GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 39032 Stationary Glass Removal Tool
    • J 36863 Glass Removal Kit

Caution: When replacing stationary windows, use Urethane Adhesive Kit GM P/N 12346392 (Canadian P/N 10952983), or a urethane adhesive system meeting GM Specification GM3651G, 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.

  1. Mask off the area around the window in order to protect the painted surfaces.
  2. Cover the top of the instrument panel in order to prevent debris and foreign objects from entering the defroster outlets.
  3. Remove the wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
  4. Remove the air inlet screen. Refer to Plenum Water Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  5. Remove the windshield side upper garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  6. Remove the inside rear view mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
  7. Mask off the front edge of the headliner in order to protect the surface.
  8. Use the J 39032 (or equivalent), to cut around the entire perimeter of the windshield from the passenger compartment.
  9. Remove the windshield from the vehicle.
  10. Use a sharp scraping tool in order to remove all of the urethane from the body pinchweld.
  11. If the windshield is to be reinstalled, use a sharp scraping tool in order to remove all of the urethane from the windshield.
  12. Use a vacuum in order to remove all of the loose urethane and debris.
  13. Important: 

       • If the pinchweld flange is corroded, or if sheet metal repairs or replacements are required, refinish the pinchweld flange in order to provide 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.
       • For primer applications, use one of the following 2-component, catalyzed products (or an equivalent). Follow the manufacturer's directions for mix, application, and dry times.
          - BASF DE17
          - DUPONT 2610
          - PPG DP90
       • After repairing the opening as indicated, shake the pinchweld primer #3 (black) well. Use a new dauber to apply the black primer to the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area. Allow the primer to dry for 10 minutes.
       • Use the extended method of replacement and the appropriate bead size when you install the window.

  14. Inspect the body pinchweld for any metal damage. Repair all damages as necessary.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the air inlet screen. Refer to Plenum Water Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  2. Dry fit the glass in the body opening in order to determine the correct position:
  3. 2.1. Position the window in the opening.
    2.2. Using masking tape, mark the location of the glass in the opening on at least one horizontal edge and one vertical edge of the glass.
    2.3. Slit the masking tape at the glass edges.
    2.4. Remove the windshield from the body opening.
    2.5. Place the windshield on a clean protected work surface. Ensure that the inside surface faces upward.
  4. If you are installing the original window, use a razor knife or other suitable tool to remove any existing urethane adhesive from the edge of the glass and the surface of the glass.
  5. Clean the surface of the window around the edge of the inside surface. Use a clean isopropyl alcohol dampened cloth or GM Glass Cleaner GM P/N 1050427 (or equivalent).
  6. Peel the protective backing from the windshield sealing strip.
  7. Install the sealing strip onto the window.
  8. Apply a dam material (such as Norton Windshield Dam Replacement) approximately 12-18 mm (0.47-0.71 in) from the outer edge of the glass. Apply the dam material around the perimeter of the glass in order to control urethane squeeze out.
  9. Important: The primer acts as an agent that bonds the urethane to the windshield. Use the specified primer for each application listed below for proper adhesion.

  10. Shake the pinchweld primer #3 (black) well. Apply the black primer to any exposed painted surfaces (or scratches to bare metal) on the body pinchweld flange. Allow the primer to dry for 10 minutes. DO NOT apply black pinchweld primer to any remaining urethane.
  11. Important: Do not allow the glass prep #1 (clear) to run into the vision area of the glass. The glass prep #1 dries almost instantly, but may stain the viewing area of the window if applied unevenly.

  12. Using a new dauber, apply the glass prep #1 (clear) for approximately 10-16 mm (0.39-0.63 in) around the entire perimeter of the inner surface and any exposed edges of glass. Wipe the glass using a clean cloth.
  13. Shake the glass primer #2 (black) well. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the same areas as the glass prep #1.
  14. Important: 

       • Do not apply clear primer over black primer.
       • Do not touch the primer coated surfaces.

  15. Allow the primer to dry for 6-10 minutes.
  16. Cut the cartridge tip of the urethane adhesive.
  17. Apply a smooth, continuous bead of urethane adhesive to the inner perimeter of the windshield.
  18. Remove the 2-way tape backing from the top of the windshield reveal molding.
  19. If you use the original windshield, apply adhesive.

  20. Install the windshield using the suction cups in J 36863 . Enlist the aid of an assistant.
  21. Perform the following procedure:
  22. 16.1. Align the bottom of the windshield to the air inlet screen.
    16.2. Place the top of the windshield into the opening.
    16.3. Ensure that the windshield is aligned with the previously installed masking tape marks.
  23. Press the windshield firmly in order to wet-out and set the urethane adhesive. Avoid excessive squeeze-out..
  24. Tape the windshield to the body in order to minimize movement.
  25. From the passenger compartment, use a flat-bladed tool in order paddle urethane around the perimeter of the windshield in order to ensure a watertight seal.
  26. Watertest the window immediately using a soft spray. Use warm or hot water in order to accelerate the cure of the adhesive. DO NOT direct high pressure water at fresh urethane adhesive. Refer to Water Hose Test in Waterleaks.
  27. If you detect a leak, use a flat-bladed tool in order to apply urethane adhesive at the leak point and 127 mm (5 in) on both sides of the leak point.
  28. Important: 

       • Allow the vehicle to remain at room temperature 22°C (72°F) at 30 percent relative humidity for a minimum of 6 hours.
       • Lower the door windows partially in order to prevent pressure buildup when you close the doors prior to the urethane adhesive cure.
       • DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE until the urethane is cured (minimum of 6 hours at room temperature).
       • DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR in order to dry the urethane adhesive.

  29. Remove the tape from the windshield after the urethane has cured.
  30. Remove the protective tape and the coverings.
  31. Install the inside rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
  32. Install the windshield side upper garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  33. Install the wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Wipers/Washer System.