36 AutoGlass™
Windshield
Removal
Protect all surfaces inside and out.
Place protective tape in the areas
where a tool may slip and damage the
surface.Tape the defroster vents to
prevent glass and debris from falling
into them.
Open the hood. Remove the wipers.
Note: The molding can be saved on
warm days. However, it is wise to
have a replacement handy before the
work is started.
There is no cowl.
Pull out the carriage roof decorative
bead at the front of the roof. Be care-
ful not to damage it.
Remove the weatherstrip along the “A”
pillar to reveal three Phillips screws on
each side. Remove the screws and the
molding. The molding is sometimes
glued down due to excessive ure-
thane and care must be taken to avoid
bending the molding.
Remove the top molding. This is a
wrap around style, but is usually sal-
vageable.
Remove the rear view mirror, and dis-
connect the wiring harness from the
back. Place it in the back seat.
Remove connector from rain sensor
module. If necessary, apply heat
around the perimeter of the module.
Be careful not to damage the glass or
module. Twist the module off the
glass. Remove tape residue from the
back of the module with your fingers.
Then place the module into the tray
and solution, per instructions, and
soak for 15 minutes. Carefully dry the
module of solution.
Caution: Do not allow the cleaning
solution to enter the module. If it
enters the module, the module must
be replaced.
Cut out the windshield using the
desired tool. The adhesive bead is of
normal thickness, except in the top
corners. It may be necessary to use a
longer blade in these areas. If removal
is with a power tool, don’t forget to
lubricate the cutting area with water.
Before you clean and prep the pinch-
weld, dry set the glass in the opening
for alignment purposes. Mark the
glass and body with alignment tape,
and cut the tape at the edge of the
glass.
Installation
Prepare the pinchweld for installation
according to the adhesive manufac-
turer’s instructions.
Wash the glass with a non-alcohol
glass cleaner. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Only use lint-free paper towels. Cloth
towels may have a residue that could
cause improper bonding.
Attach the windshield moldings to the
top of the glass.
Apply any glass primer or preps to the
bonding area of the glass part. Allow
to dry for the appropriate time period.
There are no setting blocks for this
windshield. Make sure that prepara-
tions are made to support the glass
for the duration of the adhesive cure.
There is a leaf catcher at the bottom
that could support a temporary rub-
ber block.
Apply the adhesive to the glass or
pinchweld with a V-cut applicator tip.
Set the glass into the opening using
suction cups.
Note: A vehicle equipped with a car-
riage roof poses problems in setting
the glass. We recommend a second
person.
Press the glass firmly to wet-out the
adhesive to the glass.
Water test immediately, using warm
water. Repair any leaks.
Install the rain sensor module by fol-
lowing the instructions provided.
Important: Make sure when applying
the tape to the module that hands do
not touch the surface of the tape. Also,
make sure that the placement of the
module to the glass is correct accord-
ing to instructions. Failure to follow
these instructions will cause the sen-
sor to malfunction.
On the carriage roof models, apply a
small amount of non-corrosive silicone
or similar product to the seam
between the carriage roof and the
original roof. Then push the decora-
tive bead into the seam. Without some
kind of adhesive, the bead will work
itself out.
Replace the moldings in reverse
order. Clean up any excess adhesive,
and clean the glass.
Make sure there is a window or vent
left open until the adhesive cures.
Contributed by Bob Beranek,
Automotive Glass Experts, Corp. ■
1996-98 Cadilac Deville/Concours
1996-98 Cadillac Deville/Concours
NAGS
®
Number DW1227/1228
This vehicle has the rain sensor
option. If a rain sensor is present,
you must obtain the mounting kit
from the dealer or distributor.
Make sure that you use the wind-
shield that accepts the rain sensor.
The top molding is salvageable in
warm weather, but have it available
just in case.
Cure time recommended is six
hours at 72ºF, 30 percent RH.
The windshield installed did not
have a rain sensor, though instruc-
tions are given. The vehicle had the
“carriage” roof option.
Vital Info
