Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Full-Cut Method Description
Use only the full cut method, also known in the field as full strip method, when installing windows.
This method includes the following:
- The replacement of a majority of the urethane adhesive bead. Remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in) of the existing bead of urethane adhesive from the pinch-weld flange.
- Apply pinch-weld primer to any exposed painted areas on the pinch-weld flange.
No mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive should remain on the pinch-weld flange. Do not remove all traces of urethane adhesive.
- If corrosion of the pinch-weld flange is present, or if sheet metal repairs or replacements are required, refinish the pinch-weld flange in order to present a clean, primer-only surface.
- 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.
- Appropriate materials for these primer applications are typically 2 component catalyzed products. Use materials such as BASF DE15®, DuPont 2610®, Sherwin-Williams PSE 4600 and NP70® and Martin-Semour 5120,5130®, PPG DP90LF SPIES/HECKER 3688/8590 - 3688/5150 - 4070/5090 STANDOX 11158/13320 - 14653/14980 products are approved for this application. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the mix, the application, and the drying times.
- After repairing the opening as indicated, shake the pinch-weld primer black #3 well. Using a new dauber, apply the primer to the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area. Allow the primer to dry for 10 minutes.
NO RELATED
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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.