TheSamba.com :: View topic - Primer/Filler to repair around front windshield

Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:35 pm

moved from other forum....

So cracks in the winshield of my 87 westy are now causing a leak inside the vehicle. Insurance will cover glass, but glass shop won't do won't install windshield unless rust damage is repaired first. I really dont think it will be that bad (famous last words) so I plan on doing it myself. Hopefully I can get the glass place to pull the window ...I repair the rust and they come out in a day or 2 and put in the new wind shield. If not I will need to pull the old glass myself. Keep in mind I don't need to do a perfect job, but I do want it to be quick since rain is in the future. I do have some rust convertor and POR-15(not sure if it is still good) and some matching gray paint I bought online. I also want to keep cost at a minimum.
So....
What type of primer and filler will dry the quickest and give a good result?
What's the best way to remove the windshield if I can't get a mobile guy to do it for me?

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Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:40 pm

questions answered from other forum:

window is cracked bad in 2 places and cracks extend to bottom of windshield.

Since it is leaking in under the dash I assume there is a hole through the metal

I am hoping to start the job tomorrow or day after since I am off work so it would be best if I can find supplies local......so POR products are probably out

Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:52 am

If the window is "cracked bad in 2 places" why do you need the Glass Shop to remove it? Bust it out and GET GOING on the rust repairs!

Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:22 am

cheeseisgood wrote: questions answered from other forum:

window is cracked bad in 2 places and cracks extend to bottom of windshield.

Since it is leaking in under the dash I assume there is a hole through the metal

I am hoping to start the job tomorrow or day after since I am off work so it would be best if I can find supplies local......so POR products are probably out
open the phone book and look under body shops/supply or just stop by a local body shop and ask where the closest body shop supplier is

Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:16 pm

I did a thread on repairing small holes in a sill. Check it out.

Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:13 am

You really cant tell how big the rust holes are until you get the windshield out. You can take it out yourself by slicing off the lip on the inside of the cab, and pushing out the glass,(have someone help on the outside so you dont make a mess). When you assess the rust/holes, and you want to attempt to fill them yourself, I can think of 2 products I would consider for a home job. DONT use any plastic filler, it wont work. You need a good filler that is waterproof(IF the holes are small enough so you can work something out). POR-Patch is one, and I would use JB Weld.
Clean the window channel with laquer thinner, clean the rust holes of any rust flakes, and thoroughly remove all rust with sandpaper, small wirebrushes, sharp tools, look closely and see if you can get the holes to look like shiny metal. Hit it with laq. thinner again, and rinse w/ water, dry with a hair drier. Hit it one more time with emery cloth, and wipe clean, now consider using your filler. If the holes are smaller than an eraser, just fill, try to get some of the filler on the back side for support, overfill and when cured (a day) file flat. If the holes are large, try to fit some metal pcs into the holes so they just fit, wont fall through but do not stand higher than surrounding surface, put on plenty of filler and the metal fill piece, work meticulously, it just might work.
I have filled holes this way, and they do not fail if you cover with good paint. Duplicolor Engine Enamel on the finished repair will protect from moisture. you dont neep primer(it absorbs moisture), then you can use your matching paint ontop. My two cents, it works.