Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure buildups when closing doors before the urethane adhesive cures.
    • Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is cured. Refer to the above curing times.
    • Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.
  34. Complete the window installation.
Fig 17: Water Testing Window
G01736811Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.