MyE28.com

Hey Guys,

I was asking about a water leak a few weeks back. I had replaced trunk seal, and tail light gaskets, but still had a very wet trunk. I had checked sunroof drains, and they were fine. All it really left was the rear window seal.

Well, I ordered a seal and a front lock strip from Steve Haygood. The front strip works in the rear, and saves a bunch of money. Had my glass guy pop by my shop on Friday night, and we changed it out.

It's been sunny and warm here this week, but I hit it pretty hard with a hose. No water inside the trunk! Hours of rain will be the final test, but so far, I'm pretty happy.

It is worth noting that we cleaned out LOTS of wet, mucky crud from between the seal and the glass. It was pretty clear that it was leaking there. Leaking past the seal, and running through the vents at the rear of the parcel tray.

So, if you're chasing a water leak, please don't rule out the rear window seal.

Al

What did it cost?
Is it a hard job?
Any special tools?
How long did it take you?

I think I have the same leak.

OUTSTANDING news, Al!

Another good thing about changing out the rear windshield gasket is that you have an excuse to get the M5 replacements for the chrome strips!

Cost? About $60 for the seal, and $15 or so for the lock strip.

I have a good friend who is a journeyman auto glass installer. I keep him "on retainer" at my shop, as we do about 2 dozen windows a year, if not more. He comes by, does the glass, has a beer, shoots the shit, and then takes off. Normal retail is about $75CDN for him to re&re a windshield of rear window on down time.

Special tools? We have a lock strip install tool, a good slippery rope, LOTS of foamy glass cleaner, a plastic stick, hook tool, and we also have a nice glass rack for prepping the glass.

Takes about 45 minutes to an hour on the average.

My advice? Leave it to a pro. It's not expensive, but it is very easy to screw it up. A pro will have all the tools, and the experience to do it right.

As for using the M5 lockstrip, I'll pass. I'm not a fan of the Shadowline trim. I have a shiny new chrome strip in there. Looks great.

Al