Ford 7H6Z-5403100-A
Windshield

A safe way to remove windshield glass starts by removing the A-pillar trim panels along with sun visors and interior mirror before lowering part of the headliner near the header and securing it with suitable material. The next step requires removing the cowl panel grille and using a clean shop towel or oil-free compressed air to clean the pinchweld area of the windshield from foreign materials and dirt. The Deluxe Windshield Removal Tool needs water as a lubricant before performing any operation. Protective eye-wear and gloves must be used at all times while performing this task to avoid injuries. The flat side of the Deluxe Windshield Removal Tool blade should face the windshield glass while insertion so the urethane adhesive bead remains intact and keeps the windshield glass supported to prevent dropping. Start the urethane adhesive cut in the upper windshield center area then follow to the lower corners by using The Pumper to maintain spatial distance between the glass and body. You should cut the urethane adhesive in an X shape before removing the windshield glass and setting it on a secure working area. The windshield glass will need to be fit onto the existing urethane adhesive bead while placing it in the center of the opening and readjusting stop blocks according to requirements. Place non-staining marks with tape or utilize a grease pencil. The process of dry-fitting is complete so remove the glass to set it inward-facing on a firm surface. The pinch weld must be repaired for its structural importance while preventing any scratching of its surface area. Cut off part of the urethane adhesive while creating a 1-2 millimeter extension base. Then thoroughly wash the pinch weld region. Reinstalling the same glass requires you to clean off all urethane adhesive except for a thin layer behind it. The windshield glass requires interior cleaning with glass cleaner to completely remove all black residue from the edges of the border area. When dealing with new glass installation you must follow glass primer application advice and let it dry for a minimum of 6 minutes. The urethane adhesive cutting tip requires specific length while a high-ratio electric or battery-operated caulk gun will apply an even urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld area without leaving any gaps. Wait until the urethane adhesive seal fulfills its curing requirements as described by the manufacturer before using the vehicle for driving. Position the windshield glass while opening vehicle windows to avoid pressure effects on bonding then use alignment marks for correct glass placement. Before air or water leak checks or additional adhesive application the urethane adhesive requires at least a one-hour curing period. Reinstall both the cowl panel grille along with the interior mirror, sun visors while completing installation with A-pillar trim panels and the headliner.

Begin the windshield resealing process by stripping away the cowl panel grille followed by putting aside both left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) weather strips. Afterward remove the three screws that secure the sun visors ahead of disconnecting their electrical connections before taking out both visors and their clips. Start by taking out the overhead console when needed before you can open screw covers on assist handles and unscrew their two mounting screws to disconnect the handles. Drop the front part of the headliner and stabilize it with appropriate materials for support. Wash both sides of the windshield glass by applying an alcohol-free cleaning solution to its inside and outside surfaces. Today mechanics need to use 6 mm (0.23 in) trimmed urethane adhesive applicator tip with a high-ratio electric or battery-powered caulk gun for applying urethane adhesive to existing urethane until gaps become continuous bead. Urethane adhesive application starts on the windshield top and sides from the inside of the vehicle while the bottom receives urethane from outside. The urethane adhesive needs at least one hour to cure before performing leak checks with a maximum allowed urethane usage. Install the front segment of the headliner and put back the two screws securing the assist handles before placing the assist handle screws back. Following the overhead console operation reinstall the sun visors by properly putting in the clips and reconnecting electrical connections before fastening with three screws. Finish the repair process by placing back the LH and RH A-pillar trim panels and both weather strips while installing the cowl panel grille and using alcohol-free cleaner to clean again the windshield glass surfaces.