How is the windscreen (windshield) held in?

[eurasiaoverland]

Hi guys

It's time to replace my windscreen

As far as I can see from the EPC, there is just the adhesive foam strip which goes behind the windscreen:

Which looks like this:

And the outer piece of trim which peels off by hand:

However, having removed the trim, I see that the screen is bonded onto the body of the truck, and I see no trace of the adhesive foam strip.

Does anyone know where the foam strip goes? Does it stick onto something on the interior side of the screen? Is the bonding factory, or done by a PO?

The foam doesn't look waterproof to me, so I can only imagine it sits somewhere different from the screen bonding, but see no trace of it.

Would be great if anyone knows for sure.

Thanks

Daniel

 

[eyerolleddapiece]

I cant speak for a 4Runner specifically but in my experience there is a really strong waterproof adhesive that basically needs to be cut out. There is a specialty tool you can use to accomplish that. basically a metal cord with handles and its used like a saw.

Windshield removal

 

[Mark_BC]

Eric the Car Guy has a youtube video on removing and installing windshields. It is caulked in with strong sealant. If scratches to the paint are made when removing it these need to be properly repaired to avoid rust.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I had my windshield replaced last year. I watched the guy do it, basically they have to cut the old adhesive (which is very, very strong, removing it shatters the windshield) and then put on new molding, or the "foam" as you call it, along with new adhesive.

To put it in perspective, I had a brand new windshield installed for $195 in the US.

 

[eurasiaoverland]

I had my windshield replaced last year. I watched the guy do it, basically they have to cut the old adhesive (which is very, very strong, removing it shatters the windshield) and then put on new molding, or the "foam" as you call it, along with new adhesive.

To put it in perspective, I had a brand new windshield installed for $195 in the US.

OK, interesting, thanks.

I've never held the 'foam' in my hand, but as you can see from the picture, it looks like an open-cell foam strip with adhesive backing. I can't see that this would ever be waterproof, so I'm wondering what it's for?

 

[phattyduck]

The foam is (probably) there to keep the adhesive from being pushed out to the inside of the windshield, where it would get on interior trim, etc. It would also help set the depth of the windshield in the adhesive.

Unless you are going to start installing windows on multiple vehicles, this is one of those jobs that should probably be left to professionals. The cost savings of DIY just don't pay for the risks/challenges.

-Charlie

 

[eurasiaoverland]

The foam is (probably) there to keep the adhesive from being pushed out to the inside of the windshield, where it would get on interior trim, etc. It would also help set the depth of the windshield in the adhesive.

Unless you are going to start installing windows on multiple vehicles, this is one of those jobs that should probably be left to professionals. The cost savings of DIY just don't pay for the risks/challenges.

-Charlie

Thanks

I'm not considering doing it myself, I just want to know if I can call the guy to do the install before I have the new foam strip, as it won't arrive for a week or two. I think I'll wait.