At Steele, all of our direct-fit parts are designed from the originals to provide factory like fit and performance. However, when it comes to the stationary glass in your vehicle, like the windshield or rear window, it's important to know that a superior gasket alone won't fully prevent leaks. There's an additional product you'll want to use that ensures a watertight seal between the gasket and the body of your vehicle: Windshield and Body Sealant.
What is Windshield and Body Sealant?
Windshield and Body Sealant is an economical, non-hardening, water resistant product formulated for use as a sealant and bedding compound. It is designed specifically for creating a watertight seal between a glass rubber gasket and the vehicle body.
It is a rubber-based formula that never hardens so it remains flexible. That makes it the perfect solution for sealing glass and acting as a buffer for the window on a vehicle that’s always shifting and vibrating.
It also:
- Remains tacky throughout life, does not skin over.
- It’s a one-part sealer so there’s no mixing required.
- Locks out moisture, dust, and cold air instantly.
- Can be water tested immediately.
Side Note: Urethane Adhesive should NEVER be used in place of Windshield & Body Sealant. Urethane Adhesive will bond the windshield, gasket and body together and you’ll have problems replacing the windshield if you need to later on. Urethane Adhesive might look similar but is a much different product and we only recommend using it in place of butyl tape when gluing in your windshield. For more information about Urethane Adhesive read our article Where has all the Butyl tape gone?
When should you use Windshield and Body Sealant?
This bedding compound is the perfect addition for installations of glass that use a rubber gasket like windshields, rear windows, and rear quarter windows. It creates an immediate watertight seal between the glass gasket and the vehicle body.
You can also use it to repair leaking areas (more details on this below).
Why should you use Windshield and Body Sealant?
For a truly leak free windshield, you need to seal any and all places that water can get in. Gaskets are made to fit to the glass exactly and when you put them onto the vehicle, they fit into the allotted space well, but do not create a watertight seal. Taking the extra step to use Windshield & Body Sealant will seal everything up and avoid that dreaded wet carpet, water dripping on the dash and ultimately, rust.
Sealant and bedding compounds were used on the assembly line when these classic cars were new, so it’s certainly not a step you should skip in your restoration.
How do you use Windshield and Body Sealant during a glass gasket installation?
Materials needed:
- Windshield and Body Sealant
- Rubber gloves
- New Steele Rubber Products gasket
- Caulk gun
- Auto Body Tape
*Just a warning- this can get messy, but it’s worth it.
Once you’ve removed the old glass gasket, clean the body where the gasket will attach. Making sure this area is clean and free of debris will help the the sealant do its job.
Because of the above mentioned mess, the next step we’d recommend is taping around the window opening with some auto body tape. This will make cleanup a breeze!
For locking strip type gaskets that are installed on the pinch weld first, lay a bead of the sealant on the pinch weld all the way around the opening and push the gasket on as usual. If your gasket is installed on the glass first, lay a bead of the sealant on the body of the vehicle where the gasket will attach. Lay another bead on the underside of the gasket and install the glass as usual. Be sure to use spacers and/or tape to hold everything where it should be until it cures.
If your vehicle allows, you can also install the gasket/glass first and then apply the sealant after (always from the outside of the vehicle) or put some additional on after the installation if more is needed.
Always apply Windshield and Body Sealant from the outside of the vehicle. It almost never rains inside a vehicle, so you don’t need it in there.
Once everything is in place, go back with a dry rag to clean up. You can also use denatured alcohol, if needed. Windshield and Body Sealant cures in as little as 24 hours, so leave it in a dry, safe place for a day or two and you’re all set.
How do you use Windshield and Body Sealant for repairing a leak?
Locate the area of the leak.
Apply the sealant to the area making sure to squirt it into any gaps or open areas. Again, always apply it from the outside of the vehicle.
Clean up and wait at least 24 hours and test it to see if it leaks again.
Steele not only has all the products you need but all the knowledge you need to get the job done right, too. If you have questions about Rubber Parts or Weatherstripping on your Classic Car, Truck, Hot Rod or even your boat, trailer or RV, feel free to reach out to us! You can call us at 800-650-4482, contact us through our website or comment on this post and we’ll get you answers as quickly as possible. Check out our YouTube channel for our full library of how-to/installation videos.
Steele Rubber Products, located in Denver, NC, is a manufacturer and seller of high-quality rubber parts and weatherstripping products for classic and vintage automobiles, hot rods, RVs and Boats. Steele offers more than 12,000 parts for cars and trucks as well as a large line of universal weatherstripping and rubber parts to be used on any project. Established in 1958, Steele is a trusted name in the automotive restoration industry.
